Buick Regal Recalls & Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA lists 99 safety recalls and 3,264 owner complaints across 46 model years of the Buick Regal (1973–2020). The most-complained-about year is 1998.
Pick your Buick Regal model year
- 1973
- 1974
- 1975
- 1976
- 1977
- 1978
- 1979
- 1980
- 1981
- 1982
- 1983
- 1984
- 1985
- 1986
- 1987
- 1988
- 1989
- 1990
- 1991
- 1992
- 1993
- 1994
- 1995
- 1996
- 1997
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Buick Regal | 2 | 2 |
| 2019 Buick Regal | 3 | 19 |
| 2018 Buick Regal | 3 | 19 |
| 2017 Buick Regal | 0 | 20 |
| 2016 Buick Regal | 1 | 41 |
| 2015 Buick Regal | 0 | 33 |
| 2014 Buick Regal | 2 | 38 |
| 2013 Buick Regal | 6 | 91 |
| 2012 Buick Regal | 7 | 92 |
| 2011 Buick Regal | 4 | 280 |
| 2010 Buick Regal | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 Buick Regal | 0 | 1 |
| 2008 Buick Regal | 0 | 1 |
| 2005 Buick Regal | 0 | 4 |
| 2004 Buick Regal | 2 | 66 |
| 2003 Buick Regal | 3 | 101 |
| 2002 Buick Regal | 3 | 117 |
| 2001 Buick Regal | 6 | 187 |
| 2000 Buick Regal | 8 | 184 |
| 1999 Buick Regal | 6 | 246 |
| 1998 Buick Regal | 6 | 302 |
| 1997 Buick Regal | 7 | 136 |
| 1996 Buick Regal | 3 | 204 |
| 1995 Buick Regal | 8 | 173 |
| 1994 Buick Regal | 3 | 110 |
| 1993 Buick Regal | 2 | 85 |
| 1992 Buick Regal | 2 | 144 |
| 1991 Buick Regal | 6 | 200 |
| 1990 Buick Regal | 8 | 77 |
| 1989 Buick Regal | 7 | 106 |
| 1988 Buick Regal | 10 | 123 |
| 1987 Buick Regal | 2 | 25 |
| 1986 Buick Regal | 4 | 12 |
| 1985 Buick Regal | 8 | 9 |
| 1984 Buick Regal | 4 | 6 |
| 1983 Buick Regal | 1 | 4 |
| 1982 Buick Regal | 2 | 1 |
| 1981 Buick Regal | 3 | 0 |
| 1980 Buick Regal | 5 | 0 |
| 1979 Buick Regal | 4 | 3 |
| 1978 Buick Regal | 6 | 1 |
| 1977 Buick Regal | 3 | 0 |
| 1976 Buick Regal | 2 | 0 |
| 1975 Buick Regal | 2 | 0 |
| 1974 Buick Regal | 2 | 0 |
| 1973 Buick Regal | 1 | 0 |
What Buick Regal owners complain about
Across all model years, owners have filed 3,264 complaints with NHTSA. The 1998 model year has the most, with 302.
All Buick Regal recalls (99)
Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Buick Regal, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.
-
Suspension: rear
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2026. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number…
-
Software (service brakes) and vacuum (service brakes)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Light…
Remedy: Dealers will update the EBCM software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022.…
-
Suspension: rear
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or…
-
Suspension: rear
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3,…
Model years: 2013
-
Suspension: rear
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021,…
-
Seats
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crossbar welds on the front seats. If the crossbar is improperly welded, the seat back frame will be replaced, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the…
-
Caliper (service brakes)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at…
-
Seat belts: rear/other
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Buick Regal vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the rear seat belts may have been improperly routed around the bolster bracket on the rear outboard seats, which can cause inadequate restraint of the passengers.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear outboard seat belts, correcting the routing of the seat belts as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 14, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer…
Model years: 2018
-
Power adjust (seats) and electrical system: wiring
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured November 3, 2009, to March 25, 2011, equipped with 8-way power adjustable front seats. The power seat wiring harness may contact the seat frame, causing the wires to chafe.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, and repair any chafed wires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at…
Model years: 2011
-
Ignition (electrical system) and power train: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at…
Model years: 2011
-
Electric power assist system (steering)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at…
Model years: 2016
-
Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (engine and engine cooling) and engine (engine and engine cooling)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the…
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are…
-
Engine (engine and engine cooling)
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23,…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April…
Model years: 2004
-
Power adjust (seats)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014.…
-
Steering
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Improperly torqued fasteners may cause the steering intermediate shaft and the steering gear and/or the lower control arm and the lower ball joint to separate.
