Owners have filed 376 complaints
about the 1998 Buick Regal with NHTSA between 1998 and 2022.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 21 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Buick Regal. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 80
15.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
42.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
31.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
53.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
127.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3219.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4024.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3622.4%
150,000+ miles
2918.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1998peak 17Mar 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Buick Regal
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA03019Opened 15 Sep 2003Closed 18 Dec 2003STEERING
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX; AND 96-98 BUICK REGAL.THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES RECALLED IS 750,283.GM DETERMINED THAT FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION IS RELATED TO DAMAGE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING AND THE LEVEL OF THE PINION BEARING PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE.GM STATES, HIGHER RACK PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE (133 LB.) IS THE DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC MOST CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER...
RQ03001Opened 2 Jan 2003Closed 15 Sep 2003STEERING
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS T...
EA02030Opened 22 Oct 2002Closed 9 Mar 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICL...
PE02050Opened 13 Jun 2002Closed 22 Oct 2002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA99024Opened 20 Aug 1999Closed 13 Jan 2000VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPER
BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 12, 1999, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA OF ITS PLANS TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY 155,149 OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE VEHICLE POPULATION FOR THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES THE 1997 BUICK REGAL/CENTURY AND PONTIAC GRAN PRIX MODELS BUILT DURING THE PERIOD FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION THROUGH MAY 1, 1997.GM DETERMINED THAT THE WIPERS INSTALLED PRIOR TO THIS DATE COULD STOP WORKING, USUALLY DURING HEAVY LOAD CONDITIONS, DUE TO SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND THE CRESCENT IN THE WIPER CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY.EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1997,GM CORRECTED THIS PROBLEM IN PRODUCTION...
PE99028Opened 16 Apr 1999Closed 20 Aug 1999VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPER
INCIDENTS OF WIPER FAILURE (OWNER REPORTS AND WARRANTY) ARE VERY HIGH, AND MANY OF THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FAILURES ARE STILL OCCURRING IN 1999.
Recalls on the 1998 Buick Regal
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2015501105,933 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.8L engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond. An under-hood fire could result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts. The engine’s plastic “beauty” cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension will also be removed, if they haven’t been already. Note: This recall supersedes and is an expansion of recalls 2008-081, 2009-105 and 2015-145. All vehicles having been inspected and/or serviced under the previous recall will require re-inspection and repair.
Recall 2009105128,726 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.8L naturally aspirated engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond. An under-hood fire could result in property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will remove the spark plug wire retention channel at the front of the engine and install two new-revised spark plug wire retainers.
Recall 200808121,046 units in Canada
Engine
On certain Grand Prix GTP and Regal GS vehicles equipped with a 3.8L supercharged engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond. An under-hood fire could result in property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will install an updated front rocker cover gasket.
Recall 200333655,411 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If the problem were to occur, the driver would have to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel. Correction: Dealers are to inspect the condition of the lower bearing, and replace the lower pinion bearing or the rack and pinion steering gear assembly, if necessary. This is an extension of recall 02-199
Recall 200000328,495 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting Equipment and Retroreflective Devices. The vertical vehicle headlamp aiming device (VHAD) may not be calibrated properly. With the vertical VHAD set to zero, the vehicle headlamp may not meet the photometric aim requirements of the standard at several measured locations. Also the VHAD vertical adjustment bubble does not maintain consistent positioning due to thermal instability. Correction: An insert containing instructions for optically aiming the headlamps will be provided for the owner's manual.
