Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 218 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.3 times the median Regal year — the 1995 model ranks #8 of 46 Regal years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (52), brakes (49), and engine (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
218
NHTSA complaints
8
Recalls
1
Investigations
19
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
16
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 52 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 49 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 20 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 14 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 14 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 13 | 6% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 12 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 10 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 6 | 3% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 5 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CORROSION OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR'S INTERNAL WIRING, WHICH CAN OCCUR OVER TIME, COULD CAUSE THE INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG. THIS DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR DURING VEHICLE START-UP, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OR IDLING, OR WHILE IN OPERATION.
Consequence
IF THE CONSUMER IS TOO CLOSE TO AN INFLATING AIR BAG, SERIOUS INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INFLATORS ON THESE AIR BAGS.
Defect
THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATE EXHIBITS STRESS CRACKS.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM CAN FRACTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT SYSTEM.
Defect
THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATE EXHIBITS STRESS CRACKS.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM CAN FRACTURE AND INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT CAN OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT SYSTEM.
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.
Defect
THE FOUR (4) STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT BRACKET ATTACHING BOLTS WERE UNDER TORQUED DURING ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
INADEQUATE TORQUE CAN CAUSE THESE BOLTS TO VIBRATE, LOOSEN, OR FALL OUT RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL RETORQUE THE STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT BRACKET ATTACHING BOLTS TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.
Defect
THE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT FRONT PARK/TURN SIGNAL BULB WHICH DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT CANDLE POWER. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OPERATORS COULD FAIL TO NOTICE AND HEED THE WARNING LABELS. REDUCES CANDLE POWER ON THE PARK/TURN LIGHTS DECREASES THE LIKLIHOOD OF VEHICLE OPERATOR'S INTENT BEING SEEN BY OTHER MOTORISTS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECT BULB WITH THE CORRECT BULB.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ENDED UP IN A DITCH, AFTER THE ACCIDENT, CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE ON THE AIRBAG, CONSUMER SUFFERED A DAMAGED LUNG, AND HER CHEST WAS…”
“WHILE DRIVING BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER CAR WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP, SHOP PERSONNEL SAID BRAKES WERE WORKING FINE. INSURANCE COMPANY SENT APPRAISER TO CHECK CAR AND HE SAID THE BRAKES "FAILED A COUPLE MORE TIMES" WHILE HE WAS TRYING THEM. TOWED CAR TO…”
“PARKED VEHICLE, AWAY FEW MINUTES, RETURNED, SMOKE COMING UP THRU ENGINE TO WINDSHIELD AREA, BURST INTO FLAMES, NO WARNING. *AK *JB”
“GOING DOWN AN INCLINE ON A CURVE, AT 25 MPH AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND THE STEERING LOCKS UP . BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP WITHOUT POWER BRAKES WORKING . CAR COULD NOT BE PUT INTO PARK TO RESTART . PUT CAR ITO NEUTRAL AND STARTED RIGHT UP. VERY VERY DANGEROUS AS THERE IS NO CONTROL OVER THE…”
“GOING DOWN AN INCLINE ON A CURVE, AT 25 MPH AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND THE STEERING LOCKS UP . BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP WITHOUT POWER BRAKES WORKING . CAR COULD NOT BE PUT INTO PARK TO RESTART . PUT CAR ITO NEUTRAL AND STARTED RIGHT UP. VERY VERY DANGEROUS AS THERE IS NO CONTROL OVER THE…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 218 complaints put the 1995 model at #8 of 46 Regal years. It is one of the Regal years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (52 complaints), brakes (49 complaints), engine (20 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Buick Regal. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation 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.