Buick Reatta Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the Buick Reatta (1988–1990) that have at least 5 complaints. 1990 has the most, with 29. Across all years, the part named most often is brakes (39 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Reatta model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 29 | 99,000 | 3 | 1 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 10 | — | 1 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 10 | 117,000 | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Brakes39 81%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)2 4.2%
- Body and structure2 4.2%
- Tires1 2.1%
- Seat belts1 2.1%
- Exterior lighting1 2.1%
- Engine cooling1 2.1%
- Electrical system1 2.1%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1988: “Abs components are prone to failure. I've recently replaced major components of the ABS system (ebcm computer, rear brake calipers, right rear wheel hub and wheel sensor). The condition caused was ABS stops at every stop and also warped the rear rotors. This brake system, to my knowledge, was only used a short time, now I know why!”
NHTSA complaint #10037413, filed 2003-09, 114,000 miles1990: “There is a serious design problem with the 1990 Buick Reatta. The car has an automatic heating and air conditioning system. This system will not allow you to turn on the defroster to clear the windshield from fogging up when the outside temperature is above 39 degrees fahrenheit if the car is low on freon. I realize that windshields clear up faster if the air is dehumidified by the air conditioning system. The computer of this system will not allow any air to be blown on the windshield if the freon pressure switch detects low freon pressure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10184415, filed 2007-03, 92,000 miles1989: “I have heard from several other Reatta owners that there is a problem with the ABS braking system. The braking system has failed without warning on several reattas, and I am afraid of this happening to my car while it is being driven. Because of the number of people affected, I believe this is worth an investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #724138, filed 2000-06Other Buick models
3,720 complaintsBuick Regal
3,247 complaintsBuick Enclave
2,507 complaintsBuick Lacrosse
2,124 complaintsBuick Century
1,812 complaintsBuick Park Avenue
1,366 complaintsBuick Rendezvous
1,237 complaintsBuick Lucerne
943 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology