Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 146 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median Regal year — the 1994 model ranks #14 of 46 Regal years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (27), electrical system (22), and engine (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
146
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 27 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 22 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 15 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 15 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 11 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 9 | 6% | — flat |
| Other | 7 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 7 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 7 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A STRAINED OR SEPARATED WASHER/WIPER SWITCH POWER FEED WIRE.
Consequence
THIS CAN CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER/WIPER TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR IN A SEVERE WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE OLD DESIGNED WASHER/WIPER SWITCHES WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
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 REAR WHEEL BRAKE HOSE(S) CAN CONTACT THE REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS CAUSING THE BRAKE HOSE(S) TO WEAR THROUGH.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND EVENTUAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER BRAKE HOSE POSITION AND REPLACE THOSE HOSES IN AN INCORRECT POSITION WITH NEW HOSES AND CORRECTLY ROUTED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING 25MPH APPLIED BRAKES AND WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP. STRUCK VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, AND SEAT BELT DIDN'T RETRACT AS QUICKLY AS NEEDED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO HIT HEAD AND LEFT HAND ON WINDSHIELD, SUSTAINING INJURIES. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND DEALER. *AK”
“CAR WONT START, THEN AFTER A TIME IT WILL START. IT HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE ON THIS MATTER NUMEROUS TIMES. THEY REMOVED MY ALARM SYSTEM THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM, IT DIDN'T WORK. THEY SAY THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM, BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO THEM TODAY, IT DIDN'T START FOR THEM EITHER. IT'S NOT…”
“RECALL STATES THAT DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE WASHER WIPER SWITCH WITH A NEW SWITCH, DEALER ONLY INSPECTED THE OLD SWITCH. TOLD CONSUMER IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO PUT IN A NEW SWITCH. THEREFORE, LEFT WITH OLD SWITCH STILL INSTALLED. MONTHS LATER, SWITCH BECAME INOPERATIVE. *AK”
“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. TOO MUCH FUEL IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER, GOT RED HOT, MELTED INTERNALLY AND PLUGGED EXHAUST FLOW,…”
“WIRING SHORTAGE WITHIN MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH (TURN SIGNAL) CAUSED BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO LUMINATE. LIGHTS WOULD COME ON ONLY WHILE HOLDING TURN SIGNAL HANDLE BACK AND DEPRESSING BRAKE . PEDAL. DEALER REFUSSED TO REPLACE SWITCH WITHOUT CHARGE, SWITCH IS ON RECALL 97V-017 (STRAINED OR SEPARATED WIRE FOR…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 146 complaints put the 1994 model at #14 of 46 Regal years. It is one of the Regal years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (27 complaints), electrical system (22 complaints), engine (15 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Buick Regal. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.