1990 Buick Reatta
Only 29 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 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 29 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 10 |
| 1990 | 29 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1993 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
25 of 29 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
We have had the car over 10 years and it had a hard pedal when you first start it up then as we use the brakes they work better
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-20
Structure
2 of 29 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Visibility
1 of 29 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Show complaint excerpts
There is a serious design problem with the 1990 Buick Reatta. The car has an automatic heating and air conditioning system.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-03-07
Electrical system
1 of 29 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.
Air bags
1 of 29 total reports mentions: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
While traveling at 30 to 40 MPH a vehicle jump lanes in front of the Reatta. Reatta, in turn, struck another vehicle in the rear that caused about $8000 in damages. Upon impact, the driver's side air bag did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-08-25
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1990-03-01Air bags90V031000 The forward sensor for the air bag may have been incorrectly constructed with part of the wiring harness to the sensor reversed.
Remedy: Replace forward discriminating sensor as necessary.
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1990-10-05Power train90V164000 Transaxle shift control cable may disengage from the from the floor shift control with loss of gear indicator reference and shift selector operation.
Remedy: Install a transaxle shift control cable retaining clip to prevent cable disengagement.
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1990-12-07Air bags90E043004 Threaded inflator components may have been damaged during assembly which may allow components to separate when inflator receives a signal to deploy the air bag.
Remedy: Replace air bag modules containing potentially defective inflators.
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1991-11-27Service brakes, hydraulic91V158000 Brake indicator light may not light when ignition is in the "On" Position, the parking brake is applied, and the shift selector is in the park or neutral gear range.
Remedy: Replace the prom in the body computer module to prevent this condition from occurring.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Buick Reatta — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V031000 · Air bags
- Recall 90V164000 · Power train
- Recall 90E043004 · Air bags
- Recall 91V158000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
FAQ
- Is the 1990 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 1990 Buick Reatta?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 86% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Buick Reatta have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.