1994 Buick Regal
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
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 | 125 |
| 1989 | 107 |
| 1990 | 77 |
| 1991 | 201 |
| 1992 | 145 |
| 1993 | 86 |
| 1994 | 119 |
| 1995 | 174 |
| 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 | 92 |
| 2013 | 91 |
| 2014 | 38 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 41 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 19 |
| 2020 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: service brakes — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY18% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and horn.
Show complaint excerpts
CAR IS HARD TO SHIFT OUT OF NEUTRAL UNLESS THE PARKING BRAKE IS ENGAGED, THEN DIS-ENGAGED. DT
NHTSA ODI report, 20021105
13% of complaints: visibility — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch/wiring and windshield wiper/washer.
INJURY13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CAR RUNNING POORLY, THEN STRANGE SOUNDS OF AIR SWISHING AND CAR WON'T STAY RUNNING, SMOKE COMING FROM FLOOR, FIRE UNDER CAR. WON'T RUN. FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL CORRODED, INJECTORS PLUGGED, ONE WIDE OPEN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050302
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and brake lights.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE REAR WHEEL BRAKE HOSE(S) CAN CONTACT THE REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS CAUSING THE BRAKE HOSE(S) TO WEAR THROUGH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER BRAKE HOSE POSITION AND REPLACE THOSE HOSES IN AN INCORRECT POSITION WITH NEW HOSES AND CORRECTLY ROUTED.
Campaign 95V061000 — check if this car was fixed
INCORRECT CLEAR FRONT SIDE MARKER BULBS WERE INSTALLED RATHER THAN AMBER BULBS. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLEAR BULBS WITH THE CORRECT AMBER BULBS.
Campaign 95V152000 — check if this car was fixed
SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A STRAINED OR SEPARATED WASHER/WIPER SWITCH POWER FEED WIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE OLD DESIGNED WASHER/WIPER SWITCHES WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
Campaign 97V017000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Buick Regal — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V061000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V152000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V017000 (visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1994 Buick Regal reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Buick Regal is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Buick Regal?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Buick Regal have?
3 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.