1990 BUICK REATTA
4 recalls, 30 complaints - 1 TSBs
91V158000 Sep 13, 1991
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
Defect Description
BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT MAY NOT LIGHT WHEN IGNITION IS IN THE "ON" POSITION, THE PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED, AND THE SHIFT SELECTOR IS IN THE PARK OR NEUTRAL GEAR RANGE.
Consequence
VEHICLES WOULD NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 101AND 105.
Remedy
REPLACE THE PROM IN THE BODY COMPUTER MODULE TO PREVENT THIS CONDITION FROM OCCURRING.
90E043004 Oct 30, 1990
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Defect Description
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Consequence
INFLATOR COMPONENT SEPARATION ALLOWS HOT COMBUSTION GASESTO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy
REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
90V164000 Sep 6, 1990
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
Defect Description
TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE FROM THE FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL WITH LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.
Consequence
DRIVER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE ACTUAL GEARPOSITION THE TRANSAXLE IS IN, WHICH COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENTAND AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
INSTALL A TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO PREVENT CABLE DISENGAGEMENT.
90V031000 Feb 12, 1990
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Defect Description
THE FORWARD SENSOR FOR THE AIR BAG MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY CONSTRUCTED WITH PART OF THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE SENSOR REVERSED.
Consequence
THE REVERSAL OF THE WIRES COULD CAUSE DELAY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG AND INCREASE THE SEVERITY OF THE OF INJURY TO AN UNBELTED DRIVER IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE FORWARD DISCRIMINATING SENSOR AS NECESSARY.
Complaint Statistics
30 total complaints
3 crashes
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 20 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 2 |
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER | 1 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 20, 2020
Incident date: Jan 10, 2010
WE HAVE HAD THE CAR OVER 10 YEARS AND IT HAD A HARD PEDAL WHEN YOU FIRST START IT UP THEN AS WE USE THE BRAKES THEY WORK BETTER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Apr 27, 2007
Incident date: Mar 2, 2007
COMPLETE FAILURE OF ANTI BRAKE SYSTEM ON MY 1990 BUICK REATTA ALSO-- AS SPECIFICALLY REPORTED FROM OTHER REATTA OWNERS. DEALER STATES THERE ARE PROBLEMS --- REATTA INTERNET SITES STATES THERE ARE MAJOR PROBLEMS --- NHTSA WEBSITE LIST SEVERAL COMPLAINTS / PERSONAL ACCOUNTS OF ABS FAILURE. HOW MANY IN... Read more
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Mar 7, 2007
Incident date: Feb 14, 2007
THERE IS A SERIOUS DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE 1990 BUICK REATTA. THE CAR HAS AN AUTOMATIC HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. THIS SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO TURN ON THE DEFROSTER TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD FROM FOGGING UP WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 39 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT IF THE CAR IS LOW ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Jul 17, 2004
Incident date: Jul 15, 2004
FAILURE OF HYDRALIC/ABS BRAKE SYSTEM ON MY 1990 BUICK REATTA CONVERTIBLE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND ABS SYSTEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Sep 17, 2001
THE ABS SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS SINCE NEW. MANY TIMES THE BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD PULL TO ONE SIDE AND THIS IS DOCUMENTED IN REPAIR ORDERS AT THE DEALER. DEALER NEVER WAS ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM AT THE TIME OF THE RO.IN 1996 DEALER REPLACED ABS RELAYS TO CORRECT CONCERNS OF ABS SYST... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Jan 31, 2001
Incident date: Dec 18, 2000
BOTH TIMES WE EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS "HARD" (WOULD NOT MOVE). BOTH TIMES THERE WAS NO WARNING IE. NO ABS LIGHT ON DASH AND NO BRAKE LIGHT ON DASH. BOTH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED SO THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR OR DIVER.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Jan 25, 2001
Incident date: Jan 9, 2001
BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP CAR WHILE BACKING DOWN DRIVEWAY. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. ALSO HAVE HAD BRAKE FAILURES AT ROAD SPEED WHERE CAR SWERVES WHEN BRAKES APPLIED. HAVE TAKEN CAR TO DEALER MANY TIMES AND THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. HAVE CONTACT WITH MANY REATTA OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS SAME DANGEROUS CON... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Oct 23, 2000
Incident date: Oct 26, 1999
INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT FAILURES RESULTING IN NEAR MISSES ON HIGHWAY.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Oct 20, 2000
Incident date: Apr 10, 1997
INTERMITANT FAILURES WHERE ABS WOULD EITHER ENGAGE OR WHEELS WOULD LOCK AND/OR THE CAR WOULD LUNGE LEFT OR RIGHT. IN 10 MONTHS NUMEROUS DEALERSHIPS WERE NEVER ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEMS, ALWAYS SAID THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE SYSTEM ON CAR.
