1979 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 During the 1990s, while the four-door sedan superseded the two-door coupe entirely, forced-induction engines made their return, with superchargers replacing turbochargers.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.

Social links

Common 1979 Buick Regal problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a list of common problems with the 1979 Buick Regal based on complaints from owners:

Key Getting Stuck in the Ignition: Owners have reported issues with the key getting stuck in the ignition, particularly in models made from 1994 to 2016. This problem is often related to the automatic transmission or a faulty wire that relays information about the gear shifter.
Mass Air Flow Sensor and Crankshaft Position Sensor Issues: Models from 1994 to 2004 tend to develop problems with the mass air flow sensor (MAF) and crankshaft position sensor (CPS). Owners have experienced stalling and stuttering while driving, which can be dangerous. Replacing these sensors is necessary to resolve the issue.
Power Window System Malfunction: Buick Regal models made from 1990 to 2011 have been known to experience issues with the power window system. Owners have reported instances where the power windows stop working suddenly, often due to a faulty switch. Replacing the window switch is a more affordable solution compared to other components like the window motor or regulator.
Transmission Problems: Owners have reported various transmission issues with the Buick Regal, such as failure to shift into overdrive, slipping gears, hard shifting, and complete loss of certain gears. These problems can arise after transmission flushes or with age and mileage, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

These common problems highlight the need for regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Owners of the 1979 Buick Regal should be aware of these issues and address them promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles.

What is the gas mileage on a 1979 Buick Regal?

Based on data from 1 vehicles, 4 fuel-ups and 1,226 miles of driving, the 1979 Buick Regal gets a combined Avg MPG of 14.92 with a 9.38 MPG margin of error.

What is the rarest Buick Regal?

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

What cars did Buick make in 1979?

Select a 1979 Buick Model

1979 Century Custom.
1979 Century Limited.
1979 Century Special.
1979 Century Sport.
1979 Electra 225.
1979 Electra Limited.
1979 Electra Park Avenue.
1979 LeSabre.

Why does my Buick Regal keep shutting off?

The most common reasons a Buick Regal engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.

Is the 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.

What is the gas mileage on a 1979 Buick Regal?

Based on data from 1 vehicles, 4 fuel-ups and 1,226 miles of driving, the 1979 Buick Regal gets a combined Avg MPG of 14.92 with a 9.38 MPG margin of error.

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.

1979 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:

Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Buick Regal vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Date Of Incident: 2003-07-03
Components: TIRES
Summary: WHIHLE DRIVNG THE TREAD OF THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE SEPARATED FROMTHE TIRE. THE TIRE DENTED THE RIGHT FENDER AND RIGHT FRONT DOOR. *MR *CB *NLM

Add Complaint

1979 Buick Regal recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1979 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.

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.

1979-09-18

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
Summary: THE SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED BACKWARDS OR NOT AT ALL. THE PURPOSE OF THIS SPRING CLIP IS TO SECURE THE LOWER END OF THE SHIFT CABLE HOUSING TO THE TRANSMISSION. IF THE CLIP IS BACKWARD OR MISSING, THE CONSOLE SHIFT LEVER MAY NOT SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION AND/OR THE TRANSMISSION RANGE INDICATOR MAY INDICATE THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THE "PARK" OR "P" POSITION WHEN IT IS NOT.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY CORRECT THE SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP INSTALLATION AT NO CHARGE.

1979-06-06

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WHICH IS OPERATED BY THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT LUBRICANT ON THE ACTUATING PLUNGER. THIS CAN CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE STOPLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL, IF ACTIVATED, TO STAY ELECTRICALLY ENGAGED.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AT NO COST TO OWNER.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1979 Buick Regal problems:

Buick Regal Transmission Problems — Car Forums at Edmunds.com

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/15838/buick/regal/buick-regal-transmission-problems

Nov 3, 2005 ... Buick Regal Transmission Problems. jam9 ... (common problem), and shocks/struts. it ... Its a 1979 and had set and been allowed to run down.

300-350 V8 in a 1979 Regal - Buick - Performance and Modified ...

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/88254-300-350-v8-in-a-1979-regal/

Sep 14, 2006 ... Have a 1979 Regal Turbo Coupe. Has the ... problems. Still, check with your local/state ... As the Buick 350 V-8 and the 231 V-6 have some common ...

Buick Regal Electrical Problems - Page 5 — Car Forums at ...

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/15908/buick/regal/buick-regal-electrical-problems/p5

Jun 15, 2005 ... Is it common for this car to do something like this. Is there a connection between low gas and the electrical where the electrical will reset ...

any problems i should know about 79 buick trannys?

https://www.grandprixforums.com/pre-1988-3-speed-automatic-th-125c-3t40-/52193-any-problems-i-should-know-about-79-buick-trannys.html

Starting with the 1979 model year, vehicles which had the THM200/200C as standard equipment were optioned with the THM250-C, actually a THM350 without the ...