1991 Buick Regal: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 200 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (52% of complaints); the 1990 and 1993 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 200 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1991 buick regal. While attempting to pull into a parking space at 2 mph, the contact heard a loud noise. He inspected the vehicle and noticed that the subframe failed and was hanging from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and it was discovered that the rear cradle bolts pulled through the retainers due to corrosion. The failure caused a separation of the steering shaft. The dealer stated that his VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 97v058000 (structure); therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs, which exceeded $600. The manufacturer was unable to assist. The failure and current mileages were 125,000.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1991 buick regal. While driving 35 mph, the contact noticed that the antilock braking system warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. He also stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard when depressed and noticed brake fluid leaving from the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the master cylinder was defective and was unable to replace the part because it was no longer in stock. The current and failure mileages were approximately 59,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 2 mph on a city street, there was a banging noise followed by a loss of power steering. The contact managed to pull the vehicle over without incident. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who determined the engine slipped out of its mount because the engine cradle bolts had fractured and needed to be replaced. There was a NHTSA recall, # 00v189000, regarding the structure. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving less than 20 mph and making turns a clunking noise was heard coming from the engine. Upon inspection, the independent repair shop determined the bolts and washers from the engine cradle were corroded and needed to be replaced. The mechanic discovered two recalls for the bolts, NHTSA campaign # 97v058000 and # 00v189000. According to the manufacturer's records both recalls were previously performed. The bolts and washers are being replaced. Updated 04/11/06. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2006
“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.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2004
“1991 buick regal suffered roll back while trying to exit parking space on incline lost control. *mr the consumer had no control and the vehicle backed into a fence. There was an intermittent brake problem with it going to the floor and leaking. The emergency brake had an intermittent slip and would have to be depressed twice. *sc *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2004
“While driving the consumer's left rear tire fell off. The tire traveled over the median wall and struck a moving vehicle (ohio traffic crash report). *ph *nm”Owner report · Wheels · Nov 2003
“While driving my 1991 buick regal, the front cradle bolts broke causing the engine to drop and the car to lose all steering ability. *la”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2003
“I have been informed by a few mechanics that my ABS system has to be replaced. Now, I have read several of the same type of complaints dealing with this same system, yet there has not been a recall. What has to happen before the manufacturers step in and take care of this? Are you waiting on a fatality? *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Jul 2003
“The consumer observed something leaking from underneath her vehicle. The dealer was notified but was unable to service the vehicle at that time. *nlm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
THE FUEL FEED HOSE CAN PULL OUT OF THE CRIMPED COUPLING AT THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL FEED HOSE.
FRONT SHOULDER SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY SEPARATE AT FRONT BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FRONT SEAT.
Remedy: INSTALL A CONTROLLED ROTATION BRACKET ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT GUIDE LOOPS.
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.
Remedy: INSTALL REINFORCING PLATES ON THE CRACKED SHOULDER BELT GUIDES.
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."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLEAR BULBS WITH THE CORRECT AMBER BULBS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
How other years compare
Check your exact Regal by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Buick Regal reliable?
NHTSA has 200 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Buick Regal. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (52% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Buick Regal problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 94,210 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Buick Regal have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.