1986 Buick Regal
Only 12 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 12 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 |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 12 |
| 1987 | 25 |
| 1988 | 123 |
| 1989 | 106 |
| 1990 | 77 |
| 1991 | 200 |
| 1992 | 144 |
| 1993 | 85 |
| 1994 | 110 |
| 1995 | 173 |
| 1996 | 204 |
| 1997 | 136 |
| 1998 | 302 |
| 1999 | 246 |
| 2000 | 184 |
| 2001 | 187 |
| 2002 | 117 |
| 2003 | 101 |
| 2004 | 66 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 279 |
| 2012 | 91 |
| 2013 | 91 |
| 2014 | 38 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 41 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 12 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE PULLING OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY HIS VEHICLE JUST TOOK OFF, CAUSING HIM TO HIT TWO TREES. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960924
CAR WAS RUN IN PARK PUT CAR IN REVERSE IT ACCELERATED AND HIT FOUR CARS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950104
1 of 12 total reports mentions: wheels.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: structure.
SAFETY TIMELINE
LEFT HANDED DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR PLATE MAY BE UPSIDE DOWN IN LOCK PILLAR SO THAT THE UNTHREADED SLOT OF THE PLATE ALIGNED WITH THE HOLE IN THE LOCK PILLAR. THIS RESULTED IN THE ANCHO
Remedy: INSTALL A BOLT ANCHOR PLATE REINFORCEMENT AND NEW BOLT, AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 86V093000 — check if this car was fixed
SMALL CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE BODY PILLAR AROUND THE DOOR STRIKER BOLT HOLE.
Remedy: INSTALL INNER AND OUTER REINFORCEMENT PLATE ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BODY PILLARS.
Campaign 87V124000 — check if this car was fixed
UNDER EXTENDED HEADLAMP USAGE, CIRCUITRY IN THE HEADLAMP SWITCH PANEL MIGHT EXPERIENCE INCREASED RESISTANCE AND EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP.
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH MODIFIED SWITCH.
Campaign 88V014000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
JAMMED STEERING MECHANISM
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Campaign 89V102000 — check if this car was fixed
PARKING BRAKE CABLE
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE
SUB-FRAME ABSORBER FAILURE
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
1986 Buick Regal — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V093000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V124000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V014000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V102000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 Buick Regal 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 1986 Buick Regal?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Buick Regal have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.