1988 Buick Reatta
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 10 |
| 1990 | 29 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1993 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 10 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, HOWEVER BRAKES FAILED AND CONSUMER HIT TRUCK IN FRONT OF HIM, VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AFTER ACCIDENT AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE MAIN BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT WORK, THE ABS PUMP RAN 30 SECONDS AND THEN SHUT OFF,...
NHTSA ODI report, 20001130
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE, WHILE TRAVELING ON A 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY, A TRUCK TOWING A DITCH WITCH ON A TRAILER PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME, AND WHEN I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WAS HARD AS A ROCK, NO STOPPPING POWER AT ALL, I FRANTICALLY TRIED...
NHTSA ODI report, 20001127
THE VEHICLES ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED WHILE BACKING UP. *BF *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20050103
1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, HOWEVER BRAKES FAILED AND CONSUMER HIT TRUCK IN FRONT OF HIM, VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AFTER ACCIDENT AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE MAIN BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT WORK, THE ABS PUMP RAN 30 SECONDS AND THEN SHUT OFF,...
NHTSA ODI report, 20001130
1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, air.
Show complaint excerpts
ABS COMPONENTS ARE PRONE TO FAILURE. I'VE RECENTLY REPLACED MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE ABS SYSTEM (EBCM COMPUTER, REAR BRAKE CALIPERS, RIGHT REAR WHEEL HUB AND WHEEL SENSOR).
NHTSA ODI report, 20030908
1 of 10 total reports mentions: seat belts.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Buick Reatta — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1988 Buick Reatta reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Buick Reatta?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 70% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Buick Reatta have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.