1990 Buick reatta
1G4EC33C3L8904465
Vehicle history report for the 1990 Buick reatta (VIN 1G4EC33C3L8904465). White, convertible/cabriolet, 3.8L 6-cyl, gasoline. Title: Clean. 85,311 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 4 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1G4EC33C3L8904465, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 4 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1990 Buick reatta data →
📋 All factory specifications on file4 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1990 Buick reatta with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1990 Buick reatta costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1990 Buick reatta — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1990 Buick reatta. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Lights And Instruments
VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S.105- HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS AND C.M.V.S.S.101- CONTROL LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION. THE BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT DOES NOT LIGHT WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE "ON" POSITION, THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED, AND THE SHIFT SELECTOR IN THE (P) PARK OR (N) NEUTRAL GEAR RANGE POSITION. CORRECTION: THE PROGRAMMABLE READ ONLY MEMORY (PROM) IN THE BODY…
Transport Canada #1991130 · Sep 1991Powertrain
THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL CABLE MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE FLOOR CONTROL ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT OPERATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRANSMISSION NOT BEING IN THE GEAR INDICATED BY THE SELECTOR THEREBY ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY IF PARKED ON AN INCLINE OR TO PROCEED IN A DIRECTION OPPOSITE TO THE ONE SELECTED. CORRECTION: TRANSMISSION…
Transport Canada #1990142 · Sep 1990Seats And Restraints
THE FORWARD DISCRIMINATING SENSOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (AIR BAG) SYSTEM MAY HAVE BEEN MISBUILT. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD RESULT IN DELAYED DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITH POSSIBLE INJURY TO THE DRIVER. CORRECTION: FORWARD DISCRIMINATING SENSOR WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
Transport Canada #1990029 · Feb 1990Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Buick reatta
The Buick Reatta is a low-volume transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive, two-door, two-seater grand tourer manufactured and marketed by Buick as a coupe (1988–1991) and convertible (1990–1991) — both featuring a 3.8 liter V6 engine and shortened version of the GM E platform, shared with the seventh generation Buick Riviera.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT MAY NOT LIGHT WHEN IGNITION IS IN THE "ON" POSITION, THE PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED, AND THE SHIFT SELECTOR IS IN THE PARK OR NEUTRAL GEAR RANGE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE PROM IN THE BODY COMPUTER MODULE TO PREVENT THIS CONDITION FROM OCCURRING.
NHTSA Campaign #91V158000 · 13/09/1991AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
NHTSA Campaign #90E043004 · 30/10/1990POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE FROM THE FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL WITH LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.
Remedy: INSTALL A TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO PREVENT CABLE DISENGAGEMENT.
NHTSA Campaign #90V164000 · 06/09/1990AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
THE FORWARD SENSOR FOR THE AIR BAG MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY CONSTRUCTED WITH PART OF THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE SENSOR REVERSED.
Remedy: REPLACE FORWARD DISCRIMINATING SENSOR AS NECESSARY.
NHTSA Campaign #90V031000 · 12/02/1990These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1990 Buick reatta, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 3 involved a crash
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 29
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1990 Buick reatta.
SERVICE BRAKES
WE HAVE HAD THE CAR OVER 10 YEARS AND IT HAD A HARD PEDAL WHEN YOU FIRST START IT UP THEN AS WE USE THE BRAKES THEY WORK BETTER
NHTSA ODI #11318794SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 …
NHTSA ODI #10189137VISIBILITY
THERE IS A SERIOUS DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE 1990 BUICK REATTA. THE CAR HAS AN AUTOMATIC HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. THIS SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO TURN ON THE DEFROSTER TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD FROM FOGGING UP WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 39 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT IF THE CAR IS LOW ON FREON. I REALIZE THAT WINDSHIELDS CLEAR UP FASTER IF THE…
NHTSA ODI #10184415SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FAILURE OF HYDRALIC/ABS BRAKE SYSTEM ON MY 1990 BUICK REATTA CONVERTIBLE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND ABS SYSTEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10081247SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE ABS SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS SINCE NEW. MANY TIMES THE BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD PULL TO ONE SIDE AND THIS IS DOCUMENTED IN REPAIR ORDERS AT THE DEALER. DEALER NEVER WAS ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM AT THE TIME OF THE RO.IN 1996 DEALER REPLACED ABS RELAYS TO CORRECT CONCERNS OF ABS SYSTEM INOPPERABLE. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON MANY TIMES…
NHTSA ODI #752260SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BOTH TIMES WE EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS "HARD" (WOULD NOT MOVE). BOTH TIMES THERE WAS NO WARNING IE. NO ABS LIGHT ON DASH AND NO BRAKE LIGHT ON DASH. BOTH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED SO THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR OR DIVER.
NHTSA ODI #739844SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP CAR WHILE BACKING DOWN DRIVEWAY. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. ALSO HAVE HAD BRAKE FAILURES AT ROAD SPEED WHERE CAR SWERVES WHEN BRAKES APPLIED. HAVE TAKEN CAR TO DEALER MANY TIMES AND THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. HAVE CONTACT WITH MANY REATTA OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS SAME DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT CAN'T BE RESOLVED BY THE DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #739424SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT FAILURES RESULTING IN NEAR MISSES ON HIGHWAY.
NHTSA ODI #733758+ 21 more complaints on record.
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