1990 Buick Reatta

The 1990 Buick Reatta is a luxury coupe that was produced for a single generation from 1988 to 1991. It is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 165 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, and it is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Reatta was praised for its stylish design and comfortable interior, but it was criticized for its lack of performance and relatively high price.

Engine

3.8-Liter V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold gasket, engine overheating
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the head gasket, engine overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattle or ticking noise from the engine, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or not shifting properly, check engine light illuminated
  • Solution: Replace transmission solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Fluid Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from the transmission pan or lines, low transmission fluid level
  • Solution: Fix leak and refill transmission fluid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from the front suspension, reduced handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mount
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from the front suspension, reduced handling
  • Solution: Replace ball joint
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from the front suspension, reduced handling
  • Solution: Replace sway bar link
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim headlights, electrical system problems
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking noise from starter
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, electrical system problems
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not working properly, headlight motors making noise
  • Solution: Replace headlight motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiper Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Wipers not working properly, wiper motor making noise
  • Solution: Replace wiper motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Seat Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seat not working properly
  • Solution: Repair or replace power seat motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: AC or heater not working properly
  • Solution: Repair or replace climate control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Panel Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly, warning lights not illuminating
  • Solution: Repair or replace instrument panel
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Buick Reatta is a stylish and comfortable luxury coupe, but it is known for having several common issues. The most significant issues include intake manifold gasket failure, head gasket failure, and transmission solenoid failure. These issues can be expensive to repair, and they can also lead to more serious problems if they are not addressed promptly. Overall, the Reatta is a reliable vehicle, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues that it may have so that you can budget for repairs and maintenance.