1991 Buick Regal
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Regal › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Buick Regal. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1991 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.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
The fuel feed hose can pull out of the crimped coupling at the engine end of the hose assembly, causing fuel leakage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the coupling were to separate and an ignition sourceis present, an engine compartment fire could occur.
Remedy
Install a new fuel feed hose.
The front door shoulder belt guide loops may be cracked and are not in compliance with fmvss 208.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The seat occupant faces increased risk of injury in theevent of a sudden stop or accident.
Remedy
Install reinforcing plates on the cracked shoulder belt guides.
Front shoulder safety belt webbing may separate at front belt upper guide loops on either side of the front seat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Webbing separation could occur without prior warning andincrease the risk of injury to belted front outboard occupants in a high energycrash.
Remedy
Install a controlled rotation bracket on driver and passenger side front seat belt guide loops.
Owner complaints
200 complaints14 involved a crash5 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Power train · Seat belts · Structure
Federal authorities are investigating whether general motors hid an ignition switch defect when it filed for bankruptcy in 2009,the justice department's investigation of the automaker includes a probe of whether gm committed bankruptcy fraud by not disclosing the ignition problem, a person briefed…
Federal authorities are investigating whether general motors hid an ignition switch defect when it filed for bankruptcy in 2009,the justice department's investigation of the automaker includes a probe of whether gm committed bankruptcy fraud by not disclosing the ignition problem, a person briefed on the inquiry, authorities are also investigating whether gm understated the defect to federal safety regulators,under the tread act or the fed recall act,the manufacturer IS to replace the faulty car,when will my car be replaced what about the frame cradle bolt recall, I had a roll over accident in a buick and gm did nothing , never replaced ,repaired , or reimbursed me . My air bag never deployed , my seat belt was also defected , yet during this recall gm gave congress over $300 million in election funds to look the other way? $35 million fine IS a joke if someone gave you $50 billion,the $35 million should be 10 x that amount or at least pay for my car , pay for my medical bills ($100,000 and climbing) look at ford , they are recalling cars today for steering issues yet gm comes up with a key fraud to hide the frame cradle bolt issue see pictures,my airbag never went off and my seat belt was also faulty gm customer care [xxx], I am sorry to hear that you experienced this with your buick. I am happy to hear that you are okay! I believe I have located your previous case within our system. If there IS anything I can look into for you, please private message me your vin or case number to our gm customer care page. [xxx] gm customer care if gm IS looking into 10+ year old recalls it can look into mine,its not about key recall ,this IS about any gm recall,my case IS on the nhtsa web site https://www.facebook.com/[xxx]/posts/10202966721162013 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Steering · Suspension · Unknown or other
Abrupt, total loss of steering control: as the vehicle rolled to a stop at a traffic signal, and loud "bang" was heard and felt coming from the front end of the car. cautiously moving off from the stop, there was a complete loss of steering control; the steering wheel just spun freely, while the…
Abrupt, total loss of steering control: as the vehicle rolled to a stop at a traffic signal, and loud "bang" was heard and felt coming from the front end of the car. cautiously moving off from the stop, there was a complete loss of steering control; the steering wheel just spun freely, while the vehicle tracked almost straight ahead. since there was still power and braking, the driver was able to roll to a stop on the right shoulder of the road. (if the loss of steering control had occurred three minutes later, it would have been at 65 mph ... With possibly fatal consequences.) in this vehicle the engine, transmission, front suspension, and steering rack are mounted on a subframe. the subframe, in turn, IS attached to the primary structural frame of the vehicle with four bolts m12x1.25 bolts; the attachments include rubber bushings to provide some shock isolation between the subframe and the rest of the vehicle. There IS a steel sleeve which inserts into the inner bore of the isolation bushings, and through which the mounting bolt IS inserted. (see illustration from general motors "1991 buick regal service manual," p. 10.3.3, figure 1.) there appears to have been no corrosion protection provided or applied to these subframe attach components during vehicle assembly. upon inspection, the cause of the incident was determined to be failure of both rear subframe attachment bolts and/or isolation bushings due to severe corrosion in service. immediately following the bolt failures, the front suspension springs forced the rear of the subframe downward, resulting in the steering column shaft disconnecting entirely from the steering rack assembly.
