Owners have filed 301 complaints
about the 1999 Buick Regal with NHTSA between 1999 and 2021.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 92
Against the median year of the Buick Regal. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% 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
10.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
21.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2316.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2416.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3524.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3927.1%
150,000+ miles
2013.9%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1999 Buick Regal 4-DR
—
—
—
—
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.
Apr 1999peak 12Jan 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 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.
EA07008Opened 12 Jun 2007Closed 1 May 2008ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AN...
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
Recalls on the 1999 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.
United States — NHTSA
15V701000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Risk: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
09V116000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Risk: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
09E005000
STEERING
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
08E063000
STEERING
DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Risk: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08V118000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
GM IS RECALLING 207,542 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L SUPERCHARGED V-6 ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES HAVE HIGHER FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET TEMPERATURES, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR EARLIER DEGRADATION OF THE FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET AND EVENTUAL OIL SEEPAGE.
Risk: CERTAIN UNDERHOOD FIRES MAY BE CAUSED BY DROPS OF ENGINE OIL, FROM SEEPAGE OR SPILLAGE, BEING DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING. 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.
04V375000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE OVERHEAD SIGN ILLUMINATION REQUIREMENTS.
Risk: LESS ILLUMINATION MAY REDUCE THE ABILITY OF THE DRIVER TO READ OVERHEAD SIGNS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT.
99V356000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE VERTICAL HEAD LAMP ADJUSTING DEVICE MAY NOT BE CALIBRATED PROPERLY.
Risk: DRIVER VISIBILITY MAY BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
99V170000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WITH THE KEY IN THE "ON" POSITION, EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MOTOR SHORTS TO ITS CASE AND GROUNDS THROUGH A FLEXIBLE BRAKE FLUID PIPE.
Risk: THIS SHORT CAN CAUSE EXTREME HEATING OF THE FLEXIBLE BRAKE PIPE WHERE IT CAN MELT A NEARBY FLEXIBLE PLASTIC FUEL HOSE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
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 200428713,553 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108. Some of these vehicles do not meet the overhead sign illumination requirements in the Standard. Less illumination may reduce the ability of the driver to read overhead signs when driving at night. Correction: Dealers will install new low beam headlamp bulbs in both headlamp assemblies.
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 199913612,414 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles with the key in the "ON" position, may exhibit a condition in which the ABS motor shorts to its case and grounds through a flexible brake pipe. This electrical short can cause extreme heating of the flexible brake pipe to the point where it can melt a nearby flexible plastic fuel hose, and could result in an underhood fire. Correction: Dealers will install a ground cable from the electronic brake control module to the engine compartment body rail.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Wilmington, DEFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 BUICK REGAL. AFTER DRIVING AND PARKING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION TOO LATE. THE RECALL INFORMATION AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10957664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita Falls, TXFire1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE NO MORE THAN 3MINUTES AFTER I PARKED THE CAR. THE VALVE COVER RECALL WAS REPAIRED IN 2016. CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. I JUST HAPPENED TO GO BACK OUT TO THE CAR TO GET MY CELL PHONE WHEN I SAW SMOKE. I OPEN THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES. I USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO OUT HE FLAME OUT. NOW THE CAR STARTS BUT RUNS TOO ROUGH TO EVEN TRUST TO DRIVE IT! WHY HAVE THE RECALL IF IT WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE ANYWAYS!
NHTSA complaint #10953933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita Falls, TXFire1 injured
ENGINE
THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE NO MORE THAN 3MINUTES AFTER I PARKED THE CAR. THE VALVE COVER RECALL WAS REPAIRED IN 2016. CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. I JUST HAPPENED TO GO BACK OUT TO THE CAR TO GET MY CELL PHONE WHEN I SAW SMOKE. I OPEN THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES. I USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO OUT HE FLAME OUT. NOW THE CAR STARTS BUT RUNS TOO ROUGH TO EVEN TRUST TO DRIVE IT! WHY HAVE THE RECALL IF IT WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE ANYWAYS!
