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1985 Buick Regal: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1985 Buick Regal, most recently filed January 1988. Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Recalls 8campaigns 2 structure · 1 lighting · 1 vehicle speed control Source: NHTSA Complaints 9filed Owner reports, 1982–1991 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 23mpg combined $2,840/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 4.3 L 6-cyl· 3-speed automatic 8 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (8)

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1985 Buick Regal. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 1985 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 88V014000 Filed Jan 8, 1988

LIGHTING:SWITCH:BUTTON:RING:HEAD LIGHTS

Exterior lighting · headlights · switch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
UNDER EXTENDED HEADLAMP USAGE, CIRCUITRY IN THE HEADLAMP SWITCH PANEL MIGHT EXPERIENCE INCREASED RESISTANCE AND EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP.
Consequence
HEADLIGHTS WOULD CYCLE ON AND OFF. SUDDEN LOSS OFHEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTIMER DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD RESULTIN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH MODIFIED SWITCH.
Repair progress not yet reported179,390 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 88V014000
Listed for 1985 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 87V124000 Filed Aug 10, 1987

STRUCTURE:FRAME:MEMBERS AND BODY:OTHER PARTS

Structure
Official NHTSA text
Summary
SMALL CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE BODY PILLAR AROUND THE DOOR STRIKER BOLT HOLE.
Consequence
CRACKS WOULD INCREASE LEADING TO DIFFICULTY IN CLOSINGTHE DOOR AND MIGHT ALLOW DOOR TO COME OPEN DURING A CRASH, INCREASINGLIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.
Remedy
INSTALL INNER AND OUTER REINFORCEMENT PLATE ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BODY PILLARS.
Repair progress not yet reported261,171 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 87V124000
Listed for 1985 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 86V030000 Filed Feb 21, 1986

FUEL:THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL RETURN SPRING

Vehicle speed control · springs
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL PREVENTING THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED (IDLE) POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT DECREASE AND LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
REPLACE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING.
Repair progress not yet reported135,623 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 86V030000
Listed for 1985 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 85V114000 Filed Sep 19, 1985

EQUIPMENT:CERTIFICATION LABEL

Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THE CERTIFICATION LABEL LOCATED ON THE LEFT FRONT DOOR DID NOT INCLUDE A REQUIRED FEDERAL CERTIFICATION STATEMENT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 567.
Remedy
LABELS CONTAINING CORRECT INFORMATION ARE BEING MAILED AND SHOULD BE INSTALLED ON THE LEFT FRONT DOOR.
Repair progress not yet reported6,735 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 85V114000
Listed for 1985 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 85V049000 Filed Apr 29, 1985

STRUCTURE:BUMPER ASSEMBLY:BUMPER:MAIN BODY

Structure · body · bumpers
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THE REAR BUMPER MAY FRACTURE DURING A REAR END COLLISION, PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK, AND CAUSE A FUEL LEAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A FUEL LEAK CREATES THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE WHICH COULD RESULT IN BURN INJURIES TO PERSONS IN OR NEAR THE CAR.
Remedy
REPLACE THE REAR BUMPER BRACKETS AND THE "L" SHAPED REINFORCEMENT WITH A "U" SHAPED FULL REINFORCEMENT.
Repair progress not yet reported196,939 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 85V049000
Listed for 1985 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 85V047000 Filed Apr 26, 1985

VISUAL SYSTEMS:GLASS:WINDSHIELD

Visibility · windshield
Official NHTSA text
Summary
A LOSS OF BONDING ADHESION BETWEEN THE PAINT AND THE WINDSHIELD OPENING AREA COULD ALLOW THE WINDSHIELD TO SEPARATE DURING A 30 MILE PER HOUR FRONTAL BARRIER TEST REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212, WINDSHIELD RETENTION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: WINDSHIELD SEPARATION DURING AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT IN AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT BEING EJECTED FROM THE CAR AND SEVERLY INJURED.
Remedy
REMOVE AND REINSTALL WINDSHIELD IF A LACK OF PAINT BONDING IS EVIDENT.
Repair progress not yet reported20 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 85V047000
Listed for 1985 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 84V154000 Filed Nov 27, 1984

INTERIOR SYSTEMS:ACTIVE RESTRAINTS:BELT RETRACTORS

Seat belts · front · retractor
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS WHICH MAY NOT PERFORM ADEQUATELY DURING A COLLISION.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FREE OF CHARGE.
Repair progress not yet reported19 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 84V154000
Listed for 1985 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 84V124000 Filed Oct 10, 1984

STEERING:LINKAGES:SLEEVE:TIE ROD:ADJUSTABLE

Steering · linkages · tie rod assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THE TIE RODS ARE PART OF THE STEERING LINKAGE AND TRANSMIT TURNING MOVEMENTS TO THE WHEELS. THE BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE TIE RODS TO THEIR ADJUSTERS MAY NOT BE TIGHT ENOUGH. THIS COULD ALLOW THE TIE ROD TO LOOSEN AND DETACH ITSELF FROM THE ADJUSTER.
Remedy
THE TIE ROD END BOLTS WILL BE TIGHTENED WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER.
Repair progress not yet reported10,359 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 84V124000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Regal years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Buick RegalAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (9)

9 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine and engine cooling is mentioned most often.

1involved a crash
0involved a fire
0injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1985 Buick Regal, by component (top 5). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 9.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 1985 compares with other Regal years

Best and worst Regal years →
1 4 6 9 12 25 123 106 77 200
1982198319841985198619871988198919901991
This year (1985)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 23 mpg combined

23
mpg combined
20
city
29
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$4,150
CO₂ tailpipe
443 g/mi
EPA class
Midsize Cars

What it costs you to run

$2,840per year
$237per month
652gallons a year

Miles ÷ 23 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

1985 Buick Regal configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
4.3 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 23$4,150443
5.7 L 8-cyl · 3-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21$4,550485
3.8 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19$3,550468
4.3 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19$3,550468
4.3 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19$3,550468
3.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18$4,550494
4.3 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18$3,700494
3.8 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700494

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 1985 Regal for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Regal years

Where to next

Which Regal years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →1986 Buick Regal report12 complaints · 4 campaigns →1984 Buick Regal report6 complaints · 4 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

1985 Buick Regal FAQ

How many recalls does the 1985 Buick Regal have?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns: 88V014000 (lighting), 87V124000 (structure), 86V030000 (vehicle speed control), 85V114000 (equipment), 85V049000 (structure), 85V047000 (visibility), 84V154000 (seat belt), 84V124000 (steering). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 1985 Buick Regal problems?

Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling (3), Service brakes (3), Electrical system (1) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 1985 Buick Regal get?

EPA rates the 4.3 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automatic version at 20 city, 29 highway and 23 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 1985 Regal compare with other years?

Among the 1982–1991 Buick Regal model years at least five years old, the 1982 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 1991 the most (200). The 1985 drew 9. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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