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FaultScore report

2001 Buick Regal problems

Owners have filed 229 complaints about the 2001 Buick Regal with NHTSA between 2001 and 2024. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 21 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Buick Regal All 2001 cars
D

FaultScore 70/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Buick Regal.

How this is worked out

The numbers

229

Complaints

7

Crashes reported

55

Fires reported

8

Injuries reported

94,382 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

14%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 70 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 24 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 70
Against the median year of the Buick Regal. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2001 compares with every other Buick Regal

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2001 Buick Regal

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 86 37.6%

0 crashes, 42 fires · median 111,000 mi

Electrical System 33 14.4%

0 crashes, 6 fires · median 88,568 mi

Steering 14 6.1%

Median failure at 66,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 13 5.7%

Median failure at 53,000 miles

Brakes 12 5.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 64,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 11 4.8%

Median failure at 69,638 miles

Airbags 9 3.9%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 115,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 8 3.5%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 153,500 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 7 3.1%

Median failure at 27,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 7 3.1%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 74,882 mi

Body & Structure 7 3.1%

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 67,441 mi

Lights 6 2.6%

Median failure at 72,444 miles

Tires 5 2.2%

Median failure at 119,753 miles

Equipment & Accessories 3 1.3%

Median failure at 46,000 miles

Seat Belts 2 0.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 135,000 mi

Suspension 2 0.9%

Median failure at 94,050 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.4%

Median failure at 20,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 0.4%

Median failure at 118,300 miles

Seats 1 0.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Wheels 1 0.4%

Median failure at 66,000 miles

Exactly what failed

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.

Automatic Transmission 9 24.3%
Power Window Devices AND Controls 6 16.2%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 4 10.8%
Body 4 10.8%
Rotor 4 10.8%
Cruise Control 4 10.8%
Exhaust System 3 8.1%
Engine 3 8.1%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 3 2.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 9 6.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 20 13.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 22 15.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 23 16.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 39 27.1%
150,000+ miles 28 19.4%

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
2001 Buick Regal 4-DR w/SAB — — — —
2001 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.

Jun 2001 peak 11 Feb 2024

NHTSA investigations into the 2001 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.

EA07008 Opened 12 Jun 2007 Closed 1 May 2008 ENGINE 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...

EA02030 Opened 22 Oct 2002 Closed 9 Mar 2004 FUEL 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...

Recalls on the 2001 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 2015501 105,933 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 2009105 128,726 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 2008081 21,046 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Marion, VA Fire

ENGINE

On [XXX], my son drove the car to Wendy’s to get lunch around 12:30 pm. He returned, parked the car in the driveway. My son entered the house and while we were eating lunch the doorbell rang, it was the police informing us that my car was on fire in the driveway. The fire department was called and they eventually extinguished the fire which started under the hood of the car. The jaws of life were used to cut the hood of the car loose to fully extinguish the fire. The car is destroyed. There is no fixing it. Marion, Virginia Fire Department extinguished the fire and stated that a report could be obtained but they were positive the fire started in the engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11569322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Worth, TX Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

My car lit on fire under the hood

NHTSA complaint #11440472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Worth, TX Fire

ENGINE

My car lit on fire under the hood

NHTSA complaint #11440472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Worth, TX Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My car lit on fire under the hood

NHTSA complaint #11440472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 178,000 miles West Plains, MO Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

HAD A FRONT TIRE BLOW OUT CAR WENT ACROSS THE ROAD DOWN INTO SMALL DITCH AND STOPPED TO HIT A MAILBOX RESULTING IN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG CAME OUT SO HARD THAT IT BROKE THE WINDSHIELD DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG CAME OUT AND RESULTED IN IT BREAKING MY SPINE I'VE HAD TO HAVE ONE SURGERY SINCE THEN AND MAYBE MORE

NHTSA complaint #11359843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Seattle, WA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BUICK REGAL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING FLAMES APPEARED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE ON FLAMES WERE SUDDENLY PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS WERE TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN LOOK UP INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11322853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Marion, VA Fire

ENGINE

On [XXX], my son drove the car to Wendy’s to get lunch around 12:30 pm. He returned, parked the car in the driveway. My son entered the house and while we were eating lunch the doorbell rang, it was the police informing us that my car was on fire in the driveway. The fire department was called and they eventually extinguished the fire which started under the hood of the car. The jaws of life were used to cut the hood of the car loose to fully extinguish the fire. The car is destroyed. There is no fixing it. Marion, Virginia Fire Department extinguished the fire and stated that a report could be obtained but they were positive the fire started in the engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11569322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hershey, NE

