Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 204 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.9 times the median Regal year — the 1992 model ranks #9 of 46 Regal years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 12 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 69 reports (34% of the total).
204
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
12
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 69 | 34% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 31 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 19 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 18 | 9% | — flat |
| Engine | 11 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 9 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 9 | 4% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 1% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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."
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: DURING ILLUMINATION, THE BULBS WILL SHOW CLEAR RATHER THAN AMBER AND COULD MOMENTARILY CONFUSE OTHER DRIVERS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLEAR BULBS WITH THE CORRECT AMBER BULBS.
Defect
THE REVERSE SERVO APPLY PIN MAY BIND IN THE CASE WHICH COULD CAUSE REVERSE BAND DISTRESS (LOSS OR SLIPPING OF REVERSE), REVERSE BAND DRAG IN DRIVE RANGE (POOR PERFORMANCE -- POOR POWER), OR THE TRANSMISSION TO REMAIN IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL GEAR POSITION.
Consequence
IF THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFTINDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AND RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE WHERE REQUIRED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“OWNER HAS ABS BRAKES. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AND TRYING TO USE BRAKES THEY FAILED, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. MASTER CYLINDER WAS ALSO REPLACED. *AK”
“TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON FRONT SEAT BELT OF BUICK REGAL 92 DUE TO FACTS ONE -MINE BROKE DURING ACCIDENT FACT TWO -THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT DIDN'T LOCK LIKE SUPPOSE TO. *NM”
“VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THEN VEHICLE WAS PLACED FROM PARK TO REVERSE, AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF IN REVERSE. CONSUMER THEN PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF IN DRIVE; FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE, HIT A FENCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE AND THEN SAW THE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, A FIRE STARTED. DEALER FIXED THE PROBLEM. *AK”
“BOTH LOCK ON DOORS DO NOT WORK, ALSO, VEHICLE HAS BRAKE FAILURE.*AK THE AIR CONDITION WAS LEAKING, STARTER WAS REPLACED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED WHILE DRIVING, RIGHT INSIDE DOOR TRIM WAS LOOSE, HEADLIGHTS WERE OUT OF ADJUSTMENT, WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL UP, DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE, AND…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 204 complaints put the 1992 model at #9 of 46 Regal years. It is one of the Regal years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (69 complaints), seat belts (31 complaints), transmission (19 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Buick Regal. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.