Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 118 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median Regal year — the 1993 model ranks #18 of 46 Regal years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 13 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 48% of all reports (56 of 118), far ahead of engine at 10.
118
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
8
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
13
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 56 | 47% | — flat |
| Engine | 10 | 8% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 8 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 8 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 6 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 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 DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINING MECHANISMS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." THE SEAT BACK MECHANISMS WILL NOT LATCH UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Consequence
THE SEATS MAY RECLINE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, RESULTINGIN A HAZARD TO SEAT OCCUPANTS AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
REPLACE THE MANUAL SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM WITH A MECHANISM THAT COMPLIES WITH FMVSS 207.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“POOR ABS BRAKE PERFORMANCE, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK CONSUMER TESTED BRAKES AT HOME AND BRAKES WNET ALMOST TO THE FLOOR, AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE THE BRAKES WOULD COME UP, BUT WOULD BECOME HARD, THEREFORE MAKING A STOP…”
“WHILE DRIVING NEIGHBORHOOD SPEEDS VEHICLE WILL STALL AND CUT OFF ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. DEALER HAS REPLACED INGITION MODULE, BUT THAT HAS NOT REMEDIED PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK”
“A/T:WHILE DRIVING FORWARD, FOOT ON BRAKES, ENGINE STARTED RACING AND MAKING LOUD NOISE; VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD;SHIFTED TO REVERSE; LURCHED BACKWARDS; HIT WALL.”
“CONSUMER'S PARENTS WERE DRIVING ALONG THE FREEWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THEY GOT OUT, VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, AND IT BURNED COMPLETELY, EVEN TIRES EXPLODED. CONSUMER'S PARENTS WERE EMOTIONALLY TRAUMATIZED.*AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 118 complaints put the 1993 model at #18 of 46 Regal years. It is one of the Regal years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (56 complaints), engine (10 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 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.