52 of the
273 complaints about the 1996 Buick Regal are about the
braking system — 19% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
17,000 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND FAILURE CODES: C1265 (REAR ABS MOTOR CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND) AND C1286 (EBCM/EBTCM FAILED TO ILLUMINATE THE RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR) WERE LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (DON BROWN CHEVROLET, 2244 S KINGS HIGHWAY BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63110, (314) 282-7887) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CODES INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A REAR MOTOR SHORT TO THE GROUND AND THE ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE ACTIVATED THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS. FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WOULD BE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11088823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesHayward, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE MERGING ONTO THE FREEWAY, I WAS TAKING MY CAR TO BE SMOGGED. AT SPEED, I NOTICED A LITTLE WHITE PUFF OF SMOKE EMIT FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE BAY. AS I PROCEEDED TO START MOVING TO THE SHOULDER, THIS PUFF HAD TURNED INTO A GRAY PLUME. AS I FINALLY REACHED THE SHOULDER, THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE ENGINE BAY WAS BILLOWING BLACK SMOKE. AS I TRIED TO STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, SO IT SEEMED THE FIRE HAD BURNT THROUGH A BRAKE LINE. I MANAGED TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SLOWLY AND MANAGED TO STOP ON THE SHOULDER. OPENING THE HOOD, I FOUND A SMALL FIRE BURNING AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE, BUT IN FRONT OF THE FIREWALL. I HAD NOTHING WITH ME, SO I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND IT WAS EXTINGUISHED. HOWEVER, BY THE TIME THEY GOT THERE, THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS TOTALED BEYOND EXTENSIVE REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10786585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH HIS VEHICLE MAKING A DRAGGING/SPINNING TYPE NOISE. HE STATED IT SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS NOT CONNECTING WITH SOMETHING IN THE DRIVE LINE. HE ALSO STATED HE WENT TO THE COMPUTER AND LOOKED HIS TYPE VEHICLE UP AND READ THAT THIS YEAR VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LINE AND THE LEFT WHEEL, WHICH CAN CAUSE WEAR AND TEAR ON THE BRAKE LINE. HE SAYS ALSO THAT WHEN HE TAKES OFF HE HEARS A WHINING NOISE AND IT GETS LOUDER WITH INCREASED SPEED. HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. BUT SAYS IT WILL COST APPROX. $85.00 PER HOUR FOR THEM TO CHECK IT OUT. HE SAYS THIS IS TOO COSTLY. THEN HE SAYS HE IS TOLD THAT IT COULD COST HIM $2300.00 NOT INCLUDING LABOR. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10091491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairview Park, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
OTHER - OIL LEAK - HAVE BEEN TOLD BY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS THAT IT IS EITHER THE CAM SHAFT TIMING SENCER OR MANIFOLD WITH THE COST RANGING FROM $700.00 TO $1200.00. ALSO THE MOTOR MOUNTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. TAPE PLAYER DOES NOT EJECT TAPE PROPERLY, BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I GOT THE CAR. BRAKES - HAVE HAD COMPLETE BRAKES REPLACED. HAVE BEEN TOLD BUICK REGALS ARE BAD ON BRAKES. AIR CONDITIONUNG COOLING COIL IN FRONT OF RADITOR HAS DEVELOPED A LEAK. ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR IS $400.00. HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO DEALER. I GOT THE CAR USED IN 1997 WITH ABOUT 72500 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10070438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesSanborn, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS LIGHTS FLICKERED ON/OFF INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE REAR DISC BRAKES. AFTER REPAIRS WERE DONE THE REAR DISC BRAKES WERE REPLACED AGAIN. ALSO POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #10057825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesSanborn, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
ABS LIGHTS FLICKERED ON/OFF INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE REAR DISC BRAKES. AFTER REPAIRS WERE DONE THE REAR DISC BRAKES WERE REPLACED AGAIN. ALSO POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #10057825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,900 milesRochester, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE BRAKES AND ROTORS EXPERIENCED PREMATURE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10017870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trafford, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE ROTORS WEAR IN THE REAR WITH LOW MILEAGE ACCUMULATION. WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY DRAG, SCREECH AND PERFORM POORLY. OWNER IS AWARE OF OTHERS WITH SIMILAR FAILURE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #8016108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMERS HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM, THE ROTORS, AND BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN TURNED AND/OR REPLACED DUE TO THEM BEING OUT OF ROUND AND NOISY.
