1G4GJ1174HP4408331987 BUICK Regal
1987 BUICK Regal was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 27 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
1987 BUICK Regal
1987 BUICK Regal was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 27 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 2 injuries reported across 27 owner complaints
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
27 owner complaints filed — top areas: Brakes (63%), Safety Systems (15%), Suspension/Wheels (7%). 3 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- BUICK
- Model
- Regal
- Year
- 1987
- Body Style
- Coupe
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 6-cyl 3.8L
- Doors
- 2
- Manufacturer
- GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Assembly
- PONTIAC, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: PONTIAC, MICHIGAN
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 1987 BUICK Regal report brakes issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1987 BUICK Regal report safety systems issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
3 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~66%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
BUICK completes recalls at a fair rate (87%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SummaryCERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SummaryA SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
SummaryMANUAL VALVE LINK IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
2 injuries reported across 27 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
27 complaints analyzed across 6 system categories
Service Brakes leads owner complaints (63%), most reported when the vehicle was 7–9 yrs old. Also common: Hydraulic (59%), Seat Belts (15%).
Based on 20 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (0) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME27 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
BRAKES AT TIMES TAKE EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO STOP CAR. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND WILL THEN WORK NORMAL AGAIN. THIS IS A TURBO REGAL EQUIPPED WITH A POWER MASTER BRAKE SYSTEM UNIQUE TO THESE CARS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE CARS AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AS IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO HAVE A BRAKE SYSTEM THAT CAN FAIL WITHOUT ANY WARNING. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE BRAKES BECAME EXTREMELY RESISTANT AND DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE MASTER BRAKE SYSTEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT HAD THE MASTER BRAKE SYSTEM REPLACED THREE TIMES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
HI, THERE WAS NO INCIDENT, BUT I DID CALLED GM ABOUT THE FOLLOWING AND THEIR RESPONSES, THERE WAS NO "U.S. POWERMASTER RECALL" ON MY VEHICLE. CAN YOU PLEASE RESEARCH THIS LINK (HTTP://WWW.GNTTYPE.ORG/TECHAREA/BRAKES/USRECALL.HTML) AND SEE IF MY VIN # I ADDED IS INCLUDED IN THE POWERMASTER RECALL? THANK YOU *TR
HUB CAPS DISLODGE FROM WHEELS. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT RESPOND TO MY CORRESPONDENCE FOR ASSISTANCE. I HAVE PHOTOS AND CORRESPONDENCE. *NM
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE QUARTER PANEL. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. HE DID NOT FILE A POLICE REPORT. AFTERWARDS, HE NOTICED THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE DISENGAGED THE SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK UPDATED 12/27/2005 - *NM
VEHICLE RECALL UNDER UNITED STATES POWERMASTER RECALL CAMPAIGNE: POWER MASTER BRAKE SYSTEM/FAULTY PRESSURE SWITCH 86-C-15 GENERAL MOTORS RECALL BUICK CLAIM INFORMATION 1987 REGAL TURBO COUPE HP400001 HP 465289. WE HAVE CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS BUICK DIVISION GAIL REINKE PHONE 866-834-3547 SHE IS ON NOTICE OF THE PROBLEM THE RECALL AND MY SAFETY CONCERNS. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN MY OPINION AT ANY SPEED. BOTH BUICK AND GENERAL MOTORS ARE AWARE OF THE RECALL, HAVE HAD OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND HAVE DENIED UP TO THIS POINT REPAIRING THE RECALL DEFECT. DT
DUE TO BRAKE PROBLEMS IT IS HARD TO STOP FOR VEHICLE. *AK
CONSUMER STATES THAT THEIR IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE BRAKES, BECAUSE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLYED THEY WILL LOCK UP. THIS WILL HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY. THEIR IS A RECALL BUT THE DEALSHIP IS SAYING HIS VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL DUE VIN#. NLM
NOTIFIED 2 RECALLS, SHORE BUICK WHO CHANGED THE PARTS. NEVER NOTIFIED OF 3RD RECALL (MASTER CYLINDER) GM WILL NOT REPAIR DUE TO THE 8 YEAR WINDOW TO RESPOND. I CAN NOT DRIVE CAR IN THIS CONDITION HAZARDOUS TO MYSELF AND ALL OTHER DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS. SCC *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*759895
BRAKES ARE HARD TO PUSH. HA STO STAND ON THE PEDAL TO GET IT TO STOP. *AK
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH, AND WHEN HE WENT TO APPLY BRAKES THEY DIDN'T WORK AT ALL. IT HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
IN CHECKING YOUR DATA BASE THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 100 FAILURES, BUT NO RECORD OF AN INVESTIGATION. THE POWER MASTER SYSTEM WAS USED ONLY ON LIMITED MODELS SO THE INCIDENCE OF FAILURE IS VERY HIGH. THIS IS A FAILURE THAT LEAVES THE DRIVER WITH LITTLE OR NO BREAKING ABILITY. I AM DISAPOINTED THAT NHTSA HAS REFUSED TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS.
IN AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, PEDAL DOES NOT MOVE AND MORE STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED. THIS HAPPENS ON ANY TYPE OF ROAD SURFACE AT ANY SPEED. A /MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON AND SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AND/OR WILL HESITATE ON THE FREEWAY. VEHICLE TAKEN TO MECHANIC, ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE, BUT PROBLEM REMAINS UNCORRECTED. *AK *ML
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH SEAT BELT BUCKLE. SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
A FUSE BLOWS UNEXPECTEDLY, WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE HAS NO BREAKING POWER.
FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER/LAP BELT LOCKS UP, TRAPPING OCCUPANT INSIDE VEHICLE, RELEASE BUTTON JAMS; DEALER LUBRICATED BUCKLE, REPLACED WITH REAR BELT, STILL HAS PROBLEM. *AK
ENGINE STALLED IN TRAFFIC.
POWER BRAKES REPLACED.
THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN PASSENGER IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN PASSENGER IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
TRAILING ARM AND BUSHING IN VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING. TT
POWER BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER HAS FAILED, EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING. TT
VACUUM ASSIST WHICH CONTROLS BRAKES AND POWER STEERING FAILED, LOSS OF BRAKES AND STEERING. TT
VACUUM ASSIST WHICH CONTROLS BRAKES AND POWER STEERING FAILED, LOSS OF BRAKES AND STEERING. TT
THE BRAKE PEDAL FREEZES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
ABS MASTER CYLINDER/BRAKE ACCUMULATOR/PRESSURE SWITCH/BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED. *SKD
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 27 total NHTSA complaints filed over 12 years, with the worst year being 1995 (5 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 90/100 in 1996.
Notably, despite 27 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (1996, 2005) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $40,114 (~$669/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 1987 BUICK Regal — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1G4GJ1174HP440833 |
| Model Year | 1987 |
| Make | BUICK |
| Model | Regal |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.8 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS LLC |
| Assembly City | PONTIAC |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1G4 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 4 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | H |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | P |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 440833 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 3 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 27 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/2/2026, 5:06:37 AM.