Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
120.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
240.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
120.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
120.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 2Jun 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 1987 Buick Regal
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE94048Opened 21 Jun 1994Closed 30 Dec 1994ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SUB-FRAME ABSORBER FAILURE
EA92024Opened 26 Jun 1992Closed 31 Jan 1994VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
STICKING THROTTLE
PE91072Opened 1 May 1991Closed 8 Jul 1991STEERING
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
PE90014Opened 31 Oct 1989Closed 28 Feb 1990EQUIPMENT
C89001Opened 6 Mar 1989Closed 16 Jan 1990VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
Recalls on the 1987 Buick Regal
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 198909278,600 units in Canada
Engine
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL (BRACKET) MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INTERMITTENT INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING. THIS CONDITION COULD ALSO CAUSE THE SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY TO WEAR THROUGH THE BALL AND CATCH ON OTHER COMPONENTS POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A STUCK THROTTLE. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH. CORRECTION: A BUSHING KIT WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Recall 19871142,892 units in Canada
Powertrain
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 200-4R TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY FORMED MANUAL VALVE LINK. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE LINK SEPARATING, RESULTING IN A GEAR SELECTION NOT CORRELATING TO THE SHIFT INDICATOR. ALSO, THE CAR COULD BE STARTED IN GEAR. THUS, WHEN SELECTING A GEAR OR STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT AS POSSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE IN AN UNANTICIPATED DIRECTION. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: MANUAL VALVE LINK WILL BE REPLACED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 86,000 milesBIG Bend, WICrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE QUARTER PANEL. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. HE DID NOT FILE A POLICE REPORT. AFTERWARDS, HE NOTICED THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE DISENGAGED THE SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK UPDATED 12/27/2005 -
NHTSA complaint #10143943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Napperville, ILCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN PASSENGER IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #980472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Napperville, ILCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN PASSENGER IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #980472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 125,000 milesTampa, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES AT TIMES TAKE EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO STOP CAR. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND WILL THEN WORK NORMAL AGAIN. THIS IS A TURBO REGAL EQUIPPED WITH A POWER MASTER BRAKE SYSTEM UNIQUE TO THESE CARS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE CARS AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AS IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO HAVE A BRAKE SYSTEM THAT CAN FAIL WITHOUT ANY WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10595436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesFrederick, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE BRAKES BECAME EXTREMELY RESISTANT AND DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE MASTER BRAKE SYSTEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT HAD THE MASTER BRAKE SYSTEM REPLACED THREE TIMES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10457874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
HI, THERE WAS NO INCIDENT, BUT I DID CALLED GM ABOUT THE FOLLOWING AND THEIR RESPONSES, THERE WAS NO "U.S. POWERMASTER RECALL" ON MY VEHICLE. CAN YOU PLEASE RESEARCH THIS LINK (HTTP://WWW.GNTTYPE.ORG/TECHAREA/BRAKES/USRECALL.HTML) AND SEE IF MY VIN # I ADDED IS INCLUDED IN THE POWERMASTER RECALL? THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10430126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesRichmond, VA
WHEELS
HUB CAPS DISLODGE FROM WHEELS. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT RESPOND TO MY CORRESPONDENCE FOR ASSISTANCE. I HAVE PHOTOS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10152440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesBIG Bend, WICrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE QUARTER PANEL. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. HE DID NOT FILE A POLICE REPORT. AFTERWARDS, HE NOTICED THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE DISENGAGED THE SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK UPDATED 12/27/2005 -
NHTSA complaint #10143943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,800 milesWading River, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
NOTIFIED 2 RECALLS, SHORE BUICK WHO CHANGED THE PARTS. NEVER NOTIFIED OF 3RD RECALL (MASTER CYLINDER) GM WILL NOT REPAIR DUE TO THE 8 YEAR WINDOW TO RESPOND. I CAN NOT DRIVE CAR IN THIS CONDITION HAZARDOUS TO MYSELF AND ALL OTHER DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS. SCC *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*759895
NHTSA complaint #10006522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
VEHICLE RECALL UNDER UNITED STATES POWERMASTER RECALL CAMPAIGNE: POWER MASTER BRAKE SYSTEM/FAULTY PRESSURE SWITCH 86-C-15 GENERAL MOTORS RECALL BUICK CLAIM INFORMATION 1987 REGAL TURBO COUPE HP400001 HP 465289. WE HAVE CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS BUICK DIVISION GAIL REINKE PHONE 866-834-3547 SHE IS ON NOTICE OF THE PROBLEM THE RECALL AND MY SAFETY CONCERNS. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN MY OPINION AT ANY SPEED. BOTH BUICK AND GENERAL MOTORS ARE AWARE OF THE RECALL, HAVE HAD OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND HAVE DENIED UP TO THIS POINT REPAIRING THE RECALL DEFECT. DT
NHTSA complaint #768597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schaumburg, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DUE TO BRAKE PROBLEMS IT IS HARD TO STOP FOR VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #8009871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER STATES THAT THEIR IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE BRAKES, BECAUSE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLYED THEY WILL LOCK UP. THIS WILL HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY. THEIR IS A RECALL BUT THE DEALSHIP IS SAYING HIS VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL DUE VIN#. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8007860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castro Valley, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES ARE HARD TO PUSH. HA STO STAND ON THE PEDAL TO GET IT TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #8001965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH, AND WHEN HE WENT TO APPLY BRAKES THEY DIDN'T WORK AT ALL. IT HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #863343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gaithersburg, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
IN CHECKING YOUR DATA BASE THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 100 FAILURES, BUT NO RECORD OF AN INVESTIGATION. THE POWER MASTER SYSTEM WAS USED ONLY ON LIMITED MODELS SO THE INCIDENCE OF FAILURE IS VERY HIGH. THIS IS A FAILURE THAT LEAVES THE DRIVER WITH LITTLE OR NO BREAKING ABILITY. I AM DISAPOINTED THAT NHTSA HAS REFUSED TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #710267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nutley, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
IN AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, PEDAL DOES NOT MOVE AND MORE STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED. THIS HAPPENS ON ANY TYPE OF ROAD SURFACE AT ANY SPEED. A /MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #843372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON AND SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AND/OR WILL HESITATE ON THE FREEWAY. VEHICLE TAKEN TO MECHANIC, ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE, BUT PROBLEM REMAINS UNCORRECTED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #837996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON AND SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AND/OR WILL HESITATE ON THE FREEWAY. VEHICLE TAKEN TO MECHANIC, ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE, BUT PROBLEM REMAINS UNCORRECTED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #837996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH SEAT BELT BUCKLE. SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #831432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE STALLED IN TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #510945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gaithersbu, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
A FUSE BLOWS UNEXPECTEDLY, WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE HAS NO BREAKING POWER.
NHTSA complaint #521356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naugatuck, CT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER/LAP BELT LOCKS UP, TRAPPING OCCUPANT INSIDE VEHICLE, RELEASE BUTTON JAMS; DEALER LUBRICATED BUCKLE, REPLACED WITH REAR BELT, STILL HAS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #809351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Taylor, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
POWER BRAKES REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #509075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Napperville, ILCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN PASSENGER IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #980472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Napperville, ILCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN PASSENGER IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #980472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fremont, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
TRAILING ARM AND BUSHING IN VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING. TT
NHTSA complaint #978801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
POWER BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER HAS FAILED, EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING. TT
NHTSA complaint #975337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avelanto, CA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
VACUUM ASSIST WHICH CONTROLS BRAKES AND POWER STEERING FAILED, LOSS OF BRAKES AND STEERING. TT
NHTSA complaint #970650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.