Remedy: GM began to notify owners on June 27, 2014, and dealers will inspect the fasteners for correct torque, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick),…
Model years: 2014
-
Automatic transmission (power train)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As…
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors…
Model years: 2014
-
Electrical system
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the…
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
-
Turn signal (exterior lighting)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such,…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number…
-
Exterior lighting
General motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 buick regal vehicles manufactured from february 22, 2011, through february 22, 2012 for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108 lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment. due to a software error, the parking lamps do not…
Remedy: General motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module free of charge. The safety recall began on march 29, 2012. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300.
Model years: 2012
-
Engine and engine cooling
General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The…
-
Engine and engine cooling
GM is recalling 207,542 my 1997-2003 buick regal and pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l supercharged v-6 engine. These vehicles have higher front rocker cover gasket temperatures, creating the potential for earlier degradation of the front rocker cover gasket and eventual oil seepage.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, along with the 1-3-5…
-
Headlights (exterior lighting)
Certain passenger vehicles do not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." some of these vehicles do not meet the overhead sign illumination requirements.
Remedy: Dealers will install new low beam headlamp bulbs in both of the headlamp assemblies. The recall began on september 8, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080. Note: if the bulb needs replacement in the…
Model years: 1999
-
Rack and pinion (steering)
Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact…
-
Seat belts
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with sunvisor located air bag labels, fail to conform to federal motor vehicles safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles have a message area less than 30 cm which does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy: GM will mail a new bilingual air bag label with installation instructions. However, the customer may bring the label to their dealer for installation free of charge. Owner notification began may 4, 2001. Owners who do…
-
Air bags: side/window
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles exhibit a condition in which the driver side impact air bag inflator separates from the air bag module during deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the side impact air bag module.
-
Seat belts
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and MINI vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.
-
Structure
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front and rear frame/cradle bolts and retainers.
-
Air bags: frontal
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Corrosion of the air bag inflator's internal wiring, which can occur over time, could cause the inadvertent deployment of the driver's air bag. This deployment could occur during vehicle start-up, while the vehicle is parked or idling, or while in operation.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inflators on these air bags.
Model years: 1995
-
Filler pipe and cap (fuel system)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The clamp that secures the flexible fuel fill hose to the metal fill tube may be loose and could separate.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel hose fill neck clamp and, if necessary, reposition and tighten the clamp.
Model years: 2000
-
Drum (service brakes)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes. The bolt head(s) on the rear spindle rod can separate.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear spindle bolts.
Model years: 2000
-
Headlights (exterior lighting)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the vertical head lamp adjusting device may not be calibrated properly.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an owner's manual insert containing instructions for optically aiming the headlamps.
-
Linkages (visibility)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The windshield wipers may stop working due to a separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm and install a water deflector. On vehicles receiving a replacement crank arm and…
Model years: 1997
-
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (service brakes)
Some of these vehicles with the key in the "on" position, exhibit a condition in which the antilock brake system (ABS) motor shorts to its case and grounds through a flexible brake fluid pipe.
Remedy: Dealers will install a ground cable from the electronic brake control module (ebcm) to the engine compartment body rail.
Model years: 1999
-
Anchorage (seat belts)
The center rear seat belt anchor plate exhibits stress cracks.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the center rear seat belt system.
Model years: 1995
-
Headlights (exterior lighting)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The owner manuals do not contain the requirement information pertaining to the vehicle headlamp aiming device. This does not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Owners will be mailed an owner manual's insert which contains the appropriate information.
-
Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The right front brake pipe can contact the piower steering assembly causing the brake line to wear through.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for proper clearance between the brake line and power steering assembly. Assemblies found to be out of position will be repositioned and all assemblies secured to maintain proper clearances.…
Model years: 1997
-
Anchorage (seat belts)
The center rear seat belt anchor plate exhibits stress cracks.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the center rear seat belt system.
Model years: 1995
-
Structure
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and MINI vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont and wisconsin. The rear cradle bolts pull through the retainers due to…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.
-
Switch/wiring (visibility)
Some of these vehicles have a strained or separated washer/wiper switch power feed wire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the old designed washer/wiper switches with a newly designed switch.
