1992 Buick Regal recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. INCORRECT CLEAR FRONT SIDE MARKER BULBS WERE INSTALLED RATHER THAN AMBER BULBS. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
What could happen: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: DURING ILLUMINATION, THE BULBS WILL SHOW CLEAR RATHER THAN AMBER AND COULD MOMENTARILY CONFUSE OTHER DRIVERS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLEAR BULBS WITH THE CORRECT AMBER BULBS.
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 1992 REGAL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V152000.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: INCORRECT CLEAR FRONT SIDE MARKER BULBS WERE INSTALLED RATHER THAN AMBER BULBS. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: DURING ILLUMINATION, THE BULBS WILL SHOW CLEAR RATHER THAN AMBER AND COULD MOMENTARILY CONFUSE OTHER DRIVERS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLEAR BULBS WITH THE CORRECT AMBER BULBS.
Notes: SYSTEM: LIGHTING; LAMP; SIDE MARKER LIGHTS; FMVSS NO. 108. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THE VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
2. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. THE REVERSE SERVO APPLY PIN MAY BIND IN THE CASE WHICH COULD CAUSE REVERSE BAND DISTRESS (LOSS OR SLIPPING OF REVERSE), REVERSE BAND DRAG IN DRIVE RANGE (POOR PERFORMANCE -- POOR POWER), OR THE TRANSMISSION TO REMAIN IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL GEAR POSITION.
What could happen: IF THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFTINDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AND RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE WHERE REQUIRED.
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 1992 REGAL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V214000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: THE REVERSE SERVO APPLY PIN MAY BIND IN THE CASE WHICH COULD CAUSE REVERSE BAND DISTRESS (LOSS OR SLIPPING OF REVERSE), REVERSE BAND DRAG IN DRIVE RANGE (POOR PERFORMANCE -- POOR POWER), OR THE TRANSMISSION TO REMAIN IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL GEAR POSITION.
Consequence: IF THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFTINDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AND RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE WHERE REQUIRED.
Notes: SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION SHIFT INDICATOR.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1992 "A" AND "W" BODY PASSENGER CARS WITH 4-SPEEDAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1992 Buick Regal owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (62), Hydraulic (62), Seat belts (31), Transmission / drivetrain (19), Electrical system (14).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
07/11/2016 · Engine
FUEL LEAK FROM THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL SUPPLY LINE HAD A PIN HOLE SPRAYING FUEL ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE.
04/26/2011 · Electrical system
1992 BUICK REGAL, EVERYTIME I OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, IT BURNS THE FUSE FOR THE COURTESY LIGHTS, RADIO, CASSETTE PLAYER, ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS. I AM AFRAID IT MIGHT BURN THE CAR. *TR
03/07/2009 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WON'T ROLL DOWN. *TR
10/04/2006 · Seat belts · crash
TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON FRONT SEAT BELT OF BUICK REGAL 92 DUE TO FACTS ONE -MINE BROKE DURING ACCIDENT FACT TWO -THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT DIDN'T LOCK LIKE SUPPOSE TO. *NM
07/27/2006 · Brakes
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR REPAIRS BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO REBUILT BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THERE IS A RECALL #91V214000 PERTAINING TO POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT VIN WAS INCL…
06/04/2004 · Body / structure
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ON A HOIST FOR A TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT THE SUB FRAME FELL DOWN. THE SUB FRAME WAS NOT WELDED PROPERLY AT THE FACTORY. DEALER HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM, AND CLAIMS THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE.*AK
01/20/2004 · Transmission / drivetrain
UPON ACCELERATION TRANSMISSION FAILS TO REENGAGE IN FIRST GEAR WHEN VEHICLE DOES NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.*AK
12/24/2003 · Transmission / drivetrain
TRANSMISSION DIP-STICK IS TOO LONG AND CAUSES A FALSE READING OF FLUID LEVEL! HENCE, WHEN FLUID IS 1 QT.(+/-) LOW DIP-STICK SHOWS FULL, EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE WILL NOT ENGAGE IN GEAR. MANY OWNERS HAVE TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR REPAIR WHEN ALL IS NEEDED IS ADDITIONAL FLUID. THIS CAUSES UNNESSARY COSTS (EXPENSIVE, ETC.) WHICH MOST SHOPS WILL CHARGE FOR AS…