1997 BUICK Regal Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
141
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
STEERING
29 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER STEERING. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V118000 (STEERING), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,025.
Jul 20, 2011
1997 REGAL BUICK RECALL NO. 03V52700 WAS COMPLETED ON VEHICLE ON 3/18/04 (STEERING RACK AND PINION) VEHICLE HAD ROUGHLY 22,000. SAME PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN WITH 54,733 MILES. VEHICLE DRIVEN AROUND TOWN. CAN'T DRIVE HAVE TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED STEERING UNCONTROLLABLE. CALLED GM WILL NOT REPLACE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. PROBLEM WAS JUST PATCHED. GM SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE BECAUSE OF SAFETY ISSUE. SOMEONE COULD BE INJURED POSSIBLY KILLED. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT GM SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT BUT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Feb 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND REQUIRES A LOT OF EFFORT. HE FEELS IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE HE IS UNABLE TO STEER PROPERLY. GENERAL MOTORS STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION), EVEN THOUGH THE FAILURES ARE IDENTICAL. THE GM RECALL NUMBER IS 03062. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 128,281. UPDATED 02-14-08. *KB
Dec 28, 2007
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER LEFT AND RIGHT. THIS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V527000, REGARDING THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 7/25/2006 - *NM
May 19, 2006
MY WIFE IS COMPLAINING OF A HARD LEFT STEER ON HER 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR ON EACH TURN AT THIS TIME, BUT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING. BUICK'S CUSTOMER HOT LINE IS REFUSING TO MAKE THE REPAIR ON HER CAR. THEY CLAIM THAT THIS CAR IS NOT INVOLVED WITH THE RECALL # 03062. YET THE RECALL SHOWS THIS RECALL COVERS THE BUICK REGAL MODEL BUILT BETWEEN 08-01-96 THROUGH 07-31-97. THIS CAR WAS BUILT IN THIS TIME FRAME. THIS COULD CAUSE MY WIFE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT WITH THE POTENTIAL OF FATAL INJURIES. *JB
Mar 27, 2006
+ 24 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
24 complaints
1997 BUICK REGAL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEALERSHIP DENIED REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS FOR ENGINE OIL DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT, BECAUSE THE REPAIR WAS DONE AFTER THE RECALL WAS MAILED. *JB
Jun 02, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND EMITTED SMOKE. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE PLUGS IGNITED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/05/13*LJ THE HEAD GASKETS AND COILS FAILED. UPDATED 09/05/13
Jul 10, 2013
1997 BUICK REGAL. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE EXPLODED AFTER EXITING. *TGW
Jun 22, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD SHUT ON AND OFF ALONG WITH THE RADIO AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE SALVAGE LOT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING BECAUSE OF AN OIL LEAK THAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS 08V118000,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jan 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 BUICK REGAL. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Jun 22, 2010
+ 19 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
11 complaints
IT WAS POURING DOWN RAIN YESTERDAY. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, WITH MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON AS USUAL. OUT OF NOWHERE, MY LEFT WINDSHIELD WIPER STOP WORKING AND I LOST VISUAL OF THE ROAD. IT WAS SO DANGEROUS, ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. I COULDN'T GO TO WORK BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I STOP MY CAR NEARBY UNTIL IT STOP RAINING. MY SAFETY WAS AT RISK. *TR
Aug 03, 2009
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL 99V348000. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND CRESCENT IN THE CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY. DEALERSHIP INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDE DUE TO VIN. *AK
Sep 08, 2004
WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL ARM FAILED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *NM
Jun 14, 2004
THE