-
Fuel injection system (fuel system)
A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
Model years: 1996
-
Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)
The left front brake line can contact the transaxle mounting bracket or attachment bolt.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper brake line clearance and reposition those brake lines found to have less than minimal clearance. Additionally, those brake lines found to have an indentation caused by the…
Model years: 1996
-
Exterior lighting
Incorrect clear front side marker bulbs were installed rather than amber bulbs. This does not conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clear bulbs with the correct amber bulbs.
-
Wheels
Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the manufacturing date codes stamped on each wheel of the vehicle and if a wheel falls within the specified date code range, the dealer will replace that wheel assembly.
-
Wheels
Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the manufacturing codes stamped on each wheel of the vehicle and if a wheel falls within the specified date code range, the dealer will replace that wheel assembly.
-
Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)
The rear wheel brake hose(s) can contact the rear suspension components causing the brake hose(s) to wear through.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for proper brake hose position and replace those hoses in an incorrect position with new hoses and correctly routed.
-
Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)
The four (4) steering column support bracket attaching bolts were under torqued during assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will retorque the steering column support bracket attaching bolts to the correct specifications.
Model years: 1995
-
Exterior lighting
The vehicles were assembled with an incorrect front park/turn signal bulb which does not have sufficient candle power. This does not comply with FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the incorrect bulb with the correct bulb.
Model years: 1995
-
Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)
The fuel feed hose can pull out of the crimped coupling at the engine end of the hose assembly, causing fuel leakage.
Remedy: Install a new fuel feed hose.
Model years: 1991
-
Seats
The driver and passenger front seat manual reclining mechanisms do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS 207, "seating systems." the seat back mechanisms will not latch under certain conditions.
Remedy: Replace the manual seat recliner mechanism with a mechanism that complies with FMVSS 207.
Model years: 1993
-
Seat belts
The front door shoulder belt guide loops may be cracked and are not in compliance with FMVSS 208.
Remedy: Install reinforcing plates on the cracked shoulder belt guides.
Model years: 1991
-
Automatic transmission (power train)
The reverse servo apply pin may bind in the case which could cause reverse band distress (loss or slipping of reverse), reverse band drag in drive range (poor performance -- poor power), or the transmission to remain in reverse while the shift indicator shows neutral gear position.
Remedy: Replace the transaxle where required.
Model years: 1992
-
Seat belts
Front shoulder safety belt webbing may separate at front belt upper guide loops on either side of the front seat.
Remedy: Install a controlled rotation bracket on driver and passenger side front seat belt guide loops.
-
Switch (exterior lighting)
Brake stoplamps may not illuminate or, in some cases, stoplamps will not stay illuminated all the time when brakes are applied due to a faulty stoplamp switch. Also in vehicles equipped with cruise control, a faulty stoplamp switch can result in resumption of the cruise control function upon release of the brake pedal.
Remedy: Install an improved design stoplamp switch.
-
Webbing (seat belts)
Owners manuals did not fully explain how front shoulder belt comfort feature works.
Remedy: Insert sticker that provides missing information in owners manuals.
Model years: 1990
-
Seat belts
Front shoulder belt guide loop attachment fastener may pull through door mounted anchor plate.
Remedy: Replace front shoulder belt guide loop attachment nuts and install new guide cover.
-
Vehicle speed control
A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).
Remedy: Install a new bushing in cruise control servo bail.
-
Filler pipe and cap (fuel system)
Fuel return lines could fracture and allow fuel to leak in the area of the fuel tank.
Remedy: Install new fuel return pipe assembly.
Model years: 1989
-
Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)
Twisted components could allow the left front brake hose to contact the fender lining/rail area; over time the brake hose could wear through.
Remedy: Inspect left front brake hose for proper installation and replace, as necessary.
Model years: 1988
-
Latch (latches/locks/linkages)
The secondary hood latch may not properly engage.
Remedy: Replace secondary latch with a new latch.
Model years: 1988
-
Suspension: lower ball joint
Lower control arm to ball joint attachment can become loose. Also, certain cars could have tie rod ball stud nuts that were not properly torqued and could loosen.
Remedy: Replace both lower control arms; also, check tie rod ball stud nut torque.
Model years: 1988
-
Column shift assembly (power train)
An interference between the transmission shift cable and the bellcrank clip in the steering column can result in disengagement of the transmission cable.
Remedy: A newly designed bellcrank clip will be installed.
Model years: 1988
-
Switch (exterior lighting)
The stop lamp switch may have a loose electrical contact. The loose contact can overheat and melt the surrounding plastic causing the contact to stick open.