NHTSA complaint #10953933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSpringfield, ORFire
ENGINE
ON 10/28/2016 MY WIFE HAD DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 3 MILES TO THE STORE DID SOME SHOPPING FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. SHE RETURNED HOME THE 3 MILES PARKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE AND WENT IN SIDE. SHE WAS IN THE GARAGE A FEW MINUTES LATER AND SAW SMOKE FILLING THE GARAGE. SHE WENT OUT THE BACK DOOR AND AROUND THE HOUSE AND THE CAR WAS IN FLAMES. NEIGHBORS HAD ALL READY CALLED 911. IT TOOK ABOUT TEN MINUTES FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO ARRIVE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE BAY AND FRONT OF THE CAR WAS DESTROYED. THE PAINT WAS BURNED OFF OF THE GARAGE DOOR AND BLISTERED PAINT AND SOOT ON THE HOUSE. THE HOOD STRUT EXPLODED AND PUT A HOLE IN THE GARAGE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10920124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Hollywood, CACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK REGAL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK AND THE CONTACT EXITED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY REVERSED BACKWARDS. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO RE-ENTER THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND WAS DRAGGED BACKWARDS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEGS AND CHEST. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE STAIRS OF AN APARTMENT BUILDING AND THEN CRASHED INTO A RAILING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER RECEIVED ON THE SPOT MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM AMBULATORY CARE, BUT DID NOT GO TO A HOSPITAL FOR FURTHER TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE BY ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL WHO ASSISTED THE CONTACT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED YET TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10908696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesMilwaukee, WIFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 BUICK REGAL. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PARKING IN FRONT OF HIS HOUSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES BEFORE THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARRIVED. POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 04V375000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #10907138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 86,000 milesClearfield, UT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
07/25/2021 STARTED THE MOTOR, IN STATIONARY IN PERSONAL DRIVEWAY, IN IDLE IT BEGAN TO PUFF THICK WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAIL PIPE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. TURNED ENGINE OFF WITHIN 15 SECONDS OF STARTING THE ENGINE. LEFT VEHICLE OFF FOR 24 HRS, AND TRIED TO TURN THE MOTOR BACK ON AND THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WOULD NOT CRANK OVER. TRIED 3-5 ADDITIONAL TIMES TO START ENGINE, WITH THE SAME OUTCOME. SINCE THIS OCCURENCE VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEFT UNDRIVEABLE AND STILL REMAINS IN PERSONAL DRIVEWAY. RECALL NUMBER: 240412
NHTSA complaint #11387360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesClearfield, UT
ENGINE
07/25/2021 STARTED THE MOTOR, IN STATIONARY IN PERSONAL DRIVEWAY, IN IDLE IT BEGAN TO PUFF THICK WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAIL PIPE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. TURNED ENGINE OFF WITHIN 15 SECONDS OF STARTING THE ENGINE. LEFT VEHICLE OFF FOR 24 HRS, AND TRIED TO TURN THE MOTOR BACK ON AND THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WOULD NOT CRANK OVER. TRIED 3-5 ADDITIONAL TIMES TO START ENGINE, WITH THE SAME OUTCOME. SINCE THIS OCCURENCE VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEFT UNDRIVEABLE AND STILL REMAINS IN PERSONAL DRIVEWAY. RECALL NUMBER: 240412
NHTSA complaint #11387360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesClearfield, UT
VISIBILITY/WIPER
07/25/2021 STARTED THE MOTOR, IN STATIONARY IN PERSONAL DRIVEWAY, IN IDLE IT BEGAN TO PUFF THICK WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAIL PIPE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. TURNED ENGINE OFF WITHIN 15 SECONDS OF STARTING THE ENGINE. LEFT VEHICLE OFF FOR 24 HRS, AND TRIED TO TURN THE MOTOR BACK ON AND THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WOULD NOT CRANK OVER. TRIED 3-5 ADDITIONAL TIMES TO START ENGINE, WITH THE SAME OUTCOME. SINCE THIS OCCURENCE VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEFT UNDRIVEABLE AND STILL REMAINS IN PERSONAL DRIVEWAY. RECALL NUMBER: 240412
NHTSA complaint #11387360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Leandro, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WEIRD ENGINE NOISE , WHEN SWITCHING THE IGNITION SWITCH SOMETIMES DELAY, ALSO DASH LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS ALSO AC DOESN'T WORK AND LOW OIL , LOW AIR , AND LOW COOLANT LIGHTS TURN ON EVEN IF ALL OF THEM ARE FULL AT THE RIGHT LEVEL .
NHTSA complaint #11289542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Leandro, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WEIRD ENGINE NOISE , WHEN SWITCHING THE IGNITION SWITCH SOMETIMES DELAY, ALSO DASH LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS ALSO AC DOESN'T WORK AND LOW OIL , LOW AIR , AND LOW COOLANT LIGHTS TURN ON EVEN IF ALL OF THEM ARE FULL AT THE RIGHT LEVEL .
NHTSA complaint #11289542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Leandro, CA
ENGINE
WEIRD ENGINE NOISE , WHEN SWITCHING THE IGNITION SWITCH SOMETIMES DELAY, ALSO DASH LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS ALSO AC DOESN'T WORK AND LOW OIL , LOW AIR , AND LOW COOLANT LIGHTS TURN ON EVEN IF ALL OF THEM ARE FULL AT THE RIGHT LEVEL .
