1978 Buick Regal problems

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

The Buick Regal is a line of mid-size cars marketed by Buick since 1973. For nearly its entire production, the Regal has served as the premium mid-size/intermediate offering of the Buick product range. Introduced as a submodel of the Buick Century, the model line is currently in its sixth generation. From the 1970s to the 1990s, the Regal served as the Buick counterpart of the Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.

Originally introduced as a personal luxury coupe, the Regal was later expanded to a full model line. To showcase its success in NASCAR racing, from 1982 to 1987, Buick introduced the Buick Regal Grand National, Regal T-Type, and the limited-production Buick GNX. During the 1990s, while the four-door sedan superseded the two-door coupe entirely, forced-induction engines made their return, with superchargers replacing turbochargers.

For 1999, the Buick Regal inaugurated the sale of GM vehicles in the Chinese market, with the 1997 design lasting through 2008. Following the 2004 model year, Buick retired the nameplate in North America, with the Regal replaced by the Buick LaCrosse.

For 2008, Opel introduced the Opel Insignia as its largest sedan, with Buick rebranding the model line as the Regal for the Chinese market. For 2011, GM reintroduced the Regal to North America, rebranding the Insignia sedan for North America. For 2018, Buick introduced the second-generation Opel Insignia, sourcing all production from Germany; alongside a first-ever liftback sedan, the Regal TourX was the first Buick station wagon in 22 years.

After 2020, as the division shifted away from car model lines, Buick ended sales of the Regal in North America.

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Common 1978 Buick Regal problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1978 Buick Regal, several common problems have been identified:

Ignition Key Stuck Due to Failed Shifter:
- Owners have reported issues with the ignition key getting stuck in the ignition due to a failed shifter. The design of the ignition lock prevents the key from being removed until the transmission is in park, but malfunctions can occur, leading to difficulties in removing the key.
Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow or Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure:
- Another common problem reported by owners is stalling caused by failures in the mass air flow sensor (MAF) or crankshaft position sensor (CPS). These failures can result in the vehicle stuttering and stalling unexpectedly, even at highway speeds, posing safety risks to drivers.
Power Window Switches Malfunction:
- Owners have experienced issues with the power window switches, leading to the windows stopping working. This problem has been found in Buick Regal models from 1990 to 2011. The malfunctioning switches can cause the windows to intermittently stop working, affecting the convenience and functionality of the vehicle.

These common problems with the 1978 Buick Regal can impact the overall driving experience and safety of the vehicle. Addressing these issues promptly through proper diagnosis and replacement of faulty components like sensors and switches is crucial to maintaining the performance and reliability of the car.

Is a Buick Regal a reliable car?

The Buick Regal is considered reliable, with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.

What is the best year for a Buick Regal?

This is the overall most reliable Buick Regal year. According to motorandwheels.com, the 2011 Buick Regal is the best in the entire line. Featuring an excellent engine, solid powertrain, and great performance and comfort, it is still a top choice for anyone seeking a midsize and reliable sedan.

How many miles can a Buick Regal last?

A Buick Regal will live around 150,000-200,000 miles with excellent care. Thus, high mileage for the vehicle is around 150,000 miles. This number is solid, and once you pass it, the maintenance you perform will shine. The Regal is far more likely here to break down and could run into some expensive repair needs.

What is the rarest Buick Regal?

But basically, the GNX is the rarest of the upgraded Buick Regals from the 1980s.

Is a Buick Regal a reliable car?

The Buick Regal is considered reliable, with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.

What is the best year for a Buick Regal?

How many miles can a Buick Regal last?

Why did they stop making Buick Regal?

Why did Buick stop making the Regal? The end of the Regal line came as a result of a shift in Buick's corporate strategy. The company decided to shift its focus to its line of SUVs, and the Regal's discontinuation was part of a larger reduction in Buick's passenger car lineup.

1978 Buick Regal car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Buick Regal vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1978 Buick Regal complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Buick Regal.

1996-11-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-10-31
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)

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1978 Buick Regal recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 1978 Buick Regal.

2007-10-24

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

1985-04-29

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
Summary: EXCESSIVE ENLARGEMENT OF THE WHEEL CYLINDER PILOT HOLE IN THE REAR BRAKE BACKING PLATE COULD ALLOW THE WHEEL CYLINDER TO ROTATE AND CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID LEADS TO LOSS OF REAR BRAKE ACTION, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. FRONT BRAKES WOULD REMAIN OPERATIONAL.
Remedy: ADD A PART TO PREVENT WHEEL CYLINDER FROM ROTATING.

1984-11-24

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Summary: REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AXLES THAT WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE BUFFALO PLANT. IF SO, THEY WILL MAKE AXLE MEASUREMENTS AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE OR MODIFY AFFECTED AXLE COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE.

1981-02-25

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE. THE REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORTS AND POSITIONS THE REAR AXLE. FRACTURE OF THE BOLTS WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP FREE.
Remedy: BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.

1979-07-23

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
Summary: UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT WHEEL OUTER BEARING AREA WHICH CAN AFFECT THE WHEEL BEARING GREASE. THIS CAN RESULT IN INADEQUATE LUBRICATION OF THE BEARING. THIS CONDITION MAY BE FURTHER AGGRAVATED BY IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OF THE FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT WHEEL OUTER BEARINGS PACKED WITH GREASE AND THE SPINDLE WILL BE COATED WITH LUBRICANT. NEW GREASE RETAINER CAPS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO MAINTAIN GREASE IN OUTER BEARING. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.

1978-06-13

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: THE HUB PORTION OF THE FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK DUE TO HIGH STRESS LEVELS GENERATED DURING ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS. EVENTUALLY, THE BLADE COULD BREAK APART AT THE HUB AND BLADE PIECES COULD BE PROPELLED INTO THE ENGINE. IF THE HOOD IS OPEN WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THE FRAGMENTS WOULD BE FREE TO FLY FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

1978-01-24

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS", IN THAT THE TIRE PLACARD DOES NOT CONTAIN LEGIBLE TIRE SIZE INFORMATION.
Remedy: DEALER WILL PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR THE OWNER TO INSTALL, OR FOR DEALER INSTALLATION, IF PREFERRED.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1978 Buick Regal problems:

1978 Buick Regal Review - Carsurvey.org

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/buick/regal/1978/

Apr 9, 2006 ... Brake master cylinder- half rebuild $80. Alternator $40. Oil pump $160- I am told this is a common problem. It started with the engine light ...

Common 2018 Buick Regal Problems: Troubleshooting Starting ...

https://www.justanswer.com/buick/cra5i-2018-buick-regal-extending-starting-problem-didn-t.html

Aug 12, 2019 ... 2018 buick regal it has a extending starting problem. Didn't do when new know it can take up to 15 seconds to start.

Help! Engine Problems 86 Regal 307 | Page 2 | GBodyForum - 1978 ...

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/help-engine-problems-86-regal-307.20158/page-2

Jun 17, 2010 ... The float bowls may be bad / out of adjustment, the throttle shaft could be worn (one of the most common problems with a Q-Jet), and the idle ...

lots o` rust problem | El Camino Central Forum

https://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=17820

Sep 28, 2006 ... I understand this a common problem to Elkys, Montes, Cutlass and Buick Regal. I have had two suggestions as to how the repair can be made ...