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have a buick.regal go 3.8 was just notified about recall for under hood fire I have not had this happen yet but I have been a mechanic for.8 years and from what I've seen with my 3.8 and others I have worked on it's not just only the front valve cover and gasket I have noticed that on mine I had oil pooling from lower intake manifold onto transmission also same thing on right hand side of engine the intake leaks oil were the factory uses the silicone form a gasket when sealant goes bad the oil pools on top of transmission and on right the oil pools on top of the timing cover /water pump housing so I think just replacing the front valve cover is not an adequate fix when you have two ends of lower intake leaking oil and also rear valve cover leaking the rear may not be as big of fire hazard but those intake leaks were they pool could very well poor that pooled oil onto front exuast manifold and or crossover pipe when a had break is applied to vehicle

NHTSA complaint #11461414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hershey, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The 2001 buick regal that we have has very inadequate head lights as far as im concerned it is a wiring problem dims are so dim that it's like you have no head lights at all bright are just bright enough to almost see 50 to 100 feet in front of vehicle also this buick is not the only gm vehicle I have experienced this on the 98 buick century's have same head light problem some what worse though also our 2002 chevy venture van has same extremely dim dims on all three vehicles brights are substituted for dims I have tried to rimity the problem by cleaning oxidation from lenses also replacing head lamp bulbs on one vehicle lenses had condensation inside lenses replaced both lenses but the results were same extremely dim dims and still had to substitute brights for dims to see also thought batterie might be getting weak both van and buick have new batteries and alternator on Both are charging strong and to specification so after all that still have head lamp problem no worse no better

NHTSA complaint #11461416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Worth, TX Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

My car lit on fire under the hood

NHTSA complaint #11440472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Worth, TX Fire

ENGINE

My car lit on fire under the hood

NHTSA complaint #11440472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Worth, TX Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My car lit on fire under the hood

NHTSA complaint #11440472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 178,000 miles West Plains, MO Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

HAD A FRONT TIRE BLOW OUT CAR WENT ACROSS THE ROAD DOWN INTO SMALL DITCH AND STOPPED TO HIT A MAILBOX RESULTING IN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG CAME OUT SO HARD THAT IT BROKE THE WINDSHIELD DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG CAME OUT AND RESULTED IN IT BREAKING MY SPINE I'VE HAD TO HAVE ONE SURGERY SINCE THEN AND MAYBE MORE

NHTSA complaint #11359843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Seattle, WA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BUICK REGAL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING FLAMES APPEARED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE ON FLAMES WERE SUDDENLY PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS WERE TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN LOOK UP INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11322853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Seattle, WA Fire

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BUICK REGAL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING FLAMES APPEARED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE ON FLAMES WERE SUDDENLY PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS WERE TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN LOOK UP INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11322853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ewing Township, NJ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

LOSING OIL NOT VISIBLE, APPEARS TO BE VALVE COVER GASKET, OIL PAN, HOSE. ADDING A QUART A MONTH.

NHTSA complaint #11321881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ewing Township, NJ

ENGINE

LOSING OIL NOT VISIBLE, APPEARS TO BE VALVE COVER GASKET, OIL PAN, HOSE. ADDING A QUART A MONTH.

NHTSA complaint #11321881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,000 miles Wausaukee, WI

ENGINE

RECALL FIXED THE FRONT VALVE COVER AND THE REAR ONE SHOULD OF BEEN DONE ALSO DUE TO THE LEAKING OF OIL THAT COULD POTENTIALLY START A FIRE FROM LEAKING ON THE BLOCK AND POSSIBLY BURN ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.

NHTSA complaint #11316888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 235,000 miles Gastonia, NC

POWER TRAIN

I WAS DRIVING DOING ALMOST 50 WHEN IT SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I JUST LET THE CAR COAST TO A STOP, THE SECOND TIME WAS EXACTLY THE SAME EXCEPT I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WHILE I STILL HAD A GOOD BIT OF SPEED AND CRUNK IT BACK UP. THE CAR ALWAYS CRANK RIGHT BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM AND DRIVES FINE. I'VE CHANGE MY FUSES AND CERTAIN LIGHTS (LOW TIRE, LOW COOLANT, CHECK ENGINE)ON THE DASHBOARD WON'T GO OFF AND I JUST RECENTLY HAD MY CAR INSPECTED IN WHICH IT PASSED

NHTSA complaint #11288811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 235,000 miles Gastonia, NC

STEERING

I WAS DRIVING DOING ALMOST 50 WHEN IT SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I JUST LET THE CAR COAST TO A STOP, THE SECOND TIME WAS EXACTLY THE SAME EXCEPT I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WHILE I STILL HAD A GOOD BIT OF SPEED AND CRUNK IT BACK UP. THE CAR ALWAYS CRANK RIGHT BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM AND DRIVES FINE. I'VE CHANGE MY FUSES AND CERTAIN LIGHTS (LOW TIRE, LOW COOLANT, CHECK ENGINE)ON THE DASHBOARD WON'T GO OFF AND I JUST RECENTLY HAD MY CAR INSPECTED IN WHICH IT PASSED