NHTSA complaint #11289542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesChiloquin, OR
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. TAKATA INFLATORS
NHTSA complaint #11172607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesSpokane Valley, WA
STEERING
AUGUST 2017', THE STEERING BEGAN TO PULL VERY SLIGHTLY LEFT AND RIGHT AT ALL SPEEDS BUT MORE NOTICEABLE AT LOW SPEEDS OR WHEN TURNING THE WHEELS AT A STOP WITH A VERY SLIGHT CLUNK NOISE THAT GOT LOUDER OVER THE YEAR. VISIBLE INSPECTION AT MY REPAIR SHOP DURING A FLAT REAR TIRE REPAIR DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WORN OUT OR DAMAGED BUT SUGGESTED MAYBE A BALL JOINT COULD BE GETTING OLD ENOUGH TO NEED REPLACED AS IT DID HAVE ABOUT 158,000 OR SO MILES ON IT BUT THEY COULDN'T INDICATE IF IT WAS A BALL JOINT SPECIFICALLY AS THERE WAS NO UNUSUAL MOVEMENT OR NOISE FROM ONE. I ALSO CHECKED AND FOUND NO ISSUES WITH ANY COMPONENT UNDERNEATH. NO LEAKS AND POWER STEERING FLUID WAS GOOD.THEN SEPTEMBER 7, 2018', WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN THE STEERING MADE A LOUD CLUNK STEERING LEFT AND REALLY BEGAN TO PULL ESPECIALLY LEFT. I GOT IT HOME 3 MILES LATER AND PUT IT ON RAMPS AND HAD SOMEONE WORK THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH AND I FOUND THE CLUNK IS COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY. YOU CAN LITERALLY SEE IT JUMP WHEN IT CLUNKS. AFTER THIS STATIONARY TEST THE STEERING WAS MUCH WORSE, THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE F THE BLOCK WITH OUT HEAVY EFFORT ON THE STEERING WHEEL SO IT IS PARKED UNTIL IT CAN GET FIXED. COMPLAINT HISTORY FOR THIS ISSUE WITH GM VEHICLES IN THIS +/- 2 YEAR RANGE IS ALARMING.
NHTSA complaint #11128826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesLong Beach, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK REGAL. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PLACE THE GEAR SHIFTER IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND BEGAN TO SHAKE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AN INCLINE, IT FAILED TO PROPERLY ACCELERATE AND STARTED TO SHAKE. ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PENSKE CHEVROLET OF CERRITOS (18605 STUDEBAKER RD, CERRITOS, CA 90703 (562) 924-1676). BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE CODES WERE FOUND AND THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOULEVARD BUICK GMC (2800 CHERRY AVE, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755 (562) 492-1000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11031897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, DEFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 BUICK REGAL. AFTER DRIVING AND PARKING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION TOO LATE. THE RECALL INFORMATION AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10957664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita Falls, TXFire1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE NO MORE THAN 3MINUTES AFTER I PARKED THE CAR. THE VALVE COVER RECALL WAS REPAIRED IN 2016. CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. I JUST HAPPENED TO GO BACK OUT TO THE CAR TO GET MY CELL PHONE WHEN I SAW SMOKE. I OPEN THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES. I USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO OUT HE FLAME OUT. NOW THE CAR STARTS BUT RUNS TOO ROUGH TO EVEN TRUST TO DRIVE IT! WHY HAVE THE RECALL IF IT WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE ANYWAYS!
NHTSA complaint #10953933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita Falls, TXFire1 injured
ENGINE
THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE NO MORE THAN 3MINUTES AFTER I PARKED THE CAR. THE VALVE COVER RECALL WAS REPAIRED IN 2016. CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. I JUST HAPPENED TO GO BACK OUT TO THE CAR TO GET MY CELL PHONE WHEN I SAW SMOKE. I OPEN THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES. I USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO OUT HE FLAME OUT. NOW THE CAR STARTS BUT RUNS TOO ROUGH TO EVEN TRUST TO DRIVE IT! WHY HAVE THE RECALL IF IT WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE ANYWAYS!
