1988 BUICK REGAL

11 recalls, 181 complaints - 1 TSBs

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Defect Description

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 CE... Read more

Consequence

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).

88,303 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.

STRUCTURE

Defect Description

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 VIRGI... Read more

Consequence

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.

713,435 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

STRUCTURE

Defect Description

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 BOL... Read more

Consequence

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.

676,535 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

WHEELS

Defect Description

CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

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.

22,361 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

WHEELS

Defect Description

CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

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.

198,163 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

SEAT BELTS

Defect Description

FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.

Consequence

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.

673,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Defect Description

TWISTED COMPONENTS COULD ALLOW THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE TO CONTACT THE FENDER LINING/RAIL AREA; OVER TIME THE BRAKE HOSE COULD WEAR THROUGH.

Consequence

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.

8,328 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Defect Description

THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE.

Consequence

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.

12,457 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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.

3,221 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

AN INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE AND THE BELLCRANK CLIP IN THE STEERING COLUMN CAN RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION CABLE.

Consequence

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.

17,745 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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... Read more

Remedy

THE ROTARY SOPLAMP SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.

9,661 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Complaint Statistics

181 total complaints 13 crashes 1 fires 10 injuries 1 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER	29
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC	19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR	13
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM	11
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS	9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS	8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	7
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	6
STRUCTURE	6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS	4

Incident date: Dec 21, 2008

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 CONTA... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 3, 2008

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.

Incident date: Mar 20, 2007

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 N... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2007

Incident date: Nov 30, 2004

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 CONSUM... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2004

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

Incident date: Nov 25, 2003

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

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

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

Incident date: Mar 18, 2001

WHILE IN MOTION THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE RIGHT FORNT TIRE CAUSING CONSUMER TO CRASH. THIS RESULTED IN CONSUMER SUSTAINING SEVERAL INJURIES. *JG *JB

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 14, 2002

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 ... Read more

Incident date: May 14, 2002

Incident date: Jun 18, 2001

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

1 injured

THE RIGHT REAR STRUT ARM DETACHED FROM THE BODY OF CAR DUE TO CORROSION OF THE FRAME PARTS IT WAS ATTACHED TO. *JG

Incident date: Oct 15, 2001

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

Incident date: Sep 15, 2001

DRIVESHAFT WOULD THUMP OR JERK WHEN ENGAGED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Incident date: Jun 18, 2001

1 injured

BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER, CAUSING PREMATURE WEARING, AND BRAKES TO LOCK. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Incident date: Jun 8, 2001

RECALL 00V189000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00061/65. CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER STATED CANNOT PERFORM RECALL, AND WILL GET BACK IN TOUCH. CONSUMER HEARD NOTHING. *AK

FAULTY CRADLE BOLTS CAUSE NOISE WHEN THE CONSUMER PUT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR AND WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS, THE RECALL 00V-189 WAS RECEIVED BY THE CONSUMER BUT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. NLM

OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO FAULTY CRANKSHAFT. NLM

Incident date: Jan 1, 2000

WHILE DRIVING COULD HERE A GRINDING NOISE, AND SMOKE COMING OUT BACK NEAR CALIPER.*AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE RECALL (00V-189) COMPONENT PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *MJS

CRADLE BOLTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 00V-189 CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND AND ACCIDENT. NLM

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

Incident date: Jul 1, 2000

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

Incident date: Jul 29, 2000

WHILE DRIVING ENGINEMOUNTS BROKE, CAUSING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO FALL. CONSUMER COULD NO LONGER CONTROL STEERING. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK

REAR CALIPERS FAILED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. YH

REAR BRAKES FAILED. YH

BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS FAILED. YH

Incident date: Jun 11, 1999

THERE IS NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE, A SQEAKING AND THUMPING NOISE.*AK

DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT PULL IN FAR ENOUGH FOR GOOD VISIBILITY. YH

Incident date: Nov 28, 1999

FT BOLTS PULLED THROUGH SUBFRAME (ENGINE CRADLE) LETTING ENGINE FALL TO PAVEMENT AND SEPERATING STEERING SHAFT CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING

Crash

BRAKE LIGHT IN REAR WINDOW HOLDS TO MUCH MOISTURE. YH

OIL PAN GASKET IS NOT SUPPORTED ENOUGH/LOOSE.YH

BRAKE RELEASE CABLE AND HANDLE ARE WEAK. YH

ONE OF THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS BROKE OFF. AND IF THE OTHER BREAK, THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WILL DROP. FRONT CRADLE BOLTS HAVE BROKEN AND BEEN REPAIRED. *AK

UPON STARTING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, HITTING TWO PARKED CARS AND A WALL BEFORE STOPPING WITH THE ENGINE STILL RACING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Jul 1, 1992

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES CAR STOPS ON THE FRONT 2 WHEELS ONLY. THE REAR WHEELS KEEP GOING. DEALER REBUILT REAR CALIPERS TWICE, BUT PROBLEM KEEPS REOCCURRING. ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT PARTS KEEP FAILING, MECHANIC SAID IT IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. *AK *ML

Incident date: Jul 1, 1992

Incident date: Aug 7, 1999

CONSUMER WENT TO PUT HIS KEY IN IGNITION SWITCH TO WARM UP CAR. UPON GETTING INSIDE OF VEHICLE AND PUTTING CAR IN DRIVE, VEHICLE TOOK OFF AND WENT INTO TWO PARKED CARS/ INTO A WALL. ALL THIS TIME DRIVER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. *AK

Crash

Showing 50 of 181 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1988 BUICK REGAL

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	26.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1988 BUICK REGAL

1 manufacturer communications from 1 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
020000 SUSPENSION	1

020000 SUSPENSION

CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF GRINDING / SCRAPING / GROANING NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION. *TT

NHTSA Safety Investigations, BUICK REGAL

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

RP, Closed , Model Year: 1988

STRUCTURE