1988 Buick Regal

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

11 recalls · 12 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

1. R
   1988-04-13Exterior lighting88V040000 The stop lamp switch may have a loose electrical contact. The loose contact can overheat and melt the surrounding plastic causing the contact to stick open.

   Remedy: The rotary soplamp switch will be replaced on all involved vehicles.

   Check if this car was fixed →

2. R
   1988-04-15Power train88V045000 An interference between the transmission shift cable and the bellcrank clip in the steering column can result in disengagement of the transmission cable.

   Remedy: A newly designed bellcrank clip will be installed.

   Check if this car was fixed →

3. R
   1988-04-22Latches/locks/linkages88V065000 The secondary hood latch may not properly engage.

   Remedy: Replace secondary latch with a new latch.

   Check if this car was fixed →

4. R
   1988-04-29Suspension88V066000 Lower control arm to ball joint attachment can become loose. Also, certain cars could have tie rod ball stud nuts that were not properly torqued and could loosen.

   Remedy: Replace both lower control arms; also, check tie rod ball stud nut torque.

   Check if this car was fixed →

5. R
   1988-07-26Service brakes, hydraulic88V109000 Twisted components could allow the left front brake hose to contact the fender lining/rail area; over time the brake hose could wear through.

   Remedy: Inspect left front brake hose for proper installation and replace, as necessary.

   Check if this car was fixed →

6. I
   1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
7. I
   1989-07-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-22 Parking brake cable
8. I
   1990-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-10-31 Failure stop lamp switch
9. R
   1990-07-23Seat belts90V054000 Front shoulder belt guide loop attachment fastener may pull through door mounted anchor plate.

   Remedy: Replace front shoulder belt guide loop attachment nuts and install new guide cover.

   Check if this car was fixed →

10. I
    1990-10-31Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Rear wheel bearings fail
11. I
    1991-05-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-07-08 Steering wheel separation
12. I
    1991-10-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-12-05 W-car hinge pin failure
13. I
    1991-12-05Engineering analysisClosed 1992-08-17 W-car hinge pin failure
14. I
    1992-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1994-01-31 Sticking throttle
15. R
    1994-05-05Wheels94V041000 Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the manufacturing codes stamped on each wheel of the vehicle and if a wheel falls within the specified date code range, the dealer will replace that wheel assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

16. I
    1994-06-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-30 Sub-frame absorber failure
17. I
    1994-08-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-21 Corroded rear disk brakes
18. R
    1995-06-14Wheels95V115000 Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the manufacturing date codes stamped on each wheel of the vehicle and if a wheel falls within the specified date code range, the dealer will replace that wheel assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

19. R
    1997-06-11Structure97V058000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, new…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.

    Check if this car was fixed →

20. I
    1997-10-02Recall queryOpen Cradle bolt failures
21. R
    2000-09-28Structure00V189000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front and rear frame/cradle bolts and retainers.

    Check if this car was fixed →

22. I
    2001-11-28RPClosed 2002-06-13 Structure
23. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

    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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Is the 1988 Buick Regal reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Buick Regal is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Buick Regal?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 72% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Buick Regal have?

11 recalls on file for this model year.