Remedy: The rotary soplamp switch will be replaced on all involved vehicles.
Model years: 1988
-
Switch (exterior lighting)
Under extended headlamp usage, circuitry in the headlamp switch panel might experience increased resistance and excessive heat buildup.
Remedy: Replace headlight switch with modified switch.
-
Column shift (power train)
Manual valve link in the transmission may have been improperly formed.
Remedy: Replace the manual valve detent lever link.
Model years: 1987
-
Structure
Small cracks may develop in the body pillar around the door striker bolt hole.
Remedy: Install inner and outer reinforcement plate on both left and right body pillars.
-
Anchorage (seat belts)
Left handed driver's side shoulder belt anchor plate may be upside down in lock pillar so that the unthreaded slot of the plate aligned with the hole in the lock pillar. This resulted in the anchor bolt being driven into the slot instead of the threaded hole of the anchor plate. Consequence of defect: in a vehicle crash, belt anchor…
Remedy: Install a bolt anchor plate reinforcement and new bolt, as necessary.
Model years: 1986
-
Springs (vehicle speed control)
The throttle return spring assembly may fail preventing the throttle from returning to the closed (idle) position when the accelerator pedal is released. Consequence of defect: engine speed may not decrease and loss of accelerator control could result in an accident without prior warning.
Remedy: Replace throttle return spring.
Model years: 1985
-
Labels (equipment)
The certification label located on the left front door did not include a required federal certification statement. Consequence of defect: vehicles do not comply with federal regulation 567.
Remedy: Labels containing correct information are being mailed and should be installed on the left front door.
Model years: 1985
-
Wheel cylinders (service brakes)
Excessive enlargement of the wheel cylinder pilot hole in the rear brake backing plate could allow the wheel cylinder to rotate and cause loss of brake fluid. Consequence of defect: a loss of brake fluid leads to loss of rear brake action, creating the potential for an accident. Front brakes would remain operational.
Remedy: Add a part to prevent wheel cylinder from rotating.
-
Bumpers (structure)
The rear bumper may fracture during a rear end collision, puncture the fuel tank, and cause a fuel leak. Consequence of defect: a fuel leak creates the potential for a fire which could result in burn injuries to persons in or near the car.
Remedy: Replace the rear bumper brackets and the "l" shaped reinforcement with a "u" shaped full reinforcement.
-
Windshield (visibility)
A loss of bonding adhesion between the paint and the windshield opening area could allow the windshield to separate during a 30 mile per hour frontal barrier test required by FMVSS 212, windshield retention. Consequence of defect: windshield separation during an accident could result in an unbelted occupant being ejected from the car…
Remedy: Remove and reinstall windshield if a lack of paint bonding is evident.
Model years: 1985
-
Gear box (other than rack and pinion) (steering)
One of the three steering gear to frame bolts may not have been tightened to the required specification. Consequence of defect: the steering gear could come loose from the frame causing a loss of steering control and a possible vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy: Tighten the steering gear to frame bolts.
Model years: 1984
-
Retractor (seat belts)
The vehicles were assembled with front seat belt retractors which may not perform adequately during a collision.
Remedy: The dealer will replace the left and right front seat belt retractors free of charge.
Model years: 1985
-
Axle shaft (power train)
Rear axle assembly may have axles that were improperly manufactured. This condition may result in separation of the axle shaft and wheel assembly from the vehicle.
Remedy: The dealer will inspect the rear axle to determine whether it was manufactured at the buffalo plant. If so, they will make axle measurements and if necessary replace or modify affected axle components without charge.
-
Tie rod assembly (steering)
The tie rods are part of the steering linkage and transmit turning movements to the wheels. The bolts that fasten the tie rods to their adjusters may not be tight enough. This could allow the tie rod to loosen and detach itself from the adjuster.
Remedy: The tie rod end bolts will be tightened without cost to the owner.
Model years: 1985
-
Recliner (seats)
Some vehicles have bucket seat back locks that do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard 207, anchorage of seats. In event of a crash, the seat back lock may not function.
Remedy: Inspection of seat back locks will be performed. Locks that have bent, broken or missing hooks will be replaced.
Model years: 1984
-
Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)
The master cylinder rear brake pipe, which carries brake fluid to the rear brakes, may develop a leak due to extended chafing on the air cleaner resonator bracket.
Remedy: If upon inspection the dealer finds that there is inadequate clearance, the pipe will be reformed to obtain the necessary three quarter inch space. Only those pipes showing signs of wear will be replaced.
