1993 Buick Regal Problems
- Complaints
- 85filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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 / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1993 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: the pedal travelling toward the floor, longer stopping distances, and repeated replacement of calipers, rotors and pads. A smaller set of complaints covers stalling and no-start conditions, engine and cooling concerns, seat mechanisms, and electrical faults such as door locks and interior lights. Many of these reports were filed years after purchase, so mileage at the time of the complaint varies widely.
- Brakes
Brake pedal to the floor / long stopping distance
- 25 complaints (29%)
- typically at 4.4 yrs old
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2006
Owners describe pressing the brake pedal and having it travel nearly to the floorboard, especially when braking on wet pavement, with noticeably longer stopping distances. Several say calipers, rotors and pads were replaced repeatedly, sometimes multiple times in a couple of years, and that the same behavior returned afterward. Some report that the dealer found nothing wrong or could not determine a cause, while others say the calipers were replaced and then seized or locked up again. A number of owners mention having to use the parking brake to bring the car to a stop. Reported across a wide range of mileages, often after several years of use and on wet as well as dry pavement.
What to check: Drive the car and brake firmly from moderate speed on a quiet road, and check the pedal for travel or a spongy feel. Ask for service records showing when calipers, rotors and pads were last replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased the used 1993 Buick Regal in 6/96. Had the brakes replaced 5 times (3 times it was the calipers and rotors in addition); full failure of vehicle because of grinding vibration noise in rear happened 3 times in last 2 years; front brakes are ready to be replaced again according to mechanic that recently put new tires on vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #719025, filed 2000-02“Ea94-041; when driving andupon depressing brake pedal to make a normal stop, consumer noticed a loud noise coming from rear of the vehicle. Also, vehicle was very difficult to stop. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer has replaced brake calipers on three different occasions. Dealer unable to determine the cause of the problem. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #872656, filed 2000-10 - Electrical system
Door locks and interior lights acting on their own
- 11 complaints (13%)
- median 41,000 mi at 20.6 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2016
Owners report power door locks that lock or unlock by themselves while parked, interior dome lights and power trunk release cycling unexpectedly, and door locks that stay locked so occupants cannot get out. One complaint describes being unable to exit after the battery went dead and the manual override would not move; another describes backlighting on the radio and climate controls going dark over time. Reported from low mileage (around 41,000 miles in one case) up through older, higher-use vehicles.
What to check: With the engine off, watch whether the locks, dome light or trunk release operate on their own, and test the manual door lock override on each door.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Lighted buttons that control HVAC unit and radio have gone out. I took to my dealer in 1998 after 1 year of watching more lights go out and I was told that I would have to replace the entire unit if I wanted the lights back. This is a dangerous situation in night driving when trying to make changes”
NHTSA complaint #713695, filed 1999-10“The battery was dead causing the vehicle not to start. All the doors locked and the manual override froze so that the driver could not exit the vehicle. After a length of time, the driver was able to unlock the doors with the door controls in the vehicle. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10039914, filed 2003-09
Buying note. Brake behavior is the most frequently reported concern for this model year, so a careful test drive and service history matter more than cosmetics. Ask for records covering brakes, ignition and cooling work, and confirm whether the seat recliner recall was completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 43 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 85 consumer complaints for the 1993 Buick Regal. 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 13 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 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.
- Brakes40 47%
- Electrical system8 9.4%
- Engine cooling7 8.2%
- Seat belts7 8.2%
- Vehicle speed control7 8.2%
- Fuel system4 4.7%
- Body and structure4 4.7%
- Exterior lighting3 3.5%
- Seats2 2.4%
Also reported: Steering (2), Suspension (2), Tires (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Other or unknown (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “When driving on wet or dry pavement and upon attempting to make a normal stop by depressing brake pedal, pedal traveled to the floorboard causing extended stopping distance. Also, noticed a noise coming from the brakes. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has replaced the calipers. Brake problems returned after repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #863486, filed 2000-06Electrical system: “The contact owns a 1993 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the door locks failed and remained locked when attempting to operate them. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000. Updated 06/29/16 updated 08/03/16. Updated 11/23/16.”
NHTSA complaint #10864670, filed 2016-05, 41,000 milesEngine cooling: “The metal frame mounts that hold engine up in the vehicle deteriorated, causing the engine to drop to the ground while backing out of a driveway. Cause unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10024904, filed 2003-06, 75,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
33% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 41,000 and 195,000 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 1993 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 1993 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 | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Regal FWD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 27 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Regal FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
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
- 95V152000Aug 8, 1995Exterior lightingCovers: Buick Regal 1991–1995
Incorrect clear front side marker bulbs were installed rather than amber bulbs. This does not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- 93V035000Mar 9, 1993SeatsCovers: Buick Regal 1993, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1993, Pontiac Grand Prix 1993 +1 more
The driver and passenger front seat manual reclining mechanisms do not comply with the requirements of fmvss 207, "seating systems." the seat back mechanisms will not latch under certain conditions.
Recall details for the 1993 Buick Regal → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- 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 1993 Buick Regal?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems: the pedal travelling toward the floor, longer stopping distances, and repeated replacement of calipers, rotors and pads. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal to the floor / long stopping distance; Door locks and interior lights acting on their own.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Buick Regal have?
NHTSA recorded 85 consumer complaints for the 1993 Buick Regal as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Buick Regal is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 40 complaints (47% of the total), followed by electrical system with 8.
Has the 1993 Buick Regal been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Buick Regal get?
The EPA rates the 1993 Buick Regal (Regal, 3.1L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 25 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 1993 Buick Regal reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,000 miles and the middle half falls between 41,000 and 195,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. 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.