VehicleVerdict

1989 Buick Regal problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1989 Buick Regal carries two red flags at once: 150 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.6× the Regal norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION). It is one of the Regal years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 49% of all reports (73 of 150), far ahead of electrical system at 16.

150

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

11

Investigations · 2 open

9

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Regal years?

Regal NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Regal years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Buick Regal problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes7349%
Electrical System1611%
Body & Structure1510%
Engine117%
Lighting53%
Transmission53%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Speed Control43%
Steering43%
Other32%
Fuel System32%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seat Belts21%
Suspension11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 1989 Buick Regal have recalls?

8 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).

00V189000Body & StructureJuly 11, 2000 · 713,435 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.

Consequence

IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE FRONT OF THE CRADLE WOULD NO LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

97V058000Body & StructureApril 8, 1997 · 676,535 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

95V115000Tires & WheelsJune 5, 1995 · 22,361 units

Defect

CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

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.

94V041000Tires & WheelsMarch 28, 1995 · 198,163 units

Defect

CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

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.

90V185000LightingOctober 16, 1990 · 476,422 units

Defect

BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE OR, IN SOME CASES, STOPLAMPS WILL NOT STAY ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH. ALSO IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH CAN RESULT IN RESUMPTION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION UPON RELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.

Consequence

A TRAILING VEHICLE MAY NOT RECOGNIZE A BRAKING ACTIONIN TIME TO RESPOND APPROPRIATELY. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL WILL REENGAGE UPONRELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RESUME THE SET SPEED. IN EITHER CASE, IT COULDRESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH.

90V054000Seat BeltsMarch 14, 1990 · 673,000 units

Defect

FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.

Consequence

SEAT BELT MAY NOT SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, AND IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN A PASSENGER, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF GREATER INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.

Remedy

REPLACE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT NUTS AND INSTALL NEW GUIDE COVER.

88V188000Fuel SystemDecember 6, 1988 · 3,784 units

Defect

FUEL RETURN LINES COULD FRACTURE AND ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK IN THE AREA OF THE FUEL TANK.

Consequence

IN PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THIS CONDITION COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

INSTALL NEW FUEL RETURN PIPE ASSEMBLY.

Open NHTSA investigations

RQ99002

ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION

ON APRIL 1, 1997, GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, REGISTERED IN 14 HIGH CORROSION STATES, TO REPLACE THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WOULD EITHER FRACTURER OR PULL THROUGH THE RETIANERS DUE TO CORROSION.AS OF SEPTEMBER 1998, THE SIXTH QUARTER, 59.3% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAD BEEN REPAIRED.IN ADDITION TO THE COMPLAINTS OF FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES IN THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY, ODI HAS RECEIVED SIX REPORTS OF POSSIBLE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TWO CRASHES.AN RQ IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF FAILURES OF THE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

RQ97017

CRADLE BOLT FAILURES

There is no summary currently available

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“REAR CALIPERS FROZE TWICE, CAUSING BRAKE FLUID TO BOIL DUE TO FRICTION AND MASTER CYLINDER TO FAIL, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/ONE ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SKD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 15, 1994 · crash

“2 OCCURRENCES OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. FIRST REPORTED TO GM DEALER 2/13/92. DEALER STATED DEFECTIVE ECM AND REPLACED ECM. NO PROBLEMS TILL RECENTLY. WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE CAR ACCELERATED WITH FULL RPM. CAR CRASHED INTO ROW OF TRESS, TOTALLED VEHICLE AND INJURING DRIVER. WOULD NOW LIKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 24, 2000 · crash

“THE FRONT CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE MOUNT ALLOWING THE ENGINE TO DROP AND SEPERATE THE STEERING LINKAGE. THIS MEANT TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS HAD BEEN REPLACED ON A RECALL BY THE LOCAL DEALER JUST 7 MONTHS BEFORE WITH NO MENTION OF THE FRONT BOLTS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 27, 1999 · crash

“CAR WILL RANDOMLY STALL ON ME WHILE DRIVING. FREQUENTLY WILL START UP AGAIN. MOSTLY, I HAVE IT TOWED. GARAGE CAN'T FIND ANYTHING. WHEN THERE IT STARTS AGAIN. "IF WE CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM, WE CAN'T FIX IT." ALSO, STOP LIGHTS DON'T WORK. AGAIN A PROBLEM IN REPAIR. THE ENGINE STOPPING ON ME IS A VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 30, 1999

“WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT INDICATION VEHICLE ENGINE DROPPED, AND CONSUMER LOST ALL STEERING AND BRAKE POWER. *AK TRANSMISSION ALSO DROPPED TO THE GROUND CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE POWER, MUFFLER BREAKING AND WATER PUMP LEAK. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

1989 Buick Regal — common questions

Is the 1989 Buick Regal reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 150 complaints put the 1989 model at #12 of 46 Regal years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Regal years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 Regal problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (73 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints), body & structure (15 complaints).

Does the 1989 Buick Regal have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Buick Regal. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Buick Regal under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — 2 investigations remain open (ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

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.