1990 Buick Regal
Introduction:
The 1990 Buick Regal is a mid-size sedan that was popular for its stylish design and comfortable interior. It was offered with a choice of two engine options: a 3.8L V6 and a 5.0L V8. The 3.8L V6 produced 165 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.0L V8 produced 170 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
People liked the Regal for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and powerful engines. However, it was also known for having some reliability issues.
Engine
3.8L V6
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, rough idle Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
5.0L V8
- Head Gasket Failure: Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, white smoke from exhaust Solution: Replace head gasket Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ Recalls: None Found
Transmission
- 4-Speed Automatic Transmission:
- Slipping Gears: Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear, difficulty shifting Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ Recalls: None Found
Suspension
Front Struts: Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, clunking noises, rough ride Solution: Replace front struts Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+ Recalls: None Found
Rear Shocks: Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, clunking noises, rough ride Solution: Replace rear shocks Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Alternator Failure: Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim headlights, flickering dash lights Solution: Replace alternator Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+ Recalls: None Found
Starter Failure: Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking noises when trying to start Solution: Replace starter Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
Exterior
Window Motors: Description/Symptoms: Windows not working properly, slow or noisy operation Solution: Replace window motor Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found
Door Handles: Description/Symptoms: Door handles breaking or becoming difficult to operate Solution: Replace door handles Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ Recalls: None Found
Interior
Dashboard Cracking: Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard Solution: Replace dashboard Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
Seat Controls: Description/Symptoms: Seat controls not working properly, seats not adjusting properly Solution: Replace seat controls or seat motors Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 1990 Buick Regal had a number of issues, including engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, and interior problems. The most severe and expensive issues were head gasket failure, transmission failure, and intake manifold gasket failure. However, many of the issues were relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Overall, the Regal was a reliable vehicle but it did have some potential problems that buyers should be aware of.