Recalls
8campaigns
3 seat belt · 2 structure · 2 wheel
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
77filed
Owner reports, 1986–1995 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
20mpg combined
$3,266/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
3.1 L 6-cyl· 4-speed automatic
2 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (8)
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1990 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 1990 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
GM/CRADLE BOLTS
Structure
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
Repair progress not yet reported713,435 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 00V189000
Listed for 1990 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
GM/REAR CRADLE BOLTS
Structure
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
Repair progress not yet reported676,535 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 97V058000
Listed for 1990 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
WHEELS
Wheels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported22,361 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 95V115000
Listed for 1990 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
WHEELS
Wheels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported198,163 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 94V041000
Listed for 1990 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
INTERIOR SYSTEMS:PASSIVE RESTRAINT:BELTS
Seat belts
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- FRONT SHOULDER SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY SEPARATE AT FRONT BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FRONT SEAT.
- Consequence
- WEBBING SEPARATION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANDINCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO BELTED FRONT OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A HIGH ENERGYCRASH.
- Remedy
- INSTALL A CONTROLLED ROTATION BRACKET ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT GUIDE LOOPS.
Repair progress not yet reported412,792 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 91V005000
Listed for 1990 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
LIGHTING:SWITCH:BUTTON:RING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH.
Repair progress not yet reported476,422 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 90V185000
Listed for 1990 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
INTERIOR SYSTEMS:SHOULDER BELTS
Seat belts · front · webbing
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- OWNERS MANUALS DID NOT FULLY EXPLAIN HOW FRONT SHOULDER BELT COMFORT FEATURE WORKS.
- Consequence
- CARS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 208, AND INCORRECT USE OF SAFETY RESTRAINTS COULD LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS IF AN ACCIDENTSHOULD OCCUR.
- Remedy
- INSERT STICKER THAT PROVIDES MISSING INFORMATION IN OWNERS MANUALS.
Repair progress not yet reported51,834 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 90V112000
Listed for 1990 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
INTERIOR SYSTEMS:PASSIVE RESTRAINT:BELTS
Seat belts
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- REPLACE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT NUTS AND INSTALL NEW GUIDE COVER.
Repair progress not yet reported673,000 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 90V054000
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.
Owner complaints (77)
77 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The service brakes is mentioned most often.
7involved a crash
1involved a fire
11injuries reported
1deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 77 |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 43 | 55.8% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 | 7.8% |
| Structure | 6 | 7.8% |
| Suspension | 6 | 7.8% |
| Electrical system | 4 | 5.2% |
| Wheels | 4 | 5.2% |
| Fuel system | 3 | 3.9% |
| Power train | 3 | 3.9% |
| Seat belts | 3 | 3.9% |
| Air bags | 2 | 2.6% |
How 1990 compares with other Regal years
Best and worst Regal years →198612
198725
1988123
1989106
199077
1991200
1992144
199385
1994110
1995173
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 12 | 4 |
| 1987 | 25 | 2 |
| 1988 | 123 | 10 |
| 1989 | 106 | 7 |
| 1990 | 77 | 8 |
| 1991 | 200 | 6 |
| 1992 | 144 | 2 |
| 1993 | 85 | 2 |
| 1994 | 110 | 3 |
| 1995 | 173 | 8 |
This year (1990)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 20 mpg combined
20
mpg combined
17
city
27
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,350
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 444 g/mi
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
What it costs you to run
$3,266per year
$272per month
750gallons a year
Miles ÷ 20 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
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 27 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | $3,550 | 468 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 1990 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.
Where to next
1990 Buick Regal FAQ
How many recalls does the 1990 Buick Regal have?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns: 00V189000 (structure), 97V058000 (structure), 95V115000 (wheel), 94V041000 (wheel), 91V005000 (seat belt), 90V185000 (brake), 90V112000 (seat belt), 90V054000 (seat belt). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 1990 Buick Regal problems?
Owners filed 77 complaints with NHTSA. Service brakes (43), Engine and engine cooling (6), Structure (6) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 1990 Buick Regal get?
EPA rates the 3.1 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 17 city, 27 highway and 20 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 1990 Regal compare with other years?
Among the 1986–1995 Buick Regal model years at least five years old, the 1986 drew the fewest complaints (12) and the 1991 the most (200). The 1990 drew 77. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
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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