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Sep 26, 2000
Incident date: Sep 14, 2000
BRAKE BOOST FAILED ONLY ONCE, AFTER 500 MILES OF DRIVING, THEN WORKED OKAY AGAIN FOR ANOTHER 50 MILES. NO PANEL INDICATORS SHOWED. WHEN BRAKED HARD I WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN ENOUGH TO MAKE THE CURVE AT ROADWAY EXIT. DURING THIS SLOW DECELERATION A WHINE OR SCREECH CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HO... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Aug 22, 2000
Incident date: Jun 1, 2000
IN BUMPER/BUMPER TRAFFIC, 97 DEGREES, STOP AND GO, ABS BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. NO LIGHTS ON DASH. AT TIME WAS JUST BARELY MOVING. CHECKED FLUID LEVELS, OKAY, NO LEAKS. ABS BRAKES JUST STOPPED WORKING WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS OR OTHER HINTS. GLAD I WAS BEHIND THE WHEEL AND NOT MY WIFE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Jun 23, 2000
Incident date: Mar 3, 2000
WHILE BRAKING NORMALLY, BRAKES FAILED TO GRAB, AND MAY HAVE RESULTED IN POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO OTHER CARS. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2X BEFORE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Jun 23, 2000
Incident date: May 15, 2000
ONE SIDE BRAKES HARDER THAN THE OTHER CAUSING CAR TO SWERVE. HAVE CHECKED THE BUICK REATTA CLUB HOME PAGE AND THIS IS A TOO COMMON PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT EVERY TWO WEEKS FOR YEARS. WE HAVE PROPERLY MAINTAINED THE CAR, BUT THE DEALERS ARE AT A LOSS OF WHAT TO DO. THERE ARE NO WARNING LIGHTS W... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Jun 23, 2000
Incident date: Apr 27, 2000
ABS SYSTEM COMPLETLY FAILED WITH NO WARNING, HAD TO PUMP BRAKES AND FINALY CAME TO A STOP WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING. BUICK OFFERED TO PAY ONE THIRD OF THE REPAIR COST THEN THEY BACKED OUT OF THAT AGREEMENT. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THROUGH THE BUICK OWNERS OF AMERICA THAT THIS IS NOT A INSOLATED PROB... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Jun 5, 2000
Incident date: May 3, 2000
ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THEN VEHICLE LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY. *MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
May 19, 2000
Incident date: May 4, 2000
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. *AK
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Jan 19, 2000
Incident date: Jan 14, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Nov 21, 1999
Incident date: Nov 5, 1999
I'M WRITING A SECOND TIME ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I READ THE COMPLAINTS SECTION OF YOUR WEBSITE AND FOUND TWO MORE INCIDENTS SUSPICIOUSLY SIMILAR TO MY OWN. I ALSO WROTE ABOUT IT ON THE BUICK REATTA DISCUSSION PAGE ON THE INTERNET AND ONE OTHER PERSON WROTE IN TO SAY HE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM.... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Nov 14, 1999
Incident date: Nov 9, 1999
I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE APPARENTLY THE BRAKE SYSTEM CAN FAIL IN THESE CARS WITH NO WARNING. THE MECHANIC THINKS THAT A SWITCH BURNED OUT, WHICH LET THE ELECTRIC PUMP RUN CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL IT BURNED OUT. THERE'S A SENSOR THAT'S SUPPOSED TO NOTIFY THE DRIVER OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT THE SENSOR IN M... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Aug 25, 1999
Incident date: Aug 20, 1999
WHILE TRAVELING AT 30 TO 40 MPH A VEHICLE JUMP LANES IN FRONT OF THE REATTA. REATTA, IN TURN, STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE REAR THAT CAUSED ABOUT $8000 IN DAMAGES. UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO, THERE WERE NO INJURIES. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Jun 17, 1999
Incident date: Apr 12, 1999
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH MASTER CYLINDER WENT OUT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO HAVE LITTLE BRAKING POWER. VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN GRADUALLY AND CAME TO A STOP. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Jan 1, 1999
ABS BRAKE FAILURE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Dec 9, 1997
Incident date: Nov 24, 1997
WHILE DRIVING AT 45-50 MPH THE DEFECTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM CAUSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BE HARD, AND ONE WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Oct 22, 1997
Incident date: Apr 1, 1997
ABS BRAKES MALFUNCTION, PULLS OCCASIONALLY ON REAR LEFT SIDE. *AK
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Mar 19, 1997
Incident date: Jan 14, 1997
THE VEHICLE'S FRAME HAS PREMATURELY RUSTED AND CORRODED, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Dec 4, 1996
Incident date: Oct 1, 1996
FAILURE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM, WHEN MAKING A SUDDEN STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL FADES, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AND THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE. *AK UPON SUDDEN STOPPING MOTION APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL , AS IN A PANIC STOP THE PEDAL BECOMES HIGH AND HARD AS IF THE POWER ASSIST HAS DISAPP... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Dec 4, 1996
Incident date: Oct 1, 1996
FAILURE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM, WHEN MAKING A SUDDEN STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL FADES, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AND THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE. *AK UPON SUDDEN STOPPING MOTION APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL , AS IN A PANIC STOP THE PEDAL BECOMES HIGH AND HARD AS IF THE POWER ASSIST HAS DISAPP... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Nov 13, 1996
Incident date: Nov 15, 1995
POOR ABS BRAKE PERFORMANCE, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, THE FIRST TIME IT WAS APPLIED, EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE, WHEN RELEASED AND APPLIED A SECOND TIME THE BRAKING WAS NORMAL. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Dec 29, 1995
Incident date: Dec 26, 1995
BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE, DRIVER IS EXPERIENCING UNEVEN BRAKING. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Nov 30, 1995
IN ALL AROUND WEATHER IT HARD TO START THE CAR AND WHEN DRIVING CAR STALLS . TT
EPA Fuel Economy, 1990 BUICK REATTA
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 16.0 | 25.0 | 19.0 | Regular | $3,300 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Two Seaters)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1990 BUICK REATTA
1 manufacturer communications from 1 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM) | 1 |
130089009
Sep 1, 2013
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
NHTSA Safety Investigations, BUICK REATTA
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE90122
Opened: Sep 24, 1990 , Closed: Nov 29, 1990
FRONT BRAKE STEERING PULL
There is no summary currently available
BUICK REATTA - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BUICK REATTA across all model years (1988, 1990).
7
Total Recalls
58
Total Complaints
1
Investigations
7
Reported Crashes
0
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths