1990 Buick REATTA problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
19 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
99,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1990 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip is the most frequently named component, appearing in 13 of 19 complaints (68.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 15 | 78.9% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 5.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 13 |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist | 1 |
| Structure:Frame And Members | 1 |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | 1 |
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 13; Electrical System:Ignition: 1; Service Brakes: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist: 1; Structure:Frame And Members: 1; Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 16 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 2000 | 10 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
1995: 2; 2000: 10; 2001: 3; 2004: 1; 2007: 2; 2020: 1
Pattern summary
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 15 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10081247 · 2004-07-17 (July 17, 2004)
FAILURE OF HYDRALIC/ABS BRAKE SYSTEM ON MY 1990 BUICK REATTA CONVERTIBLE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND ABS SYSTEM. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 137,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10081247 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10189137 · 2007-04-27 (April 27, 2007)
COMPLETE FAILURE OF ANTI BRAKE SYSTEM ON MY 1990 BUICK REATTA ALSO-- AS SPECIFICALLY REPORTED FROM OTHER REATTA OWNERS. DEALER STATES THERE ARE PROBLEMS --- REATTA INTERNET SITES STATES THERE ARE MAJOR PROBLEMS --- NHTSA WEBSITE LIST SEVERAL COMPLAINTS / PERSONAL ACCOUNTS OF ABS FAILURE. HOW MANY INCIDENTS / DEATHS WILL IT TAKE FOR BUICK OR NHTSA TO CORRECT THIS FACTORY / PART DEFECT? WHAT A DISGRACE OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHOWN BY BUICK AND NHTSA. DEALER STATES OEM REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE -- $1500.00-$2000.00. SAME PART MANUFACTURE, SAME CON…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10189137 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 975917 · 1995-11-30 (November 30, 1995)
IN ALL AROUND WEATHER IT HARD TO START THE CAR AND WHEN DRIVING CAR STALLS . TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 975917 at NHTSA ↗