Model years: 1983
-
Fuel rail (fuel system)
The fuel inlet pipe may develop cracks at the flared end leading into the carburetor due to vibrations in operation. These cracks could result in fuel leakage.
Remedy: Dealer will install a new fuel inlet pipe on the involved vehicles, free of charge.
Model years: 1982
-
Fuel injection system (fuel system)
Under certain vehicle operating conditions, the governor weight retainer in the injection pump may fail. The throttle valve could stick, preventing return to idle and shut down of the engine by the driver.
Remedy: Dealer will replace the governor weight assembly in the injection pump at no cost to owner.
Model years: 1982
-
Hubcap/cover (wheels)
"tx" heavy duty wheels may have been manufactured with laminated steel. The wheel disc may fracture and the wheel and tire could partially or completely separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: The defective wheels will be replaced without charge.
Model years: 1981
-
Suspension: rear
The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.
Remedy: Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.
-
Wheels
The steel used in some compact spare wheels is too thin. While in service the wheel may fracture, resulting in a partial or complete separation of the wheel and tire from the vehicle.
Remedy: Spare wheels will be replaced without charge to owners within 60 days of recall notification.
Model years: 1981
-
Turn signal (exterior lighting)
The involved vehicles may have been assembled with clear lamp bulbs instead of the correct amber bulbs in front park and turn signal locations. As a result, these vehicles do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment".
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace clear park and turn signal lamp bulbs with amber bulbs at no cost to owner.
Model years: 1980
-
Floor shift (power train)
The shift cable retaining clip may have been installed backwards or not at all. The purpose of this spring clip is to secure the lower end of the shift cable housing to the transmission. If the clip is backward or missing, the console shift lever may not shift the transmission and/or the transmission range indicator may indicate that…
Remedy: The dealer will inspect and if necessary correct the shift cable retaining clip installation at no charge.
Model years: 1979
-
Suspension: rear
The bolts that attached the rear suspension control arms to the frame and axle may be defective and the bolt head may separate from the bolt shank. This could allow the control arm to come loose.
Remedy: The dealer will replace all suspect rear suspension control arm bolts prior to delivery. This will be done free of charge.
Model years: 1980
-
Wheel bearing (suspension)
Under certain driving conditions, these vehicles can experience temperatures in the front wheel outer bearing area which can affect the wheel bearing grease. This can result in inadequate lubrication of the bearing. This condition may be further aggravated by improper adjustment of the front wheel spindle nut.
Remedy: The dealer will install new front wheel outer bearings packed with grease and the spindle will be coated with lubricant. New grease retainer caps will also be installed to maintain grease in outer bearing. This will be…
Model years: 1978
-
Switch (exterior lighting)
On the involved vehicles the brake stoplight and cruise control switch which is operated by the brake pedal may have been assembled with an incorrect lubricant on the actuating plunger. This can cause the rear brake stoplights to become inoperative and the cruise control, if activated, to stay electrically engaged.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake stoplight and cruise control switch at no cost to owner.
Model years: 1979
-
Axle shaft (power train)
The rear axle shafts may contain a flaw in the metal. This flaw could allow the shaft to break and the tire and wheel assembly to separate.
Remedy: The dealer will replace one or both rear axle shafts, if necessary, free of charge.
Model years: 1977
-
Fan (engine and engine cooling)
The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments would be free to fly from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealer will replace the fan blade assembly without charge to owner.
Model years: 1978
-
Labels (equipment)
The involved vehicles do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims", in that the tire placard does not contain legible tire size information.
Remedy: Dealer will provide proper labels for the owner to install, or for dealer installation, if preferred.
Model years: 1978
-
Electrical system: front underhood
Model years: 1977
-
Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)
Model years: 1977
-
Gear position indication (prndl) (power train)
Model years: 1976
-
Differential proportional valve (service brakes)
Model years: 1976
-
Axle shaft (power train)
Model years: 1975
-
Vehicle speed control
Model years: 1975
-
Vacuum (service brakes)
Model years: 1973
-
Retractor (seat belts)
Model years: 1974
-
Suspension: upper arm
Model years: 1974
Other Buick models
- Lesabre3,728 complaints
- Enclave2,501 complaints
- Lacrosse2,122 complaints
- Century1,817 complaints
- Park Avenue1,368 complaints
- Rendezvous1,241 complaints
- Lucerne943 complaints
- Encore601 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.