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 PER YEAR
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.
25 of 29 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASHShow 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, 20200320
2 of 29 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
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, 20070307
1 of 29 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.
1 of 29 total reports mentions: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASHShow 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, 19990825
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 90V031000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 90V164000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 90E043004 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 91V158000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Buick Reatta — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V031000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V164000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90E043004 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V158000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.