FaultScore report
Owners have filed 204 complaints about the 1992 Buick Regal with NHTSA between 1995 and 2016. The largest single group is the brakes.
204
Complaints
12
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
9
Injuries reported
1 complaint reports a death.
109,500 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
0%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Median failure at 138,000 miles
1 crashes, 1 fires
Median failure at 46,000 miles
0 crashes, 1 fires
1 crashes, 0 fires
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
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.
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.
CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKES
SUB-FRAME ABSORBER FAILURE
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 runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Steering
On certain vehicles located in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, extreme levels of moisture and salt can result in corrosion at or near the engine cradle mounts resulting in possible failure of the mounts. If failures occur at both rear mounts or both front mounts, movement of the cradle can cause separation of the steering intermediate shaft resulting in loss of steering control. Correction: Dealers will install reinforcement plates on repairable cradles, non repairable cradles will be replaced.
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the transmission may remain in reverse when the shift indicator shows neutral gear position. This could result in unexpected rearward movement and a crash without prior warning. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and tested and transaxle replaced if necessary.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON FRONT SEAT BELT OF BUICK REGAL 92 DUE TO FACTS ONE -MINE BROKE DURING ACCIDENT FACT TWO -THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT DIDN'T LOCK LIKE SUPPOSE TO.
NHTSA complaint #10169907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION DIP-STICK IS TOO LONG AND CAUSES A FALSE READING OF FLUID LEVEL! HENCE, WHEN FLUID IS 1 QT.(+/-) LOW DIP-STICK SHOWS FULL, EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE WILL NOT ENGAGE IN GEAR. MANY OWNERS HAVE TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR REPAIR WHEN ALL IS NEEDED IS ADDITIONAL FLUID. THIS CAUSES UNNESSARY COSTS (EXPENSIVE, ETC.) WHICH MOST SHOPS WILL CHARGE FOR AS HIGH PRICED REPAIR &/OR INSTALLATION OF RE-BUILT TRANSMISSION WORST OF ALL, THE STALLED VEHICLE CAN RESULT IN INJURY &/OR DEATH !!!
NHTSA complaint #10051070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
WHEN GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER PUT THE POWER WINDOWS UP. THE CHILD, AGE 5, IN THE BACK SEAT STUCK HIS HEAD OUT OF THE WINDOW WHILE THE WINDOWS WERE GOING UP AND BECAME STUCK. THE DRIVER GOT THE CHILD OUT OF THE WINDOW AND RESUSCITATED THE CHILD. *AK THE WINDOW WOULD NOT RETRACT OPEN UPON MEETING RESISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED ON TO REMOVE THE CHILD. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10024707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE AND THEN SAW THE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, A FIRE STARTED. DEALER FIXED THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #843321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE MIDDLE PART OF THE STEERING WHEEL BEHIND THE AIRBAG. CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE SMOKE.
NHTSA complaint #835265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE OR VIBRATE VIOLENTLY, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING OVER FOUR TIMES. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #827467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ENGINE
FUEL LEAK FROM THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL SUPPLY LINE HAD A PIN HOLE SPRAYING FUEL ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10883920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1992 BUICK REGAL, EVERYTIME I OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, IT BURNS THE FUSE FOR THE COURTESY LIGHTS, RADIO, CASSETTE PLAYER, ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS. I AM AFRAID IT MIGHT BURN THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10397496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY
MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WON'T ROLL DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10261029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON FRONT SEAT BELT OF BUICK REGAL 92 DUE TO FACTS ONE -MINE BROKE DURING ACCIDENT FACT TWO -THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT DIDN'T LOCK LIKE SUPPOSE TO.
NHTSA complaint #10169907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR REPAIRS BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO REBUILT BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THERE IS A RECALL #91V214000 PERTAINING TO POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT THAT THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS CONTINUOUS FAILURE IN THE DESIGN OF THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM. TWO MECHANICS CONFIRMED THAT THE BRAKE PROBLEM IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE BRAKE FAILURE AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10163667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR REPAIRS BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO REBUILT BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THERE IS A RECALL #91V214000 PERTAINING TO POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT THAT THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS CONTINUOUS FAILURE IN THE DESIGN OF THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM. TWO MECHANICS CONFIRMED THAT THE BRAKE PROBLEM IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE BRAKE FAILURE AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10163667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ON A HOIST FOR A TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT THE SUB FRAME FELL DOWN. THE SUB FRAME WAS NOT WELDED PROPERLY AT THE FACTORY. DEALER HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM, AND CLAIMS THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10075703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
UPON ACCELERATION TRANSMISSION FAILS TO REENGAGE IN FIRST GEAR WHEN VEHICLE DOES NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.