- Seat belts · Steering · Structure › Frame and members
Was traveling on a curve when in split second loss steering and ended off roadway upside down ,it was after about a year I started getting recall notices that said this same thing would happen ,these recalls started in 2000,and 2001 ,and that's when I started to think that infact the bolts failing…
Was traveling on a curve when in split second loss steering and ended off roadway upside down ,it was after about a year I started getting recall notices that said this same thing would happen ,these recalls started in 2000,and 2001 ,and that's when I started to think that infact the bolts failing caused my accident or contributed to it . I made calls to buick and was even sent a recall list post dated 12-20-2000, today looking online seems alot of trouble with bolts were occurring 96 + 97 but I was never noticed until it was too late ,i called buick last year and they now say they have no info on my prior years calls to them ,and to date I have not been reimbursed for my losses ,no offer to repair ,refund ect . My only thought that these need to be better noticed to consumers for safety reasons, as with toyota recall I'm not sure the public IS or has been made aware that they should report any thing about a car to the nhtsa web site and let it work out itself thru the database, I did not have a computer back then to access the 10 fold info on such recalls to protect the public ,my main concern today IS what IS buick going to do for my losses? Thank you *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 buick regal. while attempting to pull into a parking space at 2 mph, the contact heard a loud noise. he inspected the vehicle and noticed that the subframe failed and was hanging from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and it was discovered that…
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 buick regal. while attempting to pull into a parking space at 2 mph, the contact heard a loud noise. he inspected the vehicle and noticed that the subframe failed and was hanging from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and it was discovered that the rear cradle bolts pulled through the retainers due to corrosion. the failure caused a separation of the steering shaft. the dealer stated that his vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID number 97v058000 (structure); therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs, which exceeded $600. the manufacturer was unable to assist. the failure and current mileages were 125,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 buick regal. while driving 35 mph, the contact noticed that the antilock braking system warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. he also stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard when depressed and noticed brake fluid leaving from the vehicle.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 buick regal. while driving 35 mph, the contact noticed that the antilock braking system warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. he also stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard when depressed and noticed brake fluid leaving from the vehicle. the mechanic stated that the master cylinder was defective and was unable to replace the part because it was no longer in stock. the current and failure mileages were approximately 59,000.
- Structure
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 2 mph on a city street, there was a banging noise followed by a loss of power steering. the contact managed to pull the vehicle over without incident. the vehicle was towed to a dealer who determined the engine slipped out of its mount because the engine…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 2 mph on a city street, there was a banging noise followed by a loss of power steering. the contact managed to pull the vehicle over without incident. the vehicle was towed to a dealer who determined the engine slipped out of its mount because the engine cradle bolts had fractured and needed to be replaced. there was a nhtsa recall, # 00v189000, regarding the structure. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. the manufacturer was notified.
- Wheels
On approximately july 5, 2006 I heard a noise coming from the left front of my 1991 buick regal [xxx]. as I am a certified mechanic, I removed the wheel and tire in order to inspect the front end components for a problem. I found that the steel wheel had a large crack that wrapped about two…
On approximately july 5, 2006 I heard a noise coming from the left front of my 1991 buick regal [xxx]. as I am a certified mechanic, I removed the wheel and tire in order to inspect the front end components for a problem. I found that the steel wheel had a large crack that wrapped about two thirds of the area around the lug holes. this crack appeared to be caused by metal fatigue. I then removed the other wheels on the vehicle and found smaller cracks around two of the remaining three wheels. I reported the problem to both general motors and my dealership. this vehicle was originally purchased by my wife and has never been abused or wrecked. since there are many thousands of vehicles which are using these wheels, I feel that there IS a significant safety risk with all vehicles using these wheels. I have photographed these cracks for record keeping purposes, and I will be happy to send them in with this complaint. this could be the beginning of a real problem and people could be seriously injured. *nm updated 07/12/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Structure
Dt*: the contact stated while driving less than 20 mph and making turns a clunking noise was heard coming from the engine. upon inspection, the independent repair shop determined the bolts and washers from the engine cradle were corroded and needed to be replaced. the mechanic discovered two…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving less than 20 mph and making turns a clunking noise was heard coming from the engine. upon inspection, the independent repair shop determined the bolts and washers from the engine cradle were corroded and needed to be replaced. the mechanic discovered two recalls for the bolts, nhtsa campaign # 97v058000 and # 00v189000. according to the manufacturer's records both recalls were previously performed. the bolts and washers are being replaced. updated 04/11/06. *Jb
- Parking brake · Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control › Linkages