Recall 199810911,662 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING SYSTEM AND RETROREFLECTIVE DEVICES. THE ENGLISH OWNER MANUALS FOR THE OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH OWNER MANUALS FOR THE BUICK REGAL AND CENTURY VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL PLACE AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE CORRECT INFORMATION ON HEADLAMP HORIZONTAL AIM IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
San Pedro, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On my way home from purchasing the vehicle, the car began to lose power and i noticed black smoke though the rear view mirror. Another driver signaled me down, so I pulled over and realized my car was on fire. The fire was in the engine compartment from what appeared to be the exhaust manifold. Since i was in a residential area, i grabbed a water hose and began to diffuse the fire. The fire department arrived and forced my hood open to reassure the fire was out. Luckily i was able to make it out safe. But i strongly believe my life and the lives of other drivers were definitely in danger
NHTSA complaint #11455963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Pedro, CAFire
ENGINE
On my way home from purchasing the vehicle, the car began to lose power and i noticed black smoke though the rear view mirror. Another driver signaled me down, so I pulled over and realized my car was on fire. The fire was in the engine compartment from what appeared to be the exhaust manifold. Since i was in a residential area, i grabbed a water hose and began to diffuse the fire. The fire department arrived and forced my hood open to reassure the fire was out. Luckily i was able to make it out safe. But i strongly believe my life and the lives of other drivers were definitely in danger
NHTSA complaint #11455963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Pedro, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
On my way home from purchasing the vehicle, the car began to lose power and i noticed black smoke though the rear view mirror. Another driver signaled me down, so I pulled over and realized my car was on fire. The fire was in the engine compartment from what appeared to be the exhaust manifold. Since i was in a residential area, i grabbed a water hose and began to diffuse the fire. The fire department arrived and forced my hood open to reassure the fire was out. Luckily i was able to make it out safe. But i strongly believe my life and the lives of other drivers were definitely in danger
NHTSA complaint #11455963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Desert HOT Spring, CAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS IDLE AT A GUARD SHAFT, WHEN SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER MOVED FORWARD AWAY FROM THE GUARD SHAFT AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HER HUSBAND OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THE GUARD PROVIDED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO HER HUSBAND TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE CONTACT STATED SHE RECEIVED RECALL LETTER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AFTER THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11240685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesManheim, PAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #10917366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesDecatur, GAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE. SHE ATTEMPTED TO START THE IGNITION AND WAS INFORMED BY OTHERS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN OIL LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
NHTSA complaint #10910222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
San Pedro, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On my way home from purchasing the vehicle, the car began to lose power and i noticed black smoke though the rear view mirror. Another driver signaled me down, so I pulled over and realized my car was on fire. The fire was in the engine compartment from what appeared to be the exhaust manifold. Since i was in a residential area, i grabbed a water hose and began to diffuse the fire. The fire department arrived and forced my hood open to reassure the fire was out. Luckily i was able to make it out safe. But i strongly believe my life and the lives of other drivers were definitely in danger
NHTSA complaint #11455963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Pedro, CAFire
ENGINE
On my way home from purchasing the vehicle, the car began to lose power and i noticed black smoke though the rear view mirror. Another driver signaled me down, so I pulled over and realized my car was on fire. The fire was in the engine compartment from what appeared to be the exhaust manifold. Since i was in a residential area, i grabbed a water hose and began to diffuse the fire. The fire department arrived and forced my hood open to reassure the fire was out. Luckily i was able to make it out safe. But i strongly believe my life and the lives of other drivers were definitely in danger
NHTSA complaint #11455963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Pedro, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
On my way home from purchasing the vehicle, the car began to lose power and i noticed black smoke though the rear view mirror. Another driver signaled me down, so I pulled over and realized my car was on fire. The fire was in the engine compartment from what appeared to be the exhaust manifold. Since i was in a residential area, i grabbed a water hose and began to diffuse the fire. The fire department arrived and forced my hood open to reassure the fire was out. Luckily i was able to make it out safe. But i strongly believe my life and the lives of other drivers were definitely in danger
NHTSA complaint #11455963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 317,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 1998 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 317,000.