NHTSA complaint #10054545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION DIP-STICK IS TOO LONG AND CAUSES A FALSE READING OF FLUID LEVEL! HENCE, WHEN FLUID IS 1 QT.(+/-) LOW DIP-STICK SHOWS FULL, EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE WILL NOT ENGAGE IN GEAR. MANY OWNERS HAVE TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR REPAIR WHEN ALL IS NEEDED IS ADDITIONAL FLUID. THIS CAUSES UNNESSARY COSTS (EXPENSIVE, ETC.) WHICH MOST SHOPS WILL CHARGE FOR AS HIGH PRICED REPAIR &/OR INSTALLATION OF RE-BUILT TRANSMISSION WORST OF ALL, THE STALLED VEHICLE CAN RESULT IN INJURY &/OR DEATH !!!
NHTSA complaint #10051070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT.
NHTSA complaint #10030054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
WHEN GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER PUT THE POWER WINDOWS UP. THE CHILD, AGE 5, IN THE BACK SEAT STUCK HIS HEAD OUT OF THE WINDOW WHILE THE WINDOWS WERE GOING UP AND BECAME STUCK. THE DRIVER GOT THE CHILD OUT OF THE WINDOW AND RESUSCITATED THE CHILD. *AK THE WINDOW WOULD NOT RETRACT OPEN UPON MEETING RESISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED ON TO REMOVE THE CHILD. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10024707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10015337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
CONSUMER STATES THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTS BACK TO THE SPOOL AFTER IT WAS PULLED OUT TO LOCK IN PLACE. THE SEAT BELT NO LONGER HAS RESISTENT TO SECURE THE OCCUPANT. THE DEALER IS NOT AWARE. PLEASE ADD MORE INFORMATION. MR
NHTSA complaint #8020462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
WHEN VEHICLE STARTS UP THERE IS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #8018547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SHOULDER HARNESS PORTION OF DIVER'S SEAT BELT BECAME LOOSE ENOUGH TO DECREASE RESTRICTION AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY LOOSENED TO RENDER IT VVIRTUALLY USELESS FOR PROTECTION.
NHTSA complaint #566157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER STATES WHILE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP POSITION HEARD A NOISE SHIFTED VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE.
NHTSA complaint #8014701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
ODOMETER DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. DOES NOT HAVE THE CORRECT READING.IT HAS READ 109,200 FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE UNTIL NOW.
NHTSA complaint #8013991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS.
NHTSA complaint #564701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT AND SHOULDER BELT HAS COME UNWOUND, MAKING RESTRAINT IMPOSSIBLE AND HAS INSUFFICIENT PROTECTION.
NHTSA complaint #564098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS.
NHTSA complaint #564701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
DON'T KNOW ACTUAL MILEAGE AND DON'T KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT REPAIR. MECHANIC QUOTED EXORBITANT COST TO REBUILD ODOMETER HEAD PLUS COST OF LABOR TO REMOVE & REPLACE.ALSO HE ADVISED THAT A DEALER TOLD HIM THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE CARS, & REPLACING WITH A USED PART WOULD LIKELY RESULT IN SAME PROBLEM. WHAT DO WE DO?
NHTSA complaint #757990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT AND SHOULDER BELT HAS COME UNWOUND, MAKING RESTRAINT IMPOSSIBLE AND HAS INSUFFICIENT PROTECTION.
NHTSA complaint #564098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #8001959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
CALIPERS WILL NOT COME OFF THE BRAKE PADS. CONSUMER IS NOT ABLE TO CHANGE PADS, AND HAS TO RIDE WITH WARPED BRAKES. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #893495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED AFTER SMOKING OFF AND ON FOR A MONTH. ORIGINALLY TRIED TO GET IT REPLACED BUT WAS TOLD BY DEALER ALL OF THESE PARTS HAD BEEN PULLED FROM CIRCULATION AND WERE BEING EVALUATED. RECENTLY MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING AGAIN, THE FOLLOWING DAY IT STARTED UP AGAIN. IT TOOK ABOUT 5 MONTHS FOR THE PART TO ARRIVE. GMC TOLD ME THE PART HAD BEEN REDESIGNED AND WAS IN THE TESTING FAZE WHEN THE SWITCH ORIGINALLY BURNED OUT. WHAT EVER CAME OF THIS DEFECT?
NHTSA complaint #740586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.