NHTSA complaint #10953933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSpringfield, ORFire
ENGINE
ON 10/28/2016 MY WIFE HAD DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 3 MILES TO THE STORE DID SOME SHOPPING FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. SHE RETURNED HOME THE 3 MILES PARKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE AND WENT IN SIDE. SHE WAS IN THE GARAGE A FEW MINUTES LATER AND SAW SMOKE FILLING THE GARAGE. SHE WENT OUT THE BACK DOOR AND AROUND THE HOUSE AND THE CAR WAS IN FLAMES. NEIGHBORS HAD ALL READY CALLED 911. IT TOOK ABOUT TEN MINUTES FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO ARRIVE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE BAY AND FRONT OF THE CAR WAS DESTROYED. THE PAINT WAS BURNED OFF OF THE GARAGE DOOR AND BLISTERED PAINT AND SOOT ON THE HOUSE. THE HOOD STRUT EXPLODED AND PUT A HOLE IN THE GARAGE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10920124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Hollywood, CACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK REGAL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK AND THE CONTACT EXITED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY REVERSED BACKWARDS. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO RE-ENTER THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND WAS DRAGGED BACKWARDS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEGS AND CHEST. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE STAIRS OF AN APARTMENT BUILDING AND THEN CRASHED INTO A RAILING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER RECEIVED ON THE SPOT MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM AMBULATORY CARE, BUT DID NOT GO TO A HOSPITAL FOR FURTHER TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE BY ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL WHO ASSISTED THE CONTACT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED YET TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10908696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesMilwaukee, WIFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 BUICK REGAL. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PARKING IN FRONT OF HIS HOUSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES BEFORE THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARRIVED. POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 04V375000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #10907138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Towanda, KSFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH IN MARCH, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT WALKED HOME TO CALL HER HUSBAND. WHEN THE CONTACT STATED AND HER HUSBAND ARRIVED BACK TO THE VEHICLE, IT HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE AT THE SCENE AND REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE REMNANT OF THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2016, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 99V356000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10905002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Towanda, KSFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH IN MARCH, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT WALKED HOME TO CALL HER HUSBAND. WHEN THE CONTACT STATED AND HER HUSBAND ARRIVED BACK TO THE VEHICLE, IT HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE AT THE SCENE AND REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE REMNANT OF THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2016, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 99V356000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10905002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesKendallville, INFire
ENGINE
ON 9/1/16, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED, TURNED OFF, AND UNOCCUPIED. HALF THE CAR BURNED--TOTAL LOSS. I LEARNED SHORTLY AFTER THAT IT WAS UNDER RECALL FOR UNDER HOOD FIRES--DO I HAVE ANY WAY TO RECOVER MY LOSSES FROM GM? I ONLY HAD LIABILITY COVERAGE, SO THERE WON'T BE ANY INSURANCE MONEY.
NHTSA complaint #10903925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hesperia, MI
ENGINE
I HAVE THE RECALL LETTER. I HAVE BEEN TO DUER SPEET IN FREMONT MI 4 TIMES AND TO JIM WINTER IN JACKSON MI. BOTH PLACES TOLD ME THEY WOULD CALL AS SOON AS THE PARTS CAME IN. I HAVE BEEN WAITING TO HEAR FROM THEM SINCE FEB. IT'S A SAFETY RECALL!! DOES ANYBODY CARE THAT THIS CAR SHOULD BE FIXED?
NHTSA complaint #10891801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pevely, MO
STEERING
I CALLED A GM MOTORS DEALER AND THEY TELL ME THAT THEIR IS NO RECALLS ON MY CAR, BUT WHEN I LOOKED ON THIS SITE, THEIR IS 8 CODES WITH THE ONE RECALL I JUST GOT DONE NOT LONG AGO!! I WANT MY CAR FIXED!
NHTSA complaint #10884645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pevely, MO
SUSPENSION
I CALLED A GM MOTORS DEALER AND THEY TELL ME THAT THEIR IS NO RECALLS ON MY CAR, BUT WHEN I LOOKED ON THIS SITE, THEIR IS 8 CODES WITH THE ONE RECALL I JUST GOT DONE NOT LONG AGO!! I WANT MY CAR FIXED!
NHTSA complaint #10884645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pevely, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I CALLED A GM MOTORS DEALER AND THEY TELL ME THAT THEIR IS NO RECALLS ON MY CAR, BUT WHEN I LOOKED ON THIS SITE, THEIR IS 8 CODES WITH THE ONE RECALL I JUST GOT DONE NOT LONG AGO!! I WANT MY CAR FIXED!
NHTSA complaint #10884645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ahoskie, NCFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1999 BUICK REGAL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE OIL DEPOSITED ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAN CAUSE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE RECALL NOTICE. CONSUMER SEEKS COMPENSATION FOR NEW VEHICLE AFTER RECALLED VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10872013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gaihersburg, MD
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 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 #10871019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Century, FLFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND SMOKE APPEARED THROUGH THE VENTS AND UNDER THE HOOD. THE DRIVER PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10870735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.