1990 Buick Regal problems
Owners have filed 107 complaints about the 1990 Buick Regal with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 53.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 5.6%.
Complaints107
Crashes7
Fires1
Injuries11
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 53.3% · 57
Engine and engine cooling 5.6% · 6
Structure 5.6% · 6
Suspension 5.6% · 6
Wheels 3.7% · 4
Electrical system 3.7% · 4
Fuel system, gasoline 2.8% · 3
Seat belts 2.8% · 3
Severity
Of those complaints, 7 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire, 11 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Buick Regal in this data, 1990 draws comparatively few complaints; 2011 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 125,538 miles.
In owners' own words
Rear brake calipers would lock up when brakes were applied. Had brakes replaced twice due to pads wearing excessively. Mechanic indicated cause of problem was master cylinder. Service brakes, hydraulic
When applying the brakes pedal goes to the floor . Owner has to use the emergency brake to stop. Dealer says nothing wrong with vehicle. Brakes are completely gone again. Service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicle has been experiencing extended stopping distances/fading. The vehicle has been in two collisions due to the brakes not engaging and giving sufficient braking distance. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Buick Regal years
1991 303 complaints · 50.5% service brakes, hydraulic 1992 204 complaints · 33.8% service brakes, hydraulic 1993 118 complaints · 47.5% service brakes, hydraulic 1994 146 complaints · 17.8% service brakes, hydraulic 1995 218 complaints · 23.9% air bags 1996 273 complaints · 17.2% service brakes, hydraulic