Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Vehicle safety record

1978 Buick Regal Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1978 Buick Regal with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (1). It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in October 2007 for the equipment. For comparison, the 1977 has 0 and the 1979 has 3.

NHTSA data checked

BFewer problems than a typical Regal year, for its age

#15 most complained-about 1978 vehicle

Complaints
1
Recalls
7
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 1978 Buick Regal problems

Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1978 Buick Regal recalls 7

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Equipment

07E088000121,680 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain honeywell fram racing brand hp4 and hp8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. The affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. The date code and part number appear on the filter housing. Fram racing hp4 and hp8 oil filters not bearing a date code in this range are not affected by this recall. The gasket of the oil filter becomes more pliable under high temperatures and pressures.
The risk
This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix
Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during november 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.

Service brakes: wheel cylinders

85V0480001,810,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Excessive enlargement of the wheel cylinder pilot hole in the rear brake backing plate could allow the wheel cylinder to rotate and cause loss of brake fluid. Consequence of defect: a loss of brake fluid leads to loss of rear brake action, creating the potential for an accident. Front brakes would remain operational.
The fix
Add a part to prevent wheel cylinder from rotating.

Power train: axle shaft

84V1490003,100,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Rear axle assembly may have axles that were improperly manufactured. This condition may result in separation of the axle shaft and wheel assembly from the vehicle.
The fix
The dealer will inspect the rear axle to determine whether it was manufactured at the buffalo plant. If so, they will make axle measurements and if necessary replace or modify affected axle components without charge.

Suspension: rear

81V0250005,821,160 vehicles affected

The problem
The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.
The fix
Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.

Suspension: wheel bearing

79V1750001,896,222 vehicles affected

The problem
Under certain driving conditions, these vehicles can experience temperatures in the front wheel outer bearing area which can affect the wheel bearing grease. This can result in inadequate lubrication of the bearing. This condition may be further aggravated by improper adjustment of the front wheel spindle nut.
The fix
The dealer will install new front wheel outer bearings packed with grease and the spindle will be coated with lubricant. New grease retainer caps will also be installed to maintain grease in outer bearing. This will be done free of charge.

Engine and engine cooling: fan

78V139000333,619 vehicles affected

The problem
The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments would be free to fly from the vehicle.
The fix
Dealer will replace the fan blade assembly without charge to owner.

Equipment: labels

78V018000100 vehicles affected

The problem
The involved vehicles do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims", in that the tire placard does not contain legible tire size information.
The fix
Dealer will provide proper labels for the owner to install, or for dealer installation, if preferred.

What owners say

Be the first Regal owner to share.

Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now

1 complaints about the 1978 Buick Regal

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Brakes

Brakes failed, causing accident.(Ohio state police report)

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 511501

Buick Regal: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
19821210Acceleration & cruise controlA
19810300-A
19800600-A
19793500Wheels & tiresA
19781700BrakesB
19770400-A
19760200-A
19750200-A
19740200-A
All Regal years

1978 Buick Regal vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
1978 Buick Regal170B
1978 Buick Buick100CCompare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

Own a 1978 Buick Regal? Share your experience.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

Questions about the 1978 Buick Regal

Does the 1978 Buick Regal have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 1978 Buick Regal: equipment (October 2007); wheel cylinders (April 1985); axle shaft (November 1984); rear (February 1981) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 1978 Buick Regal?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (1).

How many complaints has the 1978 Buick Regal had?

1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 19, 1996 and the latest on November 19, 1996. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1978 Buick Regal a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 74 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Buick Regal year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Buick Regal years have the most complaints?

1998 (312), 2011 (280), 1999 (252). See every Buick Regal year compared.

What should I do if my 1978 Buick Regal has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience