1989 Buick Reatta problems

General information about Buick-Reatta
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Buick Reatta is a low-volume transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive, two-door, two-seater grand tourer manufactured and marketed by Buick as a coupe (1988–1991) and convertible (1990–1991) — both featuring a 3.8 liter V6 engine and shortened version of the GM E platform, shared with the seventh generation Buick Riviera.

As Buick's first two-seater and its first convertible since the 1985 Riviera, the Reatta was manufactured in a highly specialized assembly program at the Reatta Craft Center (later known as the Lansing Craft Center) in Lansing, Michigan—achieving production of over 21,000 units in four years.

Overview

For the Reatta's manufacture at the Reatta Craft Center, specialized teams of workers assembled the car at a series of stations rather than on a conventional assembly line. After a team had completed their portion of the assembly, the car would be moved by robots to the next station. Paintwork was performed on site under subcontract to PPG Industries.

The Reatta used GM's transverse "Buick 3800" V6 with 165–170 hp (123–127 kW) and 210–220 lb·ft (285–298 N·m) of torque with the highest output in the last year of production. The car used a fully independent suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS, and front wheel drive. Top speed was electronically limited to 125 mph (201 km/h). The Reatta was rated at 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) in the city and 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) on the highway.

Intended as a halo car for Buick, production was projected at 20,000 Reattas annually, and was available while the Cadillac Allanté and Pontiac Fiero were also available. GM announced the end of production in early 1991.

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Common 1989 Buick Reatta problems

The 1989 Buick Reatta is a car that has been praised for its smooth ride and reliability, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. One of the most frequently reported issues is with the electric system, particularly the Electronic Control Center (ECC) panel. This panel, which controls various functions such as climate control and sound system, has been known to go blank, causing the driver to lose control over these systems.

Another common problem with the 1989 Buick Reatta is with the power brake system. One owner reported having to replace the power brake elements of the brake system at 112,000 miles, which cost them $1,335 due to the lack of schematics available to non-GM service centers.

The car's radio is also a common problem area. One owner reported that the radio does not work in their 1989 Reatta, and they have been unable to diagnose the issue due to the complexity of the car's electrical system and the numerous relays involved.

The seat controls are another area where problems have been reported. While some sources claim that the wiring for the seat controls gets brittle and breaks, particularly in the 88 & 89 models, others claim that all years of the Reatta have standard seat controls on the door, with additional controls on the side of the seat for cars with the 16-way seat option.

Parts availability is also a concern for Reatta owners. One owner reported that parts are becoming more and more difficult to get, making repairs more challenging and expensive.

Overall, while the 1989 Buick Reatta is a reliable and enjoyable car to drive, it is not without its common problems. The electric system, power brake system, radio, seat controls, and parts availability are all areas where owners have reported issues. However, many owners still love and appreciate their Reattas, and are committed to keeping them on the road for as long as possible.

Is the 1989 Buick Reatta reliable?

Reliable for its age

The brakes are wearing out a bit but that is just normal wear and tear. Overall, i enjoy the car other than the 12 miles per gallon, which is the only bad thing about this car. Rating breakdown (out of 5):

How many 1989 Buick Reatta were made?

7,009

Production

Year	4EC97 Coupe	Total
1988	4,708	4,708
1989	7,009	7,009
1990	6,383	8,515
1991	1,214	1,519

How much horsepower does a 1989 Reatta have?

It produced 165 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque (later in production, it made 170 horsepower and 220 lb-ft) providing a competitive zero-to-60-mph time of 9.0 seconds flat.

What is the value of a Buick Reatta?

The value of a used 1991 Buick Reatta ranges from $1,784 to $10,203, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

Is the 1989 Buick Reatta reliable?

Reliable for its age

What engine is in a 1989 Buick Reatta?

1989 Buick REATTA (3.8L 6 -cyl Engine Code [C] LN3 C) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.

Is the Buick Reatta FWD or RWD?

Was the Buick Reatta hand built?

In fact, when the last Reatta was assembled on May 14, 1991, a total of less than 20,800 units were sold over the model's four-year run. Coupled with the low sales, the hand-crafted production process was expensive and difficult.

1989 Buick Reatta car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Reatta problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Exterior lighting problems
Visibility problems
Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Buick Reatta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Buick Reatta complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Buick Reatta.

