1994 Buick Regal: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 110 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 1997
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Loss of headlights when dimmer switched used to dim bright lights resulting in no lights tripping it several times brought lights back and left them on dim until I could get it serviced at cost of approx 400.00 this was about four years ago. Recently tilt column has been difficult to operate now will not lock in position and lights will not work when column is tilted down. Is this a known problem with my vehicle. I bought it new in 94 and am the only driver. I am afraid the steering column will shift unaffectedly and cause me to wreck or cause the motor to stall and lock steering and cause a wreck. Is there a recall for this? *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 buick regal. The contact stated that the windshield wipers do not work. The washer/wiper switch power feed wire causes the wipers to work intermittently and become inoperative. The failure has occurred in rainy conditions. Buick stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 97v017000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer:switch/wiring). The failure mileage was 47,000. Updated 12/10/08 *cn the dealer showed the consumer the two wires that wer broken on the windshield wiper switch. Updated 12/16/08. *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 buick regal. The contact went to the dealer to have the condition of her vehicle inspected and for a new paint job. Approximately three to four days later, the vehicle shut off at a stop light. She could not roll down the windows or exit the vehicle. The failure was a result of a button being pushed inside the vehicle. The contact was stuck inside the vehicle for half an hour on a hot day. The # of cylinders and engine size were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who upon inspection, determined that the windshield wipers needed to be replaced and there was a recall on that same component. The dealer was contacted, and expressed that they were not aware of any recall for this issue. The manufacturer was also contacted, and determined that the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle had the same issues stated in the recall # 97v017000 regarding visibility:windshield wiper:switch/wiring.”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2006
“Multi function switch for turn signal which feeds brake lights causes brake lights to fail to come on when brake pedal is depressed. In searching web found to be common problem in this vehicle. *jb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2006
“Car running poorly, then strange sounds of air swishing and car won't stay running, smoke coming from floor, fire under car. Won't run. Fuel injection fuel rail corroded, injectors plugged, one wide open. Too much fuel in catalytic converter, got red hot, melted internally and plugged exhaust flow, which bypassed front pipe gasket at manifold, also forcing exhaust past egr valve. Had to replace fuel rail, fuel injectors, catalytic converter, clean and new gasket on egr, many plastic parts melted.smoke damage to inside of car.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2005
“Turn signal unit replaced three times. One time when vehicle was under warranty, and twice at consumer's expense of $270.00 each time. *ak *nm”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2004
“1984 buick regal with 3800l v6. The valve covers are leaking excessive oil on the exhaust manifold which could start fire when driving, when parked, when the engine is hot! The 97 throught 2004 buick regals were recalled for this exact situation. Why was the 94 not recalled? Has it due to age?”Owner report · Engine · May 2004
“While driving, the consumer smelled an odor coming through the vents. The consumer pulled to the shoulder and noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic informed the consumer that certain parts were not under warranty. *ak the vehicle had an electrical problem where the vehicle felt as if it were going to die out. The voltage readings were always low. The vehicle had problems getting out of gear. The consumer was told that the initial problem was with the upper intake manifold. The brakes were bad and the muffler had a big hole in it. Also, coolant leaked from the intake manifold. *sc *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2004
“Driver's seat broke loose from the track causing seat to rock backwards. I was parked at the time. Several weeks later, the right hand track broke due to the added stress. I replaced the entire seat, tracks and all, and a year later, the seat broke again in the exact same place. *jb”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE REAR WHEEL BRAKE HOSE(S) CAN CONTACT THE REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS CAUSING THE BRAKE HOSE(S) TO WEAR THROUGH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER BRAKE HOSE POSITION AND REPLACE THOSE HOSES IN AN INCORRECT POSITION WITH NEW HOSES AND CORRECTLY ROUTED.
SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A STRAINED OR SEPARATED WASHER/WIPER SWITCH POWER FEED WIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE OLD DESIGNED WASHER/WIPER SWITCHES WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
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.
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 1994 Buick Regal reliable?
NHTSA has 110 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Buick Regal. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Buick Regal problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 96,473 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Buick Regal have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components: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.