1990 Buick Regal Problems
- Complaints
- 77filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 125,538miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 8campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.1L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Buick Regal (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, especially rear brake calipers that corrode or seize and leave the car with little or no stopping ability, along with worn front pads and rotors. A second theme is corrosion-related structural failure at the front cradle bolts, where complaints describe the cradle separating and steering being lost. Most reports come from vehicles that are already well used, and several describe the condition building up gradually before failing.
- Brakes
Rear brake calipers corrode and seize; weak or no braking
- 32 complaints (42%)
- typically at 6.0 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2002
Complaints describe rear disc brake calipers and caliper sleeves corroding and sticking, so the rear brakes stop working and the car takes longer to stop. Owners say the front pads and rotors then wear out quickly because they carry the braking load, and some report the pedal going to the floor. Several mention repeated repairs, replacement of pads, rotors and calipers, and one says a dealer found nothing wrong even though the brakes failed again. Reported on older, high-mileage cars, with several owners describing the problem returning after earlier repairs.
What to check: Have the rear calipers inspected for corrosion and seized sleeves, and ask for service records showing whether the rear brakes, pads and rotors were replaced. Check that the brake pedal feels firm and that the car stops without a long pedal travel.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have an ongoing problem with the brakes on my 1990 Buick Regal. After many repairs and replacements to the front brake system . I discovered that the root cause was the malfunction of the rear brakes. The rear calipers are designed, that when they corrode the braking action is diminished and eventually stops when the calipers are completely frozen. This failure causes subsequent problems : 1. Because the front brakes now carry more breaking load the pad wears out very quickly. 2. …”
NHTSA complaint #700020, filed 1998-10“Vehicle has been experiencing extended stopping distances/fading. The vehicle has been in two collisions due to the brakes not engaging and giving sufficient braking distance.”
NHTSA complaint #522007, filed 1997-09 - Body and structure
Front cradle bolts corrode, cradle separates and steering
Mentioned in 6 of 28 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the cradle bolts rusting or pulling through their retainers so the cradle drops away from the body, which can disconnect the steering linkage and leave the driver without steering control. Owners report sudden loss of steering at low speeds and finding cracks or a broken frame near the cradle bolt locations. Some say the repair was done under recall or that the dealer was not helpful about coverage; one notes steering failed after a cradle bolt recall had been performed. Reported on cars in states where road salt is used heavily, and mostly on vehicles with long service history.
Recall 00V189000Recall 97V058000
What to check: Ask whether the front and rear cradle bolt campaigns (00V189000 and 97V058000) were completed, and have the bolt retainers and frame area inspected for rust, especially on a car from a salt-belt state.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The rear cradle bolts broke and the cradle separated from the body of the vehicle. This caused the steering linkage couplers to separate and fall off, resulting in loss of steering. This occurred because the cradle bolts rusted. This would not have occurred if corrosive restraint parts were used when the rear cradle bolt recall 97v058000 repairs were performed, per the dealership. A recall was issued for the front and rear cradle bolts. The consumer contacted the manufacturer to find out when or if the bolts were ever replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10081463, filed 2004-09, 147,076 miles“After the recall for the cradle bolts was completed, the steering failed. Recall #00 v 189 000. After the recall for the cradle bolts was completed, the steering failed. Recall #00 v 189 000. There was a class action suit on brakes-consumer's brakes failed after the class action suit.”
NHTSA complaint #10015824, filed 2003-04
Buying note. These are old cars, so condition and repair history matter more than the badge. Before buying, confirm the cradle bolt recalls were done, have the brakes and rear calipers inspected on a lift, and check the wheels for cracks around the mounting surface.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 28 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 1990 Buick Regal. 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 125,538 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 11 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes43 56%
- Engine cooling6 7.8%
- Body and structure6 7.8%
- Suspension6 7.8%
- Electrical system4 5.2%
- Wheels4 5.2%
- Fuel system3 3.9%
- Seat belts3 3.9%
- Air bags2 2.6%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Steering (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “While applying brakes at 20 MPH brake pedal went to the floor ,and vehicle continue on before stopping. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8013481, filed 2002-07Engine cooling: “While driving down the road vehicle was sounding like something was rattling and it was jerking. Also, consumer saw a lot of smoke, then vehicle cut off.”