NHTSA complaint #11288811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 235,000 miles Gastonia, NC

ENGINE

I WAS DRIVING DOING ALMOST 50 WHEN IT SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I JUST LET THE CAR COAST TO A STOP, THE SECOND TIME WAS EXACTLY THE SAME EXCEPT I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WHILE I STILL HAD A GOOD BIT OF SPEED AND CRUNK IT BACK UP. THE CAR ALWAYS CRANK RIGHT BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM AND DRIVES FINE. I'VE CHANGE MY FUSES AND CERTAIN LIGHTS (LOW TIRE, LOW COOLANT, CHECK ENGINE)ON THE DASHBOARD WON'T GO OFF AND I JUST RECENTLY HAD MY CAR INSPECTED IN WHICH IT PASSED

NHTSA complaint #11288811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,267 miles Greensboro, NC Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

I BOUGHT THIS CAR A YEAR AGO. TODAY I TRIED TO CRANK THE CAR WHILE SITTING IN MY YARD A BIG BOOM HAPPENED AND THE CAR ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE PLASTIC COVERING MELTED OFF THE ENGINE AS WELL AS SOME OF THE BACK PART OF THE ENGINE IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE RECALLS ASSOCIATED MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERN150757 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER15V701

NHTSA complaint #11066849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,267 miles Greensboro, NC Fire

ENGINE

I BOUGHT THIS CAR A YEAR AGO. TODAY I TRIED TO CRANK THE CAR WHILE SITTING IN MY YARD A BIG BOOM HAPPENED AND THE CAR ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE PLASTIC COVERING MELTED OFF THE ENGINE AS WELL AS SOME OF THE BACK PART OF THE ENGINE IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE RECALLS ASSOCIATED MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERN150757 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER15V701

NHTSA complaint #11066849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,000 miles Monona, WI

SERVICE BRAKES

ON 1997-2004 "W PLATFORM" GM AUTOS, INCLUDING MY REGAL, THE ABS SENSOR DESIGN IS FLAWED IN THAT IT'S WIRING IS LOCATED IN AN EXPOSED LOCATION AT THE INSIDE BOTTOM OF THE WHEEL HUB THAT ANY ROAD DITRITUS CAN IMPACT, CAUSING THE TRACK SYSTEM OFF DASH LIGHT TO COME ON AND ABS BRAKING TO FAIL. I AM NOW ON MY 6TH REPLACEMENT INCIDENT SINCE 2006, WHEN IT HAPPENED THE 1ST TIME. (2 EACH ON THE FRONT WHEEL HUBS AND 1 ON A REAR. DO NOT KNOW AT THIS TIME WHICH WHEEL IS INVOLVED THIS TIME,) EVERY TIME THE LITTLE SENSOR WIRE BREAKS OR GETS CUT & YOU CAN'T JUST FIX THE WIRE, IT REQUIRES A TOTAL REPLACEMENT OF THE WHEEL HUB AND COSTS NEARLY $500 A POP. THE WIRE IS RIDICULOUSLY EASY TO DAMAGE JUST BY DRIVING THROUGH PLOW DRIFT IN THE DRIVEWAY OR HITTING SMALL TREE BRANCH DETRITUS ON THE ROAD THAT BOUNCES OFF THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND SNAGS THE WIRE. MOST COMMONLY IT BREAKS INSIDE THE INSULATION AND INTERMITENTLY SHORTS OUT WHEN IT GETS WET, (& DISAPPEARS WHEN IT DRIES OUT AGAIN) CAUSING THE ABS SYSTEM TO STUTTER WHEN BRAKING, & MAKING IT EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE TO DIAGNOSE BEFORE FIXING (AN EXTRA $129). SINCE IT'S A COMMON (& FREQUENT) DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT ON ALL "W PLATFORM" GM VEHICLES FROM '97-'04, I FIND IT CURIOUS THAT THE NTSB HASN'T ORDERED GM TO FIND A FIX FOR THIS LONG AGO.

