1987 Buick Regal Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 1987 Buick Regal
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1986 Buick Regal earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: body/frame rust (major severity).
- Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline.
1987 Buick Regal: Buy or Avoid?
The 1987 Buick Regal is a comfortable, stylish slice of American motoring history, offering straightforward mechanics that are refreshingly easy to maintain for the DIY enthusiast. However, its age brings inherent challenges, particularly with pervasive rust issues and aging electrical systems, which demand a diligent buyer to avoid significant headaches. If you're willing to commit to regular upkeep and address these known weak points, it remains a fantastic classic cruiser.
Biggest Strengths
- Simple, robust mechanical design
- Excellent parts availability for common wear items
- Comfortable, smooth ride quality
1987 Buick Regal — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 1987 Buick Regal. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 1987 Buick Regal
3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
What breaks on the 1987 Buick Regal?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Buick Regal — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Buick Regal. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 1987s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1987 Buick Regal
Parts and accessories matched to your 1987 Buick Regal
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Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 1987 Buick Regal? Keep it that way.
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