NHTSA complaint #866472, filed 2000-08Body and structure: “Consumers son was in operation of the vehicle when suddenly all steering was lost. The vehicle was towed and it was explained that the frame had separated from the chassis and had dropped, disengaging the steering assembly. The cause was the cradle bolts had pulled through the retainers due to corrosion. Buick sent consumer a recall notice shortly after regarding the same problem. Buick told consumer to send the repair bill to them for reimbursement. Consumer has not heard from them since.”
NHTSA complaint #568433, filed 2002-11Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 104,000 and 147,076 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1990 Buick Regal. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regal · sedan | not rated | 2 / – | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1990 Buick Regal version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regal FWD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 27 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Regal FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 26 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 00V189000Jul 11, 2000Body and structureCovers: Buick Regal 1988–1991, Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1991, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 1988–1990 +2 more
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…
- 97V058000Apr 8, 1997Body and structureCovers: Buick Regal 1988–1991, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1988–1991, Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1991 +5 more
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…
- 95V115000Jun 5, 1995WheelsCovers: Buick Regal 1988–1990, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1988–1990, Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1990 +1 more
Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
- 94V041000Mar 28, 1995WheelsCovers: Buick Regal 1988–1990, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1988–1990, Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1990 +1 more
Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
- 91V005000Oct 2, 1991Seat beltsCovers: Buick Regal 1990–1991, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1990, Chevrolet Lumina 1990 +1 more
Front shoulder safety belt webbing may separate at front belt upper guide loops on either side of the front seat.
- 90V185000Oct 16, 1990Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Buick Regal 1989–1990, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1989–1990, Pontiac Grand Prix 1989–1990 +1 more
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…
See all 8 recalls for the 1990 Buick Regal → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RP01001STRUCTUREClosed · Nov 28, 2001
- EA00011Engine cradle separationClosed · Apr 10, 2000
- RQ99002Engine cradle separationOpen · Mar 4, 1999
- RQ97017Cradle bolt failuresOpen · Oct 2, 1997
- PE94063Corroded rear disk brakesClosed · Aug 12, 1994
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Engine cooling. Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Other model years of the Buick Regal
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 20 | 30,000 | 3 | — | 26 | — | Rising |
| 2018 | 19 | 22,000 | 3 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
| 2017 | 20 | 73,254 | 0 | 5 | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2016 | 41 | 27,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 33 | 29,750 | 0 | 5 | 24 | 6 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 38 | 48,864 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 21 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2013 | 91 | 58,000 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 92 | 59,527 | 7 | 5 | 22 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 280 | 66,900 | 4 | — | 23 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2004 | 66 | 90,963 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 101 | 96,258 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 117 | 85,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 187 | 91,500 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 184 | 95,804 | 8 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 246 | 89,000 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 302 | 92,000 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 136 | 105,771 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 204 | 87,500 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 173 | 89,659 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 110 | 96,472 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 85 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 144 | 109,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 200 | 94,210 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 77 | 125,538 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 106 | 80,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 123 | 86,000 | 10 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 25 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 12 | — | 4 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 9 | — | 8 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 6 | — | 4 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
All Buick Regal model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Buick Regal?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, especially rear brake calipers that corrode or seize and leave the car with little or no stopping ability, along with worn front pads and rotors. The issues reported most often: Rear brake calipers corrode and seize; weak or no braking; Front cradle bolts corrode, cradle separates and steering.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Buick Regal have?
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 1990 Buick Regal as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Buick Regal is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 43 complaints (56% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 6.
Has the 1990 Buick Regal been recalled?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Buick Regal get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Buick Regal (Regal, 3.1L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1990 Buick Regal reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 125,538 miles and the middle half falls between 104,000 and 147,076 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.