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Vehicle safety record

1979 Buick Regal Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1979 Buick Regal with NHTSA, most often about the wheels & tires (3). It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in October 2007 for the equipment. For comparison, the 1978 has 1 and the 1980 has 0.

NHTSA data checked

AFar fewer problems than a typical Regal year, for its age

#3 most complained-about 1979 vehicle

Complaints
3
Recalls
5
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 1979 Buick Regal problems

Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1979 Buick Regal recalls 5

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.

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.

Power train: floor shift

79V21400055 vehicles affected

The problem
The shift cable retaining clip may have been installed backwards or not at all. The purpose of this spring clip is to secure the lower end of the shift cable housing to the transmission. If the clip is backward or missing, the console shift lever may not shift the transmission and/or the transmission range indicator may indicate that the transmission is in the "park" or "p" position when it is not.
The fix
The dealer will inspect and if necessary correct the shift cable retaining clip installation at no charge.

Exterior lighting: switch

79V14200015,328 vehicles affected

The problem
On the involved vehicles the brake stoplight and cruise control switch which is operated by the brake pedal may have been assembled with an incorrect lubricant on the actuating plunger. This can cause the rear brake stoplights to become inoperative and the cruise control, if activated, to stay electrically engaged.
The fix
Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake stoplight and cruise control switch at no cost to owner.

What owners say

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3 complaints about the 1979 Buick Regal

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Wheels & tires

While driving consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the rear. Consumer pulled over, and noticed that the tread separated from the sidewall on passenger's side tire. This caused damages to the under carriage/fender; and door. Consumer called road side assistance and vehicle was towed to the dealer. Firestone fr480, p215/70r14 #dot w2hy1md519. *Ak

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10089960
Wheels & tires

While driving 50 mph a loud knocking noise was heard from the rear. Consumer pulled over, and noticed that the right passenger side tire tread separated from the wheel. Consumer called road side assistant to change the tire. Firestone fr480, size p215/70r14, dot w2hy1md519. *Ak the tire blowout caused damage to the vehicle's right front fender and door. *Nm

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10073751
Wheels & tires

Whihle drivng the tread of the passenger side front tire separated fromthe tire. The tire dented the right fender and right front door. *Mr *cb *nlm

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10031941

Buick Regal: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
19834101BrakesA
19821210Acceleration & cruise controlA
19810300-A
19800600-A
19793500Wheels & tiresA
19781700BrakesB
19770400-A
19760200-A
19750200-A
All Regal years

1979 Buick Regal vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
1979 Buick Regal350A
1979 Buick Lesabre120ACompare

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.

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Questions about the 1979 Buick Regal

Does the 1979 Buick Regal have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1979 Buick Regal: equipment (October 2007); axle shaft (November 1984); rear (February 1981); floor shift (September 1979) 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 1979 Buick Regal?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the wheels & tires (3).

How many complaints has the 1979 Buick Regal had?

3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 1, 2003 and the latest on August 27, 2004. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1979 Buick Regal a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 80 out of 100 (grade A: far 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 1979 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

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