NHTSA complaint #11430527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesGreat Falls, MT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
EVERY TIME I TURN ON MY LEFT OR RIGHT TURN SIGNAL IT SHORTS OUT.... TOOK TO A MECHANIC AND HE DID SOME RE WIRING AND IT WORKED FOR A LITTLE BIT THEN STARTED TO HAPPEN AGAIN.... I DON'T WANT TO SPEND A BUNCH OF MONEY ON IT ANYMORE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
NHTSA complaint #11384503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesGreat Falls, MT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EVERY TIME I TURN ON MY LEFT OR RIGHT TURN SIGNAL IT SHORTS OUT.... TOOK TO A MECHANIC AND HE DID SOME RE WIRING AND IT WORKED FOR A LITTLE BIT THEN STARTED TO HAPPEN AGAIN.... I DON'T WANT TO SPEND A BUNCH OF MONEY ON IT ANYMORE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
NHTSA complaint #11384503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesGreat Falls, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EVERY TIME I TURN ON MY LEFT OR RIGHT TURN SIGNAL IT SHORTS OUT.... TOOK TO A MECHANIC AND HE DID SOME RE WIRING AND IT WORKED FOR A LITTLE BIT THEN STARTED TO HAPPEN AGAIN.... I DON'T WANT TO SPEND A BUNCH OF MONEY ON IT ANYMORE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
NHTSA complaint #11384503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Desert HOT Spring, CAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS IDLE AT A GUARD SHAFT, WHEN SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER MOVED FORWARD AWAY FROM THE GUARD SHAFT AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HER HUSBAND OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THE GUARD PROVIDED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO HER HUSBAND TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE CONTACT STATED SHE RECEIVED RECALL LETTER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AFTER THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11240685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Little Rock, AR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUED TO RANDOMLY FLASH. ALSO, ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE WOULD MISFIRE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 99V356000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE FAILURES WERE RELATED TO THE RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11098814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Little Rock, AR
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUED TO RANDOMLY FLASH. ALSO, ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE WOULD MISFIRE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 99V356000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE FAILURES WERE RELATED TO THE RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11098814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesDenver, CO
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE REAR EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND SPARK PLUGS. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11082173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm BAY, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THE DRIVERS FRONT DOOR IS FAULTY I WENT THROUGH THREE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH'S AND STILL SOMETHING WRONG. THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS FAULT EVEN AFTER SOME SENSORS REPLACED. AND THE DIGITAL ODOMETER DISPLAY QUIT WORKING BUT THE REST OF THE GAUGES STILL WORK THE ODOMETER QUIT SHOWING AFTER 115K. THE DRIVER SIDE ELECTRICAL QUIT WORKING ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE NEW MASTER SWITCH WHEN YOU PRESS THE BUTTON IT UNLOCKS AND LOCKS THE DOORS. THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING IN OR AROUND 98K MILES. AND THE DIGITAL ODOMETER AND THE OTHER DIGITAL SCREEN STARTED TO FADE AND EVENTUALLY JUST STOPPED SHOWING AFTER 115K MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11055099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm BAY, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THE DRIVERS FRONT DOOR IS FAULTY I WENT THROUGH THREE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH'S AND STILL SOMETHING WRONG. THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS FAULT EVEN AFTER SOME SENSORS REPLACED. AND THE DIGITAL ODOMETER DISPLAY QUIT WORKING BUT THE REST OF THE GAUGES STILL WORK THE ODOMETER QUIT SHOWING AFTER 115K. THE DRIVER SIDE ELECTRICAL QUIT WORKING ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE NEW MASTER SWITCH WHEN YOU PRESS THE BUTTON IT UNLOCKS AND LOCKS THE DOORS. THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING IN OR AROUND 98K MILES. AND THE DIGITAL ODOMETER AND THE OTHER DIGITAL SCREEN STARTED TO FADE AND EVENTUALLY JUST STOPPED SHOWING AFTER 115K MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11055099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesRosendale, NY
STEERING
CAR HAS BECOME VERY HARD TO TURN, UNLESS MOVING.
NHTSA complaint #11006534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesSteelton, PA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED AN OIL LEAK EMERGING FROM THE REAR VALVE COVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO FOR THE FRONT VALVE COVER PER A RECALL, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE RECALL DETAILS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
NHTSA complaint #10948891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesManheim, PAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #10917366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesDecatur, GAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE. SHE ATTEMPTED TO START THE IGNITION AND WAS INFORMED BY OTHERS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN OIL LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
NHTSA complaint #10910222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesWestminster, CO
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF AN OIL LEAK UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10855542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10854322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tarboro, NC
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10853997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V701000 (ENGINE) AND 00099V356 (VISIBILITY); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10849727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V701000 (ENGINE) AND 00099V356 (VISIBILITY); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10849727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, TX
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10840362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesGainsville, FL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING PROFUSELY ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A QUART OF OIL WAS PROVIDED WEEKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10839771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10836653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.