1991 Buick Reatta problems
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 1991 Buick Reatta problems
The Buick Reatta, produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, was known for its innovative features, such as an all-digital dashboard and one of the first LCD touchscreens in a production car
. However, these advanced systems were not without their issues.
One of the most common problems with the Buick Reatta's digital dash is the power supply, which was known for having "bugs" and even being considered defective by some buyers.
Another electrical problem reported by Reatta owners is the AC inverter for the illumination, which can overheat and eventually die.
In addition to these electrical issues, the Reatta has been reported to have problems with the windshield wipers, rear hatch, and shifting in cold or wet conditions
In summary, the Buick Reatta, while innovative for its time, suffered from various electrical and mechanical issues that affected its reliability and overall driving experience. These problems include issues with the digital dash, AC inverter, windshield wipers, rear hatch, shifting, and the BCM. While some of these issues can be addressed with creative solutions, others may require professional assistance, and potential buyers should be aware of these problems when considering a Reatta for purchase.
How much is a 1991 Buick Reatta worth?
$1,784 to $10,203
The value of a used 1991 Buick Reatta ranges from $1,784 to $10,203, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
How many 1991 Buick Reatta were made?
Production
| Year | 4EC97 Coupe | 4EC67 Convertible |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 4,708 | 0 |
| 1989 | 7,009 | 0 |
| 1990 | 6,383 | 2,132 |
| 1991 | 1,214 | 305 |
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.
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 much is a 1991 Buick Reatta worth?
$1,784 to $10,203
The value of a used 1991 Buick Reatta ranges from $1,784 to $10,203, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
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 1991 Buick Reatta were made?
Production
| Year | 4EC97 Coupe | 4EC67 Convertible |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 4,708 | 0 |
| 1989 | 7,009 | 0 |
| 1990 | 6,383 | 2,132 |
| 1991 | 1,214 | 305 |
Is the Buick Reatta FWD or RWD?
The front-wheel drive Reatta was powered by GM's 3.8L V-6 engine and assisted by a four-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle was equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock brakes. The original Reatta was introduced as a coupe with the convertible arriving in the 1990 model year.
1991 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
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Buick Reatta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Buick Reatta complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Buick Reatta.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-20
- VIN: 1G4EC13C7LB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 BUICK REATTA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-15
- VIN: 1G4EC33CXLB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH CAR SUDDENLY JUMPED TWO LANES TO LEFT, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL. DEALER FELT THAT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS A ROTTED OUT. THERE IS RECALL 00V189000/ ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS FAILURE ON BUICK, REGAL 1990. *AK THERE WAS DAMAGE TO RIGHT SUSPENSION DUE TO A ROTTED OUT ENGINE CRADLE, RIGHT DRIVE AXLE AND DRIVE BELT. *YH
Positive 1991 Buick Reatta car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Buick Reatta problems:
I'm Buying! Is the Reatta reliable? - Buick Reatta - Antique ...
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 - Thoughts and Opinions? | V8buick.com
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 ...
1989 Buick reatta problems? - Buick Reatta - Antique Automobile ...
Feb 14, 2012 ... That can lead to very many issues with lights cruise and hazards. It's a common problem on all gm headlights switches. Mine was fried when I got ...
Buick Reatta Questions - Electrical Problem - CarGurus
May 10, 2008 ... This is a very common problem with the digital dash. ... 1990 Buick reatta dash problem 2 Answers. Hello ... 1991 Buick Reatta Coupe FWD For Sale. 2 ...
Strange electical issues - Reatta Owners Journal Forum - Reatta ...
Dec 2, 2017 ... I continue to have electrical problems with my somewhat pristine 1991 coupe. I may have a couple more ground points to repair, but I am also ...
Other years of Buick Reatta
Are you having problems with your 1991 Buick Reatta?
D'angelo Von 2024-11-24
Great birthday present! It sounds like you're having a lot of fun driving it. The acceleration seems decent and the handling is excellent. It's great to hear that you're getting lots of looks and positive comments when you're out and about. Even though it's a manual process, it's easy to drop the top. It's good to know that you've had the pop-up headlights repaired, and the power window on the driver's side just needs a replacement. Currently, she has 54k miles on her.
Juvenal Effertz 2024-11-06
You have a really nice car! It sounds like it's a lot of fun to drive, especially with that 165hp 3.8L V6 and 210lb torque. Overall, it seems like a really enjoyable car to have.
Alejandrin Waelchi 2024-10-01
I've owned my convertible for three years now and it's been an absolute joy to drive. It's incredibly comfortable and spacious, with a generously sized trunk. Plus, it's fully loaded with all the latest features. I was looking for a reliable collector car that offered both comfort and luxury, and this car has exceeded my expectations. I drive it every day without any issues, and finding parts has never been a problem. Unlike some of my friends who own older collector cars that require constant maintenance, I get to spend more time enjoying my car than fixing it. It's been a great investment and I couldn't be happier with my purchase!
Alfonzo Friesen 2024-08-10
I bought this car back in the spring of 2000 when it had 110,000 miles on it. It was in great condition and ran smoothly. As someone who loves working on cars, I decided to replace all the shocks/struts, brakes, H2O hoses, water pump, and tune-up items. Since then, I've driven over 5,000 miles without any issues and I'm confident it will last for many more tens of thousands of miles. The interior is spacious and the trunk has plenty of room for luggage on any trip. This car is truly a hidden gem in Buick's history and I believe it deserves more recognition. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on one of these hand-crafted Buicks, be prepared for lots of attention from people of all ages and genders.
Dylan Volkman 2024-05-20
I have rebuilt almost the entire car. The only thing left to do is the interior seats and some simple external fixes. This car has a new engine, a 1990 Buick replacement engine, a new transmission, air conditioning, and its original white paint with white trim, which was a special order. It's a fun car to drive, with a new top and great tires. I absolutely love it!