1988 Buick Regal Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 8%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 172,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1988 Buick Regal, 8% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 172,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Would have no rear signal light unless the signal switch is held in a certain way and position. This would also effect the brake lights. Transmission fails to show proper gear while driving. When driving approximately 60 MPH or more, the gear shows it's in reverse instead of the drive position.”
NHTSA complaint #10029671, filed 2003-07“The gauge indicator showed that the vehicle was in park when it was actually in reverse. The driver put vehicle into park, got out with engine running, and the vehicle backed up and pinned driver against the door and the wall of garage.”
NHTSA complaint #817137, filed 1997-10“Shift indicator shows reverse, but show park, shows neutral and indicator needle points to reverse, resulting in a rollaway and hitting the owner, causing injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #523710, filed 1997-10Related recalls
- 88V045000Mar 28, 1988An interference between the transmission shift cable and the bellcrank clip in the steering column can result in disengagement of the transmission cable.Covers: Buick Regal 1988, Pontiac Grand Prix 1988
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | 30% |
| 2018 | 2 | 11% |
| 2017 | 2 | 10% |
| 2016 | 5 | 12% |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% |
| 2014 | 6 | 16% |
| 2013 | 9 | 10% |
| 2012 | 7 | 8% |
| 2011 | 39 | 14% |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 7% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 11 | 6% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 12 | 4% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 6 | 5% |
| 1992 | 19 | 13% |
| 1991 | 7 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
| 1989 | 5 | 5% |
| 1988 | 10 | 8% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1988 Buick Regal
68 complaintsBody and structure
17 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 31, 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