NHTSA complaint #563567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL BRAKING PROBLEMS AND FAILURES, DEALER HAS REPLACED WORN BRAKE PADS, FRONT ROTORS, AND BRAKE HOSES, ON ONE OCCASION, THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILED, CONSUMER HAS LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE AND HAS HAD PROPERTY DAMAGE TO VEHICLE DUE TO RUNNING OFF THE ROAD.(DAUGHTER ON BEHALF OF MOTHER) *SLC
NHTSA complaint #563571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fair Lawn, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE ROTORS ARE RUSTING AND PREMATURELY WEARING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #8002104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL BRAKING PROBLEMS AND FAILURES, DEALER HAS REPLACED WORN BRAKE PADS, FRONT ROTORS, AND BRAKE HOSES, ON ONE OCCASION, THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILED, CONSUMER HAS LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE AND HAS HAD PROPERTY DAMAGE TO VEHICLE DUE TO RUNNING OFF THE ROAD.(DAUGHTER ON BEHALF OF MOTHER) *SLC
NHTSA complaint #563571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMERS HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM, THE ROTORS, AND BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN TURNED AND/OR REPLACED DUE TO THEM BEING OUT OF ROUND AND NOISY.
NHTSA complaint #563567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
MY VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELLERATE UPON ENTERING HIGHWAY. I COULD NOT SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. I PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER, SHIFTED TO NUETRAL, AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING AND BURNT OUT. VEHICLE WAS DISABLED, I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #752181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ketchikan, AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
EXCESSIVE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS/ FRONT ROTORS AND DRUMS. ROTORS / DRUMS OVERHEATING WHICH IS CAUSING THEM TO WARP. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #884512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ketchikan, AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM
EXCESSIVE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS/ FRONT ROTORS AND DRUMS. ROTORS / DRUMS OVERHEATING WHICH IS CAUSING THEM TO WARP. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #884512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamend, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
PREMATURE WEAR OF BRAKE ROTORS. INTERMITTENTLY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE VIBRATES. DEALER HAS REPLACED ROTORS TWICE, AND PROBLEM REOCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #880642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Angola, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
REAR BEARINGS HAVE FAILED, AND THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE REAR BEARING.
NHTSA complaint #865397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poultney, VT
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE ROTORS FAILED CAUSING CONSUMER TO HEAR A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poultney, VT
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE ROTORS FAILED CAUSING CONSUMER TO HEAR A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poultney, VT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE ROTORS FAILED CAUSING CONSUMER TO HEAR A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RIO Granda, PRCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. IT FELT LIKE THEY WERE GOING TO RESPOND, BUT VEHICLE KEPT ROLLING INTO AN INTERSECTION, THE CONSUMER HAD TO AVOID AN ONCOMING VEHICLE AN D RAN INTO AN FENCE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #849378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vidor, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE FROM THE BRAKES WHEN BACKING OUT FROM A PARKED POSITION WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. WINDSHIELD LEAKS AT THE LOCATION OF THE REAR MIRROR LIGHT WIRES, AND DRIPS ON THE GEAR SHIFT AREA. THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR AND THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR ARE TWO DIFFERENT COLORS, WHICH MIGHT INDICATE THE VEHICLE WAS IN A WRECK. I WAS GIVEN NO HISTORY OF REPAIRS ON THIS AUTOMOBILE . AN "ALAMO" STICKER WAS ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE TRUNK LID.
NHTSA complaint #712116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
NEED TO REPLACE BRAKES FOR 3RD TIME DUE TO WARPING
NHTSA complaint #711840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SAFETY RECALL--BRAKES. ADJUST SIDE DOOR FOR PROPER CLOSING. 231 FLASH E-PROM AND INSTALL LABEL MA-96-V9943. SAFETY RECALL--BACKFIRE. REPLACED TORQUE CONVERTER SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #508907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED PEDAL GETS HARD, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BRAKES 4 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #844221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Venice, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE COASTING AT 10MPH TO SIGNAL LIGHT, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY FAILED TO WORK. HAD TO PUMP BRAKES AT LEAST 3 TIMES BEFORE THEY WORKED. ON 19 JAN 99, WAS GOING 30-35 MPH WHEN VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SUDDENLY. CONSUMER REARENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT DUE TO LACK OF BRAKING POWER. TOOK TO DEALER & WAITING FOR PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #835678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weathersfield, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE METAL BRAKE LINE IS RUBBING AGAINST THE BOLT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE BRAKE FLUID. ALSO, THE BRAKE GOES DOWN TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP.
NHTSA complaint #824750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angele, CA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
BRAKES FAILED, AVOIDED THREE CARS, HIT A CAR IN THE INTERSECTION AND THEN HIT A POLE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #540472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buena Park, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES PERFORM POORLY CAUSING LOUD NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #605323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.