2000-12-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-09-10
VIN: 1G4EC11C7KB
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE ABS BRAKES ON BUICK REATTA. *AK

Add Complaint

2000-07-18

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-09-01
VIN: 1G4EC11C5KB
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: I HAVE HAD CONSTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES OF MY REATTA. THE BRAKES TOTALLY FAILED WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER ($1200) THEN THE ACCUMALATER ALONG WITH SEVERAL TRIPS TO MY MECHANIC BECAUSE THE BRAKES WILL STILL GO TO THE FLOOR IF PRESSED HARD OR AT A STOP. IF I DIDN'T LIKE THE CAR SO MUCH I'D SELL BECAUSE THE BRAKES ARE DEFINITLY NOT UP TO PAR. WHEN I GO THE THE REATTA CLUB PAGE IT SEEMS EVERY ONE HAS SIMILAR PROBLEMS. PEASE TRY TO MAKE BUICK FIX THIS PROBLEM. *AK

Add Complaint

2000-07-10

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: IGEC11C4KB9
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: PLEASE ADVISE IF GENERAL MOTORS HAS HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS MATTER ...I FEEL THERE SHOULD SOME TYPE OF REFUND REASON BEING I DID HAVE ONE BOLT BACK ON THE FRONT BRACKET WHICH IN TURN COULD HAVE BODILY INJURY TO MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE.*AK

Add Complaint

2000-06-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1G4EC11C4KB
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: I HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL OTHER REATTA OWNERS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. THE BRAKING SYSTEM HAS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING ON SEVERAL REATTAS, AND I AM AFRAID OF THIS HAPPENING TO MY CAR WHILE IT IS BEING DRIVEN. BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AFFECTED, I BELIEVE THIS IS WORTH AN INVESTIGATION. *AK

Add Complaint

2000-05-20

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1G4EC11C3KB
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS ON THIS CAR, THE BRAKES DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, , ALL COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND MANY REPLACED AT COST OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, AND TO THIS DAY THE PROBLEMS STILL EXIST, NOT ONE MECHANIC CAN FIGURE OUT WHY. I KNOW OF SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS. *AK

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2000-03-04

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-02-01
VIN: 1G4EC11C8KB
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: REPAIR:RETIRED G.M. MECHANIC TRIED FOR 1 MONTH TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX PROBLEM. HE GAVE UP! I TOOK CAR TO G. M. BUICK DEALER WHO REPORTED "BAD ACCUMULATOR" BUT DIDN'T PERFORM CORRECT PROCEDURE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM.ABS ACCUMULATOR REPLACED BUT DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM!*AK

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1998-11-12

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-09-23
VIN: 1G4EC11C6KB
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: THE METAL SUPPORTING THE SUNROOF IS DETERIORATING & COMING APART, CAUSING THE SUN ROOF HEAD LINING TO DROP DOWN. *AK

Add Complaint

1995-10-09

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-06-12
Number Of Injuries: 2
Crash: 1
VIN: 1G4EC11C4KB
Components: TIRES
Summary: GOODYEAR TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *SD

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1995-06-22

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-06-09
VIN: 1G4EC11C7KB
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: THE ABS VALVE BLOCK MADE THE CAR PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE DRIVER HIT THE BRAKES. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

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1995-04-28

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-04-27
VIN: 1G4EC11C6KB
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: HEADLIGHTS DO NOT OPERATE; WHILE DRIVING, LIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT; CAUSE UNKNOWN; REPAIR EFFORTS MADE BY DEALER; DROVE HOME WITH PARKING LIGHTS ONLY. TT

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1994-12-26

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-11-10
VIN: 1G4EC11C2KB
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: HEADLIGHT DOOR FLAPS FAILED TO OPEN, IMPAIRING VISIBILITY AT NIGHT/DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. *AK

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1989 Buick Reatta recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Buick Reatta.

2006-05-19

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN 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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

1989-04-05

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
Summary: LEFT FRONT BRAKE PIPE MAY CONTACT THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.
Consequence: BRAKE LINE COULD WEAR THROUGH CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKEFLUID AND PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY; THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLECRASH.
Remedy: REPLACE LEFT FRONT BRAKE PIPE ASSEMBLY.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Buick Reatta problems:

1989 Buick reatta problems? - Buick Reatta - Antique Automobile ...

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/187692-1989-buick-reatta-problems/

Feb 14, 2012 ... The two most common parts to go bad in the '88-89 Reattas is the headlight switch module and the CRT/touch screen. Headlight switches are the ...

Buick Reatta - Thoughts and Opinions? | V8buick.com

http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/buick-reatta-thoughts-and-opinions.97147/

mostly just problems with electrical stuff. i've heard they handle well at speed but have a too short turning radius and are hard to park in tight spots. all ...

I'm Buying! Is the Reatta reliable? - Buick Reatta - Antique ...

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/6841-im-buying-is-the-reatta-reliable/

Jun 26, 2000 ... The Reatta only parts are the problem. Body, Trim, ect. Area of concern are the electrical system and many owners are have major brake problems.

Buick Reatta Questions - Electrical Problem - CarGurus

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t27463_ds434042

May 10, 2008 ... This is a very common problem with the digital dash. ... 1990 Buick reatta dash problem 2 Answers. Hello ... 1989 Buick Reatta: Brakes do not ...