- The problem
- 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 certain school buses. (To see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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).
Vehicle safety record
1990 Buick Regal Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 80 complaints about the 1990 Buick Regal with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (41) and the body, doors & structure (8). Those complaints describe 7 crashes, 1 fire, 14 injuries and 2 deaths. It is covered by 9 recalls, the latest in May 2006 for the fuel system, gasoline. For comparison, the 1989 has 107 and the 1991 has 201.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Regal year, for its age
#18 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 80
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes
- 7
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 14
- Deaths
- 2
Most common 1990 Buick Regal problems
Share of all 80 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 Buick Regal recalls 9
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
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the front and rear frame/cradle bolts and retainers.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.
- The problem
- Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- Front shoulder safety belt webbing may separate at front belt upper guide loops on either side of the front seat.
- The risk
- Webbing separation could occur without prior warning andincrease the risk of injury to belted front outboard occupants in a high energycrash.
- The fix
- Install a controlled rotation bracket on driver and passenger side front seat belt guide loops.
- The problem
- Brake stoplamps may not illuminate or, in some cases, stoplamps will not stay illuminated all the time when brakes are applied due to a faulty stoplamp switch. Also in vehicles equipped with cruise control, a faulty stoplamp switch can result in resumption of the cruise control function upon release of the brake pedal.
- The risk
- A trailing vehicle may not recognize a braking actionin time to respond appropriately. Also, cruise control will reengage uponrelease of the brake pedal and resume the set speed. In either case, it couldresult in a crash without prior warning.
- The fix
- INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH.
- The problem
- Owners manuals did not fully explain how front shoulder belt comfort feature works.
- The risk
- Cars would not comply with fmvss 208, and incorrect use of safety restraints could lead to personal injury to occupants if an accidentshould occur.
- The fix
- Insert sticker that provides missing information in owners manuals.
- The problem
- Front shoulder belt guide loop attachment fastener may pull through door mounted anchor plate.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- Replace front shoulder belt guide loop attachment nuts and install new guide cover.
What owners say
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80 complaints about the 1990 Buick Regal
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
Electrical systems controlled by signal lever do not work except by holding lever in certain positions: i.E. Brake lights, signal lever l up, turn signals switch lever up, high beams no go etc. All the time.
1990 Buick regal had equipment failure. Consumer was able to pull over to the shoulder under control without any problems. *Kb according to the police report, upon inspection of the hood latch and bracket, the officer discovered part of the bracket at the front of the engine bay was missing. The bolt was missing as well. The crash was due to the hood latch and bracket coming apart, which caused the hood to open and slam against the windshield. The consumer was injured. (Ohio traffic crash report).
The rear cradle bolts broke and the cradle separated from the body of the vehicle. This caused the steering linkage couplers to separate and fall off, resulting in loss of steering. This occurred because the cradle bolts rusted. This would not have occurred if corrosive restraint parts were used when the rear cradle bolt recall 97v058000 repairs were performed, per the dealership.*Ak a recall was issued for the front and rear cradle bolts. The consumer contacted the manufacturer to find out when or if the bolts were ever replaced. The representative indicated that there were no outstanding recall on the vehicle but could not tell the consumer when the recall were done. *Nm
Right front wheel vibrated. Driver pulled over, pulled off lugs, and noticed the rim was cracked. Dealer was contacted. Recall 94v041000 was issued on this make, model, and year, but this vehicle was not included under recall due to vin. *Ak
After the recall for the cradle bolts was completed, the steering failed. Recall #00 v 189 000. *Jb after the recall for the cradle bolts was completed, the steering failed. Recall #00 v 189 000. There was a class action suit on brakes-consumer's brakes failed after the class action suit.*Mr
Consumers son was in operation of the vehicle when suddenly all steering was lost. The vehicle was towed and it was explained that the frame had separated from the chassis and had dropped, disengaging the steering assembly. The cause was the cradle bolts had pulled through the retainers due to corrosion. Buick sent consumer a recall notice shortly after regarding the same problem. Buick told consumer to send the repair bill to them for reimbursement. Consumer has not heard from them since. *Jg
While applying brakes at 20 mph brake pedal went to the floor ,and vehicle continue on before stopping. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide any further information.*Aki
Rear brake calipers would lock up when brakes were applied. Had brakes replaced twice due to pads wearing excessively. Mechanic indicated cause of problem was master cylinder.*Ak
REAR CALIPERS CONSITANTLY FAILING. *AK
When applying the brakes pedal goes to floor, causing extended stopping distance. Cause unknown. Please give any further details.*Ak
While making a turn heard a loud noise coming from left side of car. Took to dealer, and put on front cradle bolts and washer, but never did rear. Consumer felt like rear has gone bad, and they may loose steering.*Ak
