Model year guide

1989 Buick reatta

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1989 Buick reatta is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

1989 Buick reatta — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1989 Buick reatta at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints11
Combined20 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1989 Buick reatta recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #06E043000 · 19/05/2006

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 C…

Fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Service Brakes, Air:antilock NHTSA Campaign #89V056000 · 05/04/1989

LEFT FRONT BRAKE PIPE MAY CONTACT THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.

Fix: REPLACE LEFT FRONT BRAKE PIPE ASSEMBLY.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1989 Buick reatta common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

1989 Buick reatta MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,350
EPA size classTwo Seaters
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1989 Buick reatta costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,750
Fuel only$16,750
Per mile$0.22

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.

1989 Buick reatta trims & engines on record

Engines
3.8L 6-cyl

1989 Buick reatta vehicles on record

1989 Buick reatta 1989 Buick reatta1G4EC11C0KB901559 1989 Buick reatta 1989 Buick reatta1G4EC11C4KB906151

Other Buick reatta model years

1991 1990

1989 Buick reatta — frequently asked questions

Does the 1989 Buick reatta have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1989 Buick reatta. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Buick reatta?

Across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 1989 Buick reatta get?

The 1989 Buick reatta has a U.S. EPA estimate of 20 mpg combined (17 city / 26 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.