VehicleVerdict

1987 Buick Regal problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 1987 Buick Regal — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

28

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

6

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Regal years?

Regal NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted441 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 3 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 4 complaints1984: 6 complaints1985: 10 complaints1986: 14 complaints1987: 28 complaints1988: 181 complaints1989: 150 complaints1990: 107 complaints1991: 303 complaints1992: 204 complaints1993: 118 complaints1994: 146 complaints1995: 218 complaints1996: 273 complaints1997: 174 complaints1998: 376 complaints1999: 301 complaints2000: 245 complaints2001: 229 complaints2002: 150 complaints2003: 139 complaints2004: 94 complaints2005: 8 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 441 complaints2012: 137 complaints2013: 137 complaints2014: 51 complaints2015: 50 complaints2016: 61 complaints2017: 26 complaints2018: 33 complaints2019: 29 complaints2020: 3 complaints
Regal NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Regal years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Buick Regal problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1761%
Seat Belts414%
Engine27%
Steering14%
Suspension14%
Tires & Wheels14%
Other14%
Speed Control14%

Does the 1987 Buick Regal have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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).

89V102000Speed ControlJune 16, 1989 · 1,755,897 units

Defect

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).

Consequence

SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.

87V168000TransmissionOctober 26, 1987 · 11,936 units

Defect

MANUAL VALVE LINK IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED.

Consequence

THE VALVE LINK COULD SEPARATE RESULTING IN A GEARSELECTION DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THE DRIVER SELECTS. ALSO, CAR COULD BE STARTEDWITH TRANSMISSION IN GEAR ALLOWING VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNANTICIPATEDDIRECTION.

Remedy

REPLACE THE MANUAL VALVE DETENT LEVER LINK.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“NOTIFIED 2 RECALLS, SHORE BUICK WHO CHANGED THE PARTS. NEVER NOTIFIED OF 3RD RECALL (MASTER CYLINDER) GM WILL NOT REPAIR DUE TO THE 8 YEAR WINDOW TO RESPOND. I CAN NOT DRIVE CAR IN THIS CONDITION HAZARDOUS TO MYSELF AND ALL OTHER DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS. SCC *NLM [REDACTED]DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 4, 2002

“FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER/LAP BELT LOCKS UP, TRAPPING OCCUPANT INSIDE VEHICLE, RELEASE BUTTON JAMS; DEALER LUBRICATED BUCKLE, REPLACED WITH REAR BELT, STILL HAS PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · February 4, 1997

“ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON AND SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AND/OR WILL HESITATE ON THE FREEWAY. VEHICLE TAKEN TO MECHANIC, ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE, BUT PROBLEM REMAINS UNCORRECTED. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“HUB CAPS DISLODGE FROM WHEELS. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT RESPOND TO MY CORRESPONDENCE FOR ASSISTANCE. I HAVE PHOTOS AND CORRESPONDENCE. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 25, 2006

1987 Buick Regal — common questions

Is the 1987 Buick Regal reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1987 Regal problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (17 complaints), seat belts (4 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 1987 Buick Regal have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Buick Regal. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Buick Regal under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Buick Regal years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Regal years to avoid are 2011, 1998, 1991, 1999, 1996, 2000, 2001, 1995, 1992, 1988, 1997, 1989, 2002, 1994, 2003, 2013, 2012, 1993, 1990, 2004, 2018. The cleanest record among Regal years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.