1991 Buick Regal Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year report brake problems more than anything else by a wide margin: pedal fade, a hard pedal, ABS warning lights, leaking fluid, and repeated rotor, pad, and caliper work. A second recurring theme is corrosion in the front subframe (engine cradle) mounting points, where the bolts or retainers give way and the steering can separate.

1. 1
   Brakes

   Brake pedal fade, hard pedal and ABS faults

   • 92 complaints (46%)
   • median 67,500 mi at 16.2 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2011

   Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor or turning hard while stopping, with the ABS warning light lit and stopping distances getting longer. Several owners were told the master cylinder or the whole ABS unit needed replacement, and some report brake fluid leaking out. Others describe the rear calipers or slider pins seizing so the rear brakes drag or stop working. Reported across a wide mileage range from roughly 22,000 to over 160,000 miles, with many complaints filed on vehicles over 10 years old.

   What to check: Ask for service records on the ABS unit, master cylinder and rear calipers, and check the brake fluid level and pedal feel on a test drive. A persistent ABS light on these cars often points to an expensive module.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Abs light continues too glow after complete brake service new pads,complete brake fluid flush, dealer barret bros. In lufkin texas says I need too replace ABS unit. I disagree, I think this should be addressed by the manufacturer.”

   NHTSA complaint #735187, filed 2000-10

   “When attempting to make a gradual stop, consumer noticed the brake lights illuminated on the dash, pedal became very hard, and there was no response from the brakes. Consumer, therefore, had to apply great amount of force to the pedal to stop the vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.”

   NHTSA complaint #825789, filed 1998-07
2. 2
   Body and structure

   Engine cradle bolts corrode and subframe drops

   • 21 complaints (11%)
   • median 113,500 mi at 15.7 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1998–2014

   Owners describe a loud bang or clunk from the front end followed by loss of steering, with the engine cradle hanging down or resting on the ground. Inspection reports attribute this to the rear cradle bolts pulling through corroded retainers, which also lets the steering shaft separate. Several owners say the dealer declined or could not complete the recall work, often citing parts availability or the vehicle's value. Mostly reported on older, high-mileage cars, roughly from 80,000 to 170,000 miles, often in states that use road salt.

   Recall 00V189000Recall 97V058000

   What to check: Ask whether recalls 00V189000 and 97V058000 were completed and get proof, then have the cradle bolts and retainers inspected for corrosion from underneath. Note that the recalls applied to cars registered in specific road-salt states, so confirm by VIN.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Was traveling on a curve when in split second loss steering and ended off roadway upside down ,it was after about a year I started getting recall notices that said this same thing would happen ,these recalls started in 2000,and 2001 ,and that's when I started to think that infact the bolts failing caused my accident or contributed to it . …”

   NHTSA complaint #10313401, filed 2010-02, 80,000 miles

   “Consumer was pulling away from a street light and heard a noise, frame to vehicle fell out, and steering wheel was spining. Consumer stats that engine cradle vender, engine frame, fell down to ground, frame bolts still in body but retainers rusted out allowing frame section to fall through, steering column separated from rack and pinion and steering wheel spins freely.”

   NHTSA complaint #8006313, filed 2002-03
3. 3
   Seat belts

   Seat belts and retractors not working

   • 11 complaints (6%)
   • median 53,000 mi at 14.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • filed 1995–2004

   Complaints describe shoulder belts that will not retract, belts stuck in the door-mounted track, and one case where the belt pressed against a passenger's neck. Some owners had the retractor or entire belt assembly replaced. Reported on vehicles of varying mileage and age, often on older cars still in use.

   Recall 92V003000Recall 91V005000

   What to check: Pull each belt out and let it retract on both sides, and check the door-mounted track moves freely. Ask whether the belt guide loop and webbing recalls (91V005000, 92V003000) were performed.

   An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While traveling at 20 MPH vehicle slowed down. Consumer noticed the gas tank was low, and drove into the gas station for gas, and another consumer yelled that vehicle was leaking gas. Consumer noticed gasoline all over the street. Vehicle had to be towed. Gas tank and fuel line were replaced. Also, consumer was concerned, that seat belts cut across the passengers' throat, and needed to be redesigned.”

   NHTSA complaint #10105313, filed 2004-12, 53,000 miles
4. 4
   Exterior lighting

   Cracked alloy wheels

   • 8 complaints (4%)
   • median 103,209 mi at 13.5 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 1995–2006

   Owners describe cracks developing around the lug holes on the aluminum wheels, in one case around most of the wheel, and in another case a wheel failing while driving. Complaints describe the cracks as appearing without an obvious impact. Reported on older, higher-mileage cars, generally above 85,000 miles.

   What to check: Inspect each wheel closely around the lug holes for hairline cracks, and ask whether any wheels have been replaced.

   An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Aluminum alloy wheels are experiencing cracks around the whole wheel; 3 out of 4 were noticed. Wheels are available for inspection if needed. Dealer notified.”

   NHTSA complaint #856863, filed 2000-02

Buying note. Have a shop inspect the brake system and the engine cradle bolts before buying, and confirm which recalls were actually completed by VIN. Rust and brake condition matter more than mileage on a car this old.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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.