1983 Buick Regal recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE MASTER CYLINDER REAR BRAKE PIPE, WHICH CARRIES BRAKE FLUID TO THE REAR BRAKES, MAY DEVELOP A LEAK DUE TO EXTENDED CHAFING ON THE AIR CLEANER RESONATOR BRACKET.
What could happen:
The fix: IF UPON INSPECTION THE DEALER FINDS THAT THERE IS INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE PIPE WILL BE REFORMED TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY THREE QUARTER INCH SPACE. ONLY THOSE PIPES SHOWING SIGNS OF WEAR WILL BE REPLACED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1983 REGAL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 83V106000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: THE MASTER CYLINDER REAR BRAKE PIPE, WHICH CARRIES BRAKE FLUID TO THE REAR BRAKES, MAY DEVELOP A LEAK DUE TO EXTENDED CHAFING ON THE AIR CLEANER RESONATOR BRACKET.
Consequence:
Remedy: IF UPON INSPECTION THE DEALER FINDS THAT THERE IS INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE PIPE WILL BE REFORMED TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY THREE QUARTER INCH SPACE. ONLY THOSE PIPES SHOWING SIGNS OF WEAR WILL BE REPLACED.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.7LITER DIESEL ENGINES.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; MASTER CYLINDER, REAR BRAKE PIPE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKINGACTION AT THE REAR WHEELS. LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT COULDRESULT, PARTICULARLY IN SITUATIONS WHERE MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1983 Buick Regal owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seat belts (1), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1), Engine (1), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
02/03/2003 · Seat belts
LETTER FROM CAROLYN GREEN. THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE NO LONGER FASTENED.*JB
05/11/2001 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
10/16/1996 · Engine · fire
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
05/29/1996 · Brakes
FAILURE OF THE REAR BRAKE LINE PIPE WHICH CARRIES BRAKE FLUID, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE RESULTED IN LOSS OF BRAKES RECALL 83V106000. *AK