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Consumer was traveling at 65mph on expressway and another vehicle made a sudden u-turn in middle of street, and hit consumer's vehicle from side of car. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. *Ak
Vehicles steering failed suddenly while pulling out of a parking lot, consumer took the vehicle to the dealer to see if it was covered under recall 00v-189 but the dealer was not very cooperative. Nlm
Consumer contacted dealer and the part was on order.*Ak
While driving down the road vehicle was sounding like something was rattling and it was jerking. Also, consumer saw a lot of smoke, then vehicle cut off.*Ak
REAR BRAKES FAILED. YH
While traveling and depressing the brakes vehicle stalled/surged and idled to high rpms. Consumer stated brakes have to be depressed most of traveling. *Ak *ml
Cradle bolts rusted and broken causing frame to come apart, resulting in loss of steering control. Mjs
Front cradle rusted and fell down while driving cauising loss of steerinf ability and loss of control. *Yc
When applying the brakes pedal goes to the floor . Owner has to use the emergency brake to stop. Dealer says nothing wrong with vehicle. Brakes are completely gone again. *Ak
Left rear wheel fell off of vehicle causing loss of control and vehicle collision. (Ohio traffic crash report). Mjs
While driving approximately 20mph frame on vehicle broke. It happened where the cradle bolts are located. The engine dropped & broke the steering shaft. No steering control. The cracks had occurred in the frame. Had vehicle towed to dealer to check. *Ak
Door was forced opened by the force, door latch pulled striker from door pillar and door open leaving the seat belt useless , as a safety restraint, and passanger was ejected and killed. The door mounted design is totally useless on door opening, seatbelts should stay on pelvis, in all accident conditions, g.M installed this design in thousands of vehicles, they should not have been able to put these type of restaint in their vehicles, anybody with any kind of brains should have seen that, their engineers are...
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stupid or they don't care. This type of seat belt restraint system killed my daughter, and there will be many people dying because of this, g.M. Should not have been allowed put this type of restraint in there door.
Not starting (engine tries to start but just won't catch) and stalling while idling. #1 Of 6: took car from home, drove about 15 miles, turned it off for over an hour, drove about 1/10 mile, turned it off for over an hour, wouldn't start. Left it sit for 30 minutes. Started up just fine. #2 Of 6: took car from home, drove about 5 miles, turned it off for 2 hours, drove about 1/2 mile, turned it off for about 15 minutes, wouldn't start. Left it sit for 10 minutes. Started up fine, although I followed...
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procedure for flooded engine. Stopped about 2 blocks again to get gas. Started up fine again. #3 Of 6: took car from home, did a lot of start/stop driving that morning. Later that afternoon drove about 10 miles, turned if off for over an hour, started up fine, drove about 1/2 mile, had to stop at stop light. While idling, stalled out. Wouldn't start for about 10 minutes. At this point I took it to the dealer. The dealer replaced the prom and idle air control valve. #4 Of 6: 2 days after dealer replaced the above, it stalled after filling the gas tank and driving just a short distance. However, unlike all other times it started up within a minute. (It was rainy that evening.) Took back to dealer. He sealed the connections - thought maybe they got wet. #5 Of 6: about 5 weeks later we went on a long trip and all was well until we went to a store and back and then about 30 minutes later it would not start. #6 Of 6: drove home from work (14 miles), stopped for gas about 1 mile from home, filled tank, drove home, left car sit for 45 minutes, drove about 3 miles, left car sit for 1 and 1/4 hours, wouldn't start. Had rained earlier in the day, but the roads were fairly dry. This happened tonight. Tomorrow I will phone the dealer. Does this happen to other regal owners and what has been done to correct it? I am almost scared to drive anymore. Depending where it stalls, this could cause an accident. Might I add that I haven't had any major pro
Buick Regal: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 122 | 3 | F |
| 1993 | 88 | 2 | F |
| 1992 | 147 | 2 | F |
| 1991 | 201 | 7 | F |
| 1990 | 80 | 9 | F |
| 1989 | 107 | 8 | F |
| 1988 | 125 | 11 | F |
| 1987 | 25 | 3 | C |
| 1986 | 13 | 5 | C |
1990 Buick Regal vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Buick Regal | 80 | 9 | F | |
| 1990 Buick Lesabre | 50 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Buick Century | 33 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Buick Reatta | 29 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Buick Electra Park Ave | 20 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1990 Buick Skylark | 19 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Buick Riviera | 17 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 1990 Buick Estate | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
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.
Questions about the 1990 Buick Regal
Does the 1990 Buick Regal have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 1990 Buick Regal: fuel system, gasoline (May 2006); structure (July 2000); structure (April 1997); wheels (June 1995) 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 1990 Buick Regal?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (41), body, doors & structure (8), engine & cooling (6).
How many complaints has the 1990 Buick Regal had?
80 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 27, 1995 and the latest on September 26, 2017. Of these, 7 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 14 injuries and 2 deaths.
Is the 1990 Buick Regal a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 12 out of 100 (grade F: far more 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 1990 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