IllustrationREAR BRAKES FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENT. NLM
1991 Buick Regal
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Regal years
Owner complaints for the 1991 Buick Regal are substantially higher than the model-year median of 29.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Regal years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 12 of 200 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 114 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
13 crash reports4 fire reports8 injury reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
114 reportsWHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THERE WAS HARDLY ANY BRAKE PEDAL. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THERE WAS NO BRAKING ABILITY. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED. AFTER STANDING ABOUT 20 MINTUES,THE BRAKE PEDAL CAME BACK UP. CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROB…
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WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THERE WAS HARDLY ANY BRAKE PEDAL. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THERE WAS NO BRAKING ABILITY. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED. AFTER STANDING ABOUT 20 MINTUES,THE BRAKE PEDAL CAME BACK UP. CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM LAST YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY THE DEALERSHIP. DEALER FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT BEING FULLY RELEASED. ALSO, REAR DISC BRAKES WERE REPLACED. *AK
WHEN DRIVING UNDER 40 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THEY GO STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND CONSUMER HAS TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO GET VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN. ALSO, BRAKE PADS/ROTORS AND THE MASTER CYLINDER HAVE BEEN REPLACED. DELAER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.
BRAKES FAILED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. BROUGHT TO LOCAL DEALER FOR REPAIR (JACK SCHLEIN) CAR WAS PURCHASED AT SLIVKA BUICK IN MICHIGAN. MUST APPLY FIRM PRESSURE TO SOTP. PEDAL CHANGES HEIGHT. SYSTEM INVESTIGATED BY BUICK TWICE. MASTER CYLINDER AND REAR CALIPERS REPLACED. PROBLEM PERSISTS.
I HAVE HAD MY FRONT BRAKES REPLACED 3 TIMES AND REAR 2 TIMES. THE CAUSE IS THE REAR CALIPER FREEZING UP.*AK
ANTI LOCK PUMP AND ACCUMULATOR FAILED.
THE REASON IS THAT THE BRAKES RUST, THE CALIPERS SEIZE, AND THE REAR BRAKES NO LONGER WORK. SO NOT ONLY DO YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKES BUT USUALLY THE FRONT BRAKES ARE ALSO WORN OUT BY THE TIME YOU NOTICE, BECAUSE OF THE INCREASED LOAD ON THEM.
BRAKING SYSTEM WEARING OUT WITHIN 25,000-30,000 MILE OF WEAR. ROTORS AND PADS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND COST ALWAYS GOES TO CONSUMER.
BRAKE FAILURE TWICE. QCAW
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A GRADUAL STOP, CONSUMER NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD, AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE BRAKES. CONSUMER, THEREFORE, HAD TO APPLY GREAT AMOUNT OF FORCE TO THE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. …
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WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A GRADUAL STOP, CONSUMER NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD, AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE BRAKES. CONSUMER, THEREFORE, HAD TO APPLY GREAT AMOUNT OF FORCE TO THE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Official recalls
600V189000 · Structure
Jul 11, 2000
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 SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.
Consequence & remedy
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.
97V058000 · Structure
Apr 8, 1997
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 RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
Consequence & remedy
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.
95V152000 · Exterior Lighting
Aug 8, 1995
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 & remedy
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.
93V145000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Sep 3, 1993
THE FUEL FEED HOSE CAN PULL OUT OF THE CRIMPED COUPLING AT THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE COUPLING WERE TO SEPARATE AND AN IGNITION SOURCEIS PRESENT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL FEED HOSE.
92V003000 · Seat Belts
Jan 10, 1992
THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
91V005000 · Seat Belts
Oct 2, 1991
FRONT SHOULDER SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY SEPARATE AT FRONT BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FRONT SEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
10RP01001 · Structure
Opened Nov 28, 2001 · Closed Jun 13, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
EA00011 · Engine Cradle Separation
Opened Apr 10, 2000 · Closed Jan 12, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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
RQ99002 · Engine Cradle Separation
Opened Mar 4, 1999 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
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.
RQ97017 · Cradle Bolt Failures
Opened Oct 2, 1997 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE94063 · Corroded Rear Disk Brakes
Opened Aug 12, 1994 · Closed Dec 21, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
PE94048 · SUB-FRAME Absorber Failure
Opened Jun 21, 1994 · Closed Dec 30, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
PE93039 · Fuel Line Separation
Opened Apr 27, 1993 · Closed Sep 14, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA92024 · Sticking Throttle
Opened Jun 26, 1992 · Closed Jan 31, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA91049 · Jack Failure
Opened Nov 26, 1991 · Closed Oct 28, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment
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PE91072 · Steering Wheel Separation
Opened May 1, 1991 · Closed Jul 8, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available