91 of the
181 complaints about the 1988 Buick Regal are about the
braking system — 50% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
155,925 miles.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A GUARDRAIL AND WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE THOUGHT THE VEHICLE HAD ANTILOCK BRAKES, BUT REALIZED IT DID NOT AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE A PERMANENT LABEL TO INDICATE THAT THE VEHICLE HAS ANTILOCK BRAKES SINCE IT IS AN OPTIONAL FEATURE. SHE FURTHER STATED THAT IT COULD CAUSE NUMEROUS FATAL CRASHES BECAUSE THE BRAKES HAVE TO BE APPLIED A CERTAIN WAY DEPENDING ON THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT SHE HAD ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10255953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,925 milesWilliamsport, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BUICK REGAL WHICH SHE PURCHASED RECENTLY. THE ODOMETER ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT CLAIMED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLES BEFORE THEY SOLD THEM. THEY REPAIRED THE REAR BRAKES, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BRAKES, BUT THE BRAKES WERE STILL NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT PASS AN INSPECTION, AND NOW THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE MECHANIC BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE IN THE FUEL FILTER, FUEL PUMP OR SOMETHING ELSE. THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER, BUT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE TRIED TO TURN ON THE IGNITION SHE COULD SMELL GAS FUMES. THE WIRING WAS CUT BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND THE POWER LOCKS DID NOT WORK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO GIVE THE CONTACT THE RECEIPT FOR PARTS PURCHASED TO REPAIR THE BRAKES, AND REFUSED TO MAKE ANY FURTHER REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 155,925 .
NHTSA complaint #10186858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,925 milesWilliamsport, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BUICK REGAL WHICH SHE PURCHASED RECENTLY. THE ODOMETER ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT CLAIMED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLES BEFORE THEY SOLD THEM. THEY REPAIRED THE REAR BRAKES, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BRAKES, BUT THE BRAKES WERE STILL NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT PASS AN INSPECTION, AND NOW THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE MECHANIC BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE IN THE FUEL FILTER, FUEL PUMP OR SOMETHING ELSE. THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER, BUT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE TRIED TO TURN ON THE IGNITION SHE COULD SMELL GAS FUMES. THE WIRING WAS CUT BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND THE POWER LOCKS DID NOT WORK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO GIVE THE CONTACT THE RECEIPT FOR PARTS PURCHASED TO REPAIR THE BRAKES, AND REFUSED TO MAKE ANY FURTHER REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 155,925 .
NHTSA complaint #10186858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, DC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
LTR ON BEHALF OF ELLE KELLY (NJ) CONCERNED THAT SOME 1988-1993 CHEVROLET LUMINA, BUICK REGAL PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS VEHICLES WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKES WERE STILL ON THE ROAD. *MR *SCC *JB
NHTSA complaint #10031317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pulaski, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER, CAUSING PREMATURE WEARING, AND BRAKES TO LOCK. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #897008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Youngstown, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
WHILE DRIVING COULD HERE A GRINDING NOISE, AND SMOKE COMING OUT BACK NEAR CALIPER.
NHTSA complaint #883621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST Joseph, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
BRAKE CALIPERS KEEP FAILING PREMATURLEY , CALIPIERS WILL ONLY LAST 1 YEAR. DO NOT LAST THROUGH WINTER, POSSIBLE DUE TO POOR QUALITY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #872138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon H, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
REAR CALIPERS FAILED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. YH
NHTSA complaint #552033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon H, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS FAILED. YH
NHTSA complaint #552033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon H, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS FAILED. YH
NHTSA complaint #552033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon H, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
REAR BRAKES FAILED. YH
NHTSA complaint #552033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Browns MIL, NJ
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL
BRAKE RELEASE CABLE AND HANDLE ARE WEAK. YH
NHTSA complaint #549037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lockport, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES CAR STOPS ON THE FRONT 2 WHEELS ONLY. THE REAR WHEELS KEEP GOING. DEALER REBUILT REAR CALIPERS TWICE, BUT PROBLEM KEEPS REOCCURRING. ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT PARTS KEEP FAILING, MECHANIC SAID IT IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA complaint #845898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lockport, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES CAR STOPS ON THE FRONT 2 WHEELS ONLY. THE REAR WHEELS KEEP GOING. DEALER REBUILT REAR CALIPERS TWICE, BUT PROBLEM KEEPS REOCCURRING. ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT PARTS KEEP FAILING, MECHANIC SAID IT IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA complaint #845898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Streator, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH REAR BRAKES. CALIPER ASSEMBLY FREEZES UP, WHICH CAUSES THE ROTORS TO RUST. THE DEFECTS ARE DESCRIBED IN INVESTIGATION NUMBERS 1555EA94041 AND 2823PE94063.
NHTSA complaint #830316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reseda, CA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
BRAKES CONTINUED TO FAIL RESULTING IN VEHICLE COLLISION, DUE TO FAILURE OF THE VACCUM INTAKE MANIFOLD TO THE COMPRESSOR.
NHTSA complaint #524881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reseda, CA1 injured1 killed
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
POWER BOOSTER FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY AND DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #524797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sherwood, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
UNDER NORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, THE BRAKES RESISTED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO KEEP ON GOING. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #817826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES CONSTANTLY GO OUT AND DO NOT STOP THE CAR. THE OWNER HAS REPLACED THEM EVERY 15 MONTHS. HE HAS TO CHANGE THE CALIPERS AND ROTORS ALSO.
NHTSA complaint #813065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES CONSTANTLY GO OUT AND DO NOT STOP THE CAR. THE OWNER HAS REPLACED THEM EVERY 15 MONTHS. HE HAS TO CHANGE THE CALIPERS AND ROTORS ALSO.
NHTSA complaint #813065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #510294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melrose, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PADS, CAUSING VIBRATION; ALSO, FRONT BRKES WARPED CAUSED BY OVERHEATING AND CALIPERS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #510697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melrose, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PADS, CAUSING VIBRATION; ALSO, FRONT BRKES WARPED CAUSED BY OVERHEATING AND CALIPERS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #510697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melrose, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PADS, CAUSING VIBRATION; ALSO, FRONT BRKES WARPED CAUSED BY OVERHEATING AND CALIPERS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #510697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Heights, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
REAR BRAKES RUSTED/STICK.
NHTSA complaint #505117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Heights, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
BRAKE PADS/CALIPERS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #505117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Heights, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKE PADS/CALIPERS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #505117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Heights, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
ROTORS RESURFACED.
NHTSA complaint #505117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livonia, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
REAR BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR TO FRONT BRAKES. *DSH
NHTSA complaint #504093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grandview, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
ROTORS WARPED/RUSTED.
NHTSA complaint #503073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.