1988 Buick Regal Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 14%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the body and structure of the 1988 Buick Regal, 14% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer received recall 97v058000 concerning cradle bolts. While pulling out of a parking lot at 5 MPH vehicle suddenly lost steering control. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the vehicle lost cradle bolt support. Consumer contacted the dealer, who informed consumer that the vehicle was no longer covered under that recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10105182, filed 2004-12, 166,000 miles“While driving 35 MPH, the front cradle frame dropped. The consumer managed to pullover and had the vehicle towed. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #10096939, filed 2004-10, 86,000 miles“The contact owns a 1988 Buick Regal. The vehicle was taken to be inspected and the contact was informed that the rear frame was rotted. She was further informed not to drive the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 49,600.”
NHTSA complaint #10241017, filed 2008-09, 49,600 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“While driving about 25-30 MPH, front cradle bolts gave way, causing the engine to drop and loss of control. The rear cradle bolts were replaced under recall # 97v05800 on july 1, 1997. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The vehicle has not been repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #836561, filed 1999-04Related recalls
- 00V189000Jul 11, 2000Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine…Covers: Buick Regal 1988–1991, Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1991, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 1988–1990 +2 more
- 97V058000Apr 8, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine…Covers: Buick Regal 1988–1991, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1988–1991, Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1991 +5 more
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2016 | 3 | 7% |
| 2015 | 2 | 6% |
| 2013 | 6 | 7% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 9 | 3% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 10 | 5% |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 4 | 5% |
| 1992 | 7 | 5% |
| 1991 | 20 | 10% |
| 1990 | 6 | 8% |
| 1989 | 15 | 14% |
| 1988 | 17 | 14% |
| 1986 | 2 | 17% |
| 1984 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1988 Buick Regal
68 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsElectrical system
5 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 28, 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