Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1982 Regal.
The 1982 Buick Regal is captured here as a standalone model-year reference, and its reliability profile is notable mainly for its low complaint volume: only one owner complaint appears in the data, with vehicle speed control cited as the top issue, alongside two recalls. Against the broader Regal complaint history covering 1990 through 2020, the 1982 model’s single complaint sits at the quiet end of the spectrum, sharing the bottom rung with the 2008 model year, which also recorded just one complaint and stands in sharp contrast to the 1998 model year’s peak of 325 complaints. That placement means the 1982 record is too sparse to support a broad reliability conclusion and should be treated as a baseline entry rather than a fully developed trend. Researchers can use it mainly to compare how later, more frequently reported model years stack up over time.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 200.8 in |
| Overall width | 71.7 in |
| Overall height | 54.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in |
| Curb weight | 3280 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Regal of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Indy Pace Car T-Top Cabriolet 4.1L V6 | 7.50 sec | 16.00 sec | 125 hp | RWD |
| 1984 | T-Type Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 8.00 sec | 16.00 sec | 200 hp | RWD |
| 1985 | Grand National Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 7.50 sec | 15.70 sec | 200 hp | RWD |
| 1986 | Grand National Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 4.90 sec | 13.90 sec | 235 hp | RWD |
| 1986 | T-Type Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 5.85 sec | 14.30 sec | 235 hp | RWD |
| 1987 | Grand National Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 5.40 sec | 14.20 sec | 245 hp | RWD |
| 1987 | Grand National Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 6.00 sec | 14.70 sec | 245 hp | RWD |
| 1987 | Grand National Coupe 3.8L Turbo V6 | 6.10 sec | 14.70 sec | 245 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The federal complaint and recall record supplied begins in 1990 and contains no entries for 1982, so there are no comparable figures for complaints, recalls, investigations, or TSBs for the target year. Consequently, we cannot place 1982 within a trend arc or assess whether its complaint/recall activity is higher, lower, or similar to adjacent model years. Without any data to indicate a pattern of increasing or decreasing issues across the generation, the record offers no insight into the reliability of the 1982 Buick Regal relative to later years. The absence of specific federal data means we cannot identify any known defect trends for this model year. Therefore, based solely on the provided information, there is insufficient evidence to conclude whether 1982 is a good or poor year to buy; prospective buyers should consult additional sources such as owner forums, mechanic inspections, or vehicle‑specific histories.
All 1 complaints on record, top 1 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT RETAINER IN THE INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL. THE THROTTLE VALVE COULD STICK, PREVENTING RETURN TO IDLE AND SHUT DOWN OF THE ENGINE BY THE DRIVER. Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THE INJECTION PUMP AT NO COST TO OWNER.
THE FUEL INLET PIPE MAY DEVELOP CRACKS AT THE FLARED END LEADING INTO THE CARBURETOR DUE TO VIBRATIONS IN OPERATION. THESE CRACKS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL INLET PIPE ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, FREE OF CHARGE.
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.