NHTSA complaint #11064479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Colchester, CT Fire

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND RAN INTO FERRY FACILITY TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE WHETHER A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE REMNANT WAS TOWED AWAY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. APPROXIMATELY SEVEN MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *BF

NHTSA complaint #11022320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, VA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BUICK REGAL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A LOCAL STREET, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A PASSERBY NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AND CONTACTED THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS. A FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10991864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, VA Fire

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BUICK REGAL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A LOCAL STREET, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A PASSERBY NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AND CONTACTED THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS. A FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10991864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Appleton, WI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION ANTI-THEFT CHIP CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPLACED THE KEY, WHICH RESOLVED THE FAILURE FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #10979361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Appleton, WI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION ANTI-THEFT CHIP CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPLACED THE KEY, WHICH RESOLVED THE FAILURE FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #10979361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 118,300 miles Wytheville, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TAKATA RECALL... WHILE DRIVING IN OUR CITY ALL INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WENT TO FLASHING AND THE GAUGES WERE QUIVERING, BELLS WENT OFF AND MY CAR DIED RIGHT THERE IN THE TRAFFIC WHILE GOING 25 MPH. I HAD MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON IN THE CAR WITH ME AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT. CAR WOULDN'T RESTART FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES BUT EVENTUALLY DID WITH THE SAME THING HAPPENING WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. DAUGHTER GOT THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. HUSBAND GOT THE CAR HOME AND LEFT IT. IT WOULDN'T START BACK THE NEXT DAY BUT AFTER CONTINUALLY TRYING IT EVENTUALLY STARTED BUT HAD A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STILL GOING CRAZY. HUSBAND CALLED OUR LOCAL GARAGE WHILE I STARTED A SEARCH ON THE WEB FOR POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS. I CAME ACROSS OTHERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT AS WE WERE EXPERIENCING AND FOUND THAT THEIR PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. OUR LOCAL GARAGE SUGGESTED WE LOOK FOR GROUND WIRE PROBLEMS. I WATCHED A VIDEO OF A CAR DOING THE SAME THING MINE WAS DOING, THAT PERSON REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND ALL WAS WELL. I READ AND WATCHED A VIDEO OF WHERE ONE SAID TO TURN ON THE FLASHERS OR HEADLIGHTS BEFORE TRY TO START THE CAR, THIS ALLOWED THE CAR TO START WITH NO PROBLEMS. TRIED IT AND IT WORKED. ONE OTHER THING WITHOUT THE FLASHERS OR HEADLIGHTS ON, THE SIFTER IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. CALLED OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT A RECALL AND WAS LAUGHED AT AND SPOKEN TO AS IF I WAS A CHILD. SHE SAID IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND 1 PERSON HAD A COMPLAINT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. I TOLD HER THERE WAS PLENTY DOCUMENTATION ON YOUTUBE TO GO WATCH IT. I AM READING MANY THAT ARE CALLING THIS AS A "DEATH TRAP" AND THAT SOME HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10970912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 118,300 miles Wytheville, VA

ENGINE

TAKATA RECALL... WHILE DRIVING IN OUR CITY ALL INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WENT TO FLASHING AND THE GAUGES WERE QUIVERING, BELLS WENT OFF AND MY CAR DIED RIGHT THERE IN THE TRAFFIC WHILE GOING 25 MPH. I HAD MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON IN THE CAR WITH ME AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT. CAR WOULDN'T RESTART FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES BUT EVENTUALLY DID WITH THE SAME THING HAPPENING WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. DAUGHTER GOT THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. HUSBAND GOT THE CAR HOME AND LEFT IT. IT WOULDN'T START BACK THE NEXT DAY BUT AFTER CONTINUALLY TRYING IT EVENTUALLY STARTED BUT HAD A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STILL GOING CRAZY. HUSBAND CALLED OUR LOCAL GARAGE WHILE I STARTED A SEARCH ON THE WEB FOR POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS. I CAME ACROSS OTHERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT AS WE WERE EXPERIENCING AND FOUND THAT THEIR PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. OUR LOCAL GARAGE SUGGESTED WE LOOK FOR GROUND WIRE PROBLEMS. I WATCHED A VIDEO OF A CAR DOING THE SAME THING MINE WAS DOING, THAT PERSON REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND ALL WAS WELL. I READ AND WATCHED A VIDEO OF WHERE ONE SAID TO TURN ON THE FLASHERS OR HEADLIGHTS BEFORE TRY TO START THE CAR, THIS ALLOWED THE CAR TO START WITH NO PROBLEMS. TRIED IT AND IT WORKED. ONE OTHER THING WITHOUT THE FLASHERS OR HEADLIGHTS ON, THE SIFTER IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. CALLED OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT A RECALL AND WAS LAUGHED AT AND SPOKEN TO AS IF I WAS A CHILD. SHE SAID IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND 1 PERSON HAD A COMPLAINT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. I TOLD HER THERE WAS PLENTY DOCUMENTATION ON YOUTUBE TO GO WATCH IT. I AM READING MANY THAT ARE CALLING THIS AS A "DEATH TRAP" AND THAT SOME HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10970912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.