1988 Buick Regal Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 155,925miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 1988 Buick Regal, 4% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 155,925 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“- the contact owns a 1988 Buick Regal which she purchased recently. The odometer on the vehicle did not work. The contact claimed that the dealer did not inspect the vehicles before they sold them. They repaired the rear brakes, and the driver's side front brakes, but the brakes were still not operating properly. The vehicle could not pass an inspection, and now the vehicle did not start. The mechanic believed that the failure may be in the fuel filter, fuel pump or something else. The vehicle would turn over, but would not start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10186858, filed 2007-03, 155,925 miles“Front end frame snapped, causing it to be too much weight on engine and transmission. Front cradle bolts broke prior to receiving recall notice 00v189000. However dealer would not fix stating that the frame cradle was broke due to rust (not due to the cradle bolts) and dropped 2 inches causing the steering gear to separate from the steering shaft causing loss of control. Ignition module and coil pack had to be replaced. Fuel injectors replaced twice. Door hinge replaced twice.”
NHTSA complaint #8010345, filed 2002-05“Key in the ignition swtich would not start vehicle. Key would keep on turning. Dealer was not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8005403, filed 2002-03Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 7 | 35% |
| 2018 | 3 | 16% |
| 2017 | 3 | 15% |
| 2016 | 6 | 15% |
| 2015 | 5 | 15% |
| 2014 | 6 | 16% |
| 2013 | 36 | 40% |
| 2012 | 18 | 20% |
| 2011 | 75 | 27% |
| 2004 | 35 | 53% |
| 2003 | 35 | 35% |
| 2002 | 36 | 31% |
| 2001 | 32 | 17% |
| 2000 | 42 | 23% |
| 1999 | 42 | 17% |
| 1998 | 51 | 17% |
| 1997 | 18 | 13% |
| 1996 | 24 | 12% |
| 1995 | 10 | 6% |
| 1994 | 17 | 15% |
| 1993 | 8 | 9% |
| 1992 | 13 | 9% |
| 1991 | 12 | 6% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
| 1989 | 14 | 13% |
| 1988 | 5 | 4% |
| 1985 | 1 | 11% |
| 1984 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1988 Buick Regal
68 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Buick Regal
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology