1988 Buick Regal
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Buick › Regal › 1988
These records cover every 1988 Buick Regal. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
11 recalls name the 1988 Buick Regal. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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).
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Front shoulder belt guide loop attachment fastener may pull through door mounted anchor plate.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Twisted components could allow the left front brake hose to contact the fender lining/rail area; over time the brake hose could wear through.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in a loss of brake fluid and a partialloss of braking capability which could result in an accident.
Remedy
Inspect left front brake hose for proper installation and replace, as necessary.
The secondary hood latch may not properly engage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If primary latch disengages, hood could unexpectedlyopen. if car was in motion, hood could contact the windshield, reduce thedrivers forward vision area, and could result in an accident.
Remedy
Replace secondary latch with a new latch.
Lower control arm to ball joint attachment can become loose. also, certain cars could have tie rod ball stud nuts that were not properly torqued and could loosen.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Continued operation of car with either condition couldresult in separation of that joint and possible loss of steering control and anaccident.
Remedy
Replace both lower control arms; also, check tie rod ball stud nut torque.
An interference between the transmission shift cable and the bellcrank clip in the steering column can result in disengagement of the transmission cable.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could allow the transmission to be in agear other than that displayed by the shift indicator. the vehicle could movein an unexpected direction and cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy
A newly designed bellcrank clip will be installed.
The stop lamp switch may have a loose electrical contact. The loose contact can overheat and melt the surrounding plastic causing the contact to stick open.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An open contact would render the brake lights inoperativewhen the brake pedal IS depressed. also, the transmission clutch control andcruise control contacts would remain closed. this condition would result incruise resume upon brake pedal release if the cruise control IS in the onposition. either an unexpected cruise resume or inoperative brake lights couldresult in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy
The rotary soplamp switch will be replaced on all involved vehicles.
Owner complaints
123 complaints10 involved a crash1 involved a fire8 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 buick regal. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle struck a guardrail and was destroyed. the contact sustained neck injuries and a police report was filed. she thought the vehicle had antilock brakes, but realized it did not after the crash occurred. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 buick regal. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle struck a guardrail and was destroyed. the contact sustained neck injuries and a police report was filed. she thought the vehicle had antilock brakes, but realized it did not after the crash occurred. the contact stated that the manufacturer should have a permanent label to indicate that the vehicle has antilock brakes since it IS an optional feature. she further stated that it could cause numerous fatal crashes because the brakes have to be applied a certain way depending on the antilock brake system. the dealer informed her that she had antilock brakes. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 60,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 buick regal. the vehicle was taken to be inspected and the contact was informed that the rear frame was rotted. she was further informed not to drive the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 49,600.
- Electrical system › Wiring · Fuel system, gasoline · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum
TL*- the contact owns a 1988 buick regal which she purchased recently. the odometer on the vehicle did not work. the contact claimed that the dealer did not inspect the vehicles before they sold them. they repaired the rear brakes, and the driver's side front brakes, but the brakes were still…
TL*- the contact owns a 1988 buick regal which she purchased recently. the odometer on the vehicle did not work. the contact claimed that the dealer did not inspect the vehicles before they sold them. they repaired the rear brakes, and the driver's side front brakes, but the brakes were still not operating properly. the vehicle could not pass an inspection, and now the vehicle did not start. the mechanic believed that the failure may be in the fuel filter, fuel pump or something else. the vehicle would turn over, but would not start. when she tried to turn on the ignition she could smell gas fumes. the wiring was cut by the previous owner and the power locks did not work. the dealer refused to give the contact the receipt for parts purchased to repair the brakes, and refused to make any further repairs on the vehicle. the current and failure mileage were 155,925 . *Ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Consumer received recall 97v058000 concerning cradle bolts. while pulling out of a parking lot at 5 mph vehicle suddenly lost steering control. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the vehicle lost cradle bolt support. Consumer contacted the dealer, who informed consumer that the vehicle was no longer covered under that recall. *Ak
- Structure › Frame and members
While driving 35 mph, the front cradle frame dropped. The consumer managed to pullover and had the vehicle towed. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Please provide more information. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission failed within 3 months of ownership. The cause has yet to be determined. please provide any additional information. *nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Ltr on behalf of elle kelly (nj) concerned that some 1988-1993 chevrolet lumina, buick regal pontiac grand prix, oldsmobile cutlass vehicles with defective brakes were still on the road. *mr *scc *jb *jb
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch · Power train › Automatic transmission
Would have no rear signal light unless the signal switch IS held in a certain way and position. This would also effect the brake lights. Transmission fails to show proper gear while driving. When driving approximately 60 mph or more, the gear shows it's in reverse instead of the drive position.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
While in motion the tread separated from the right fornt tire causing consumer to crash. this resulted in consumer sustaining several injuries. *jg *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors · Structure · Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Front end frame snapped, causing it to be too much weight on engine and transmission.*ak front cradle bolts broke prior to receiving recall notice 00v189000. however dealer would not fix stating that the frame cradle was broke due to rust (not due to the cradle bolts) and dropped 2 inches causing…
Front end frame snapped, causing it to be too much weight on engine and transmission.*ak front cradle bolts broke prior to receiving recall notice 00v189000. however dealer would not fix stating that the frame cradle was broke due to rust (not due to the cradle bolts) and dropped 2 inches causing the steering gear to separate from the steering shaft causing loss of control. Ignition module and coil pack had to be replaced. fuel injectors replaced twice. door hinge replaced twice. *tt
- Suspension › Front
The right rear strut arm detached from the body of car due to corrosion of the frame parts it was attached to. *jg
- Tires › Tread/belt
While driving the right front tire blewout damaging the fender well and suspension, it appears that the tread came off causing the tire to fail (cooper trendsetter tire 205.70.14 with only 1000 miles. nlm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Key in the ignition swtich would not start vehicle. key would keep on turning. Dealer was not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Driveshaft would thump or jerk when engaged. dealer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Brake pads and rotors are too close together, causing premature wearing, and brakes to lock. please give any further details.*ak
- Structure
Recall 00v189000/ manufacturer's recall 00061/65. Contacted dealer. dealer stated cannot perform recall, and will get back in touch. Consumer heard nothing. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Structure
Oil was leaking from the vehicle due to faulty crankshaft. nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
While driving could here a grinding noise, and smoke coming out back near caliper.*ak
- Structure
Vehicle experienced failure of the recall (00v-189) component prior to recall notification, consumer IS requesting reimbursement. *mjs
- Structure
Cradle bolts failed prior to recall notice 00v-189 causing loss of control and and accident. nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
Brake calipers keep failing prematurley , calipiers will only last 1 year. Do not last through winter, possible due to poor quality. Please provide further information.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
PE00 020; consumer was traveling about 20mph and vehicle felt like it was to getting away from him. Also, steering wheel jerked. right front tires blewout. They were firestone#p, 21570r15. he called firestone.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving enginemounts broke, causing the engine and transmission to fall. Consumer could no longer control steering. The dealer has been contacted.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Rear calipers failed since purchasing the vehicle. Yh
- Suspension
There IS noise coming from underneath vehicle, a sqeaking and thumping noise.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Structure
There is no summary currently available
- Cradle bolt failures
There is no summary currently available
- Corroded rear disk brakes
There is no summary currently available
- Sub-frame absorber failure
There is no summary currently available
- Sticking throttle
There is no summary currently available
- W-car hinge pin failure
There is no summary currently available
- W-car hinge pin failure
There is no summary currently available
- Steering wheel separation
There is no summary currently available
- Rear wheel bearings fail
There is no summary currently available
- Failure stop lamp switch
There is no summary currently available
- Parking brake cable
===
- Throttle non-return
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6088680Customers may complain of grinding / scraping / groaning noise from rear suspension.
Every Buick Regal model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.