1988 Buick Regal Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1988 Buick Regal recalls

Most common 1988 Buick Regal problems

Problem areas named in the 123 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	90
Structure	18
Power Train	11
Engine And Engine Cooling	10
Seat Belts	6
Electrical System	6
Tires	6
Fuel System, Gasoline	5
Suspension	5
Exterior Lighting	5

What owners report

2009-01-22, 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 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

2008-09-05, Structure
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.

2007-03-28, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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 DE

2004-12-21, Structure
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

2004-10-15, Structure
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

1988 Buick Regal questions

Does the 1988 Buick Regal have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls for the 1988 Buick Regal: Structure; Structure; Wheels; Wheels; Seat Belts. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Buick Regal?

Based on 123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes, Hydraulic (90), Structure (18), Power Train (11).

How do I check if a recall on my 1988 Buick Regal has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.