1991 buick regal suffered roll back while trying to exit parking space on incline lost control. *mr the consumer had no control and the vehicle backed into a fence. there was an intermittent brake problem with it going to the floor and leaking. the emergency brake had an intermittent slip and would have to be depressed twice. *sc *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Seat belts › Front
While traveling at 20 mph vehicle slowed down. consumer noticed the gas tank was low, and drove into the gas station for gas, and another consumer yelled that vehicle was leaking gas. consumer noticed gasoline all over the street. Vehicle had to be towed. Gas tank and fuel line were replaced. also, consumer was concerned, that seat belts cut across the passengers' throat, and needed to be redesigned.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Failure of the buckle of drivers seat belt. Failure occurred with no more than routine buckling and unbuckling. *bf *nm
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
While driving 35 mph steering failed and caused the vehicle to do a 360 degree spin. Vehicle ran, hit the curb, and ran into a yard.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
Faulty turn signal switch. *ak
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
While driving the consumer's left rear tire fell off. the tire traveled over the median wall and struck a moving vehicle (ohio traffic crash report). *ph *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The crimped coupling of the fuel feed hose IS leaking gasoline at the fuel filter inlet.*ak
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
While driving my 1991 buick regal, the front cradle bolts broke causing the engine to drop and the car to lose all steering ability. *la
- Service brakes, air › Antilock
I have been informed by a few mechanics that my ABS system has to be replaced. now, I have read several of the same type of complaints dealing with this same system, yet there has not been a recall. what has to happen before the manufacturers step in and take care of this? are you waiting on a fatality? *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Rear disc and calipers frozen, rust pitted on rotor, no parking brake. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling
The consumer observed something leaking from underneath her vehicle. the dealer was notified but was unable to service the vehicle at that time. *nlm
- Tires › Tread/belt
The left front tire experienced tread separation, which caused the tire to blow out. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When applying the brakes the brake pedal will go to the floor causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. Dealer has been notified. ph
- Wheels › Rim
The rim which held the drivers side tire, cracked. The consumer stated two years ago the front passenger side cracked. cause was unknown. *ts *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Consumer states the brakes on the vehicle had become corroded due to the design of the brake system, consumer IS requesting that the manufacturer remiburse her for half of the repair.*jb
- Tires
3 wheels on vehicle are fractured. mr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
My 70-year-old mothers 1991 buick regal caught fire from the original exhaust pipe gases blowing against the rear bumper cavity. The plastic parts caught on fire and caused $1,800.00 worth of damage. She was on east bound I94 going 60mph saw the fire and went to the next exit where an super america…
My 70-year-old mothers 1991 buick regal caught fire from the original exhaust pipe gases blowing against the rear bumper cavity. The plastic parts caught on fire and caused $1,800.00 worth of damage. She was on east bound I94 going 60mph saw the fire and went to the next exit where an super america gas station attendant had a fire extinguisher. This will happen again and some one will not be as lucky. gm complaint # 1-20438510. Gm declines any assistance at this time.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Structure
There is no summary currently available
- Engine cradle separation
The engine cradle front bolts and/or retainers may fail, allowing the front of the engine cradle to fall, possibly separating the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear, with complete loss of steering control
- Engine cradle separation
On april 1, 1997, general motors corporation filed a defect information report to recall the subject vehicles, registered in 14 high corrosion states, to replace the rear engine cradle bolts and retainers.the rear engine cradle bolts would either fracturer or pull through the retianers due to corrosion.as of september…
On april 1, 1997, general motors corporation filed a defect information report to recall the subject vehicles, registered in 14 high corrosion states, to replace the rear engine cradle bolts and retainers.the rear engine cradle bolts would either fracturer or pull through the retianers due to corrosion.as of september 1998, the sixth quarter, 59.3% of the subject vehicles had been repaired.in addition to the complaints of front engine cradle bolt failures in the above failure report summary, odi has received six reports of possible front engine cradle bolt failures, including two crashes.an rq IS warranted to determine the extent of failures of the front engine cradle bolts and retainers on the subject vehicles.
- 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
- Fuel line separation
There is no summary currently available
- Sticking throttle
There is no summary currently available
- Jack failure
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- Steering wheel separation
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.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 6088680Customers may complain of grinding / scraping / groaning noise from rear suspension.
- 615073Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that IS generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.
- 51497Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure).
- 50571Cold start rattle noise.
- 39308Cold start rattle noise.
- 39080Rear strut related thumping/squeaking noise.
- 39072ABS warning light IS on.
- 37955ABS wire harness for the right front wheel may rub on the brake line causing the ABS warning light to come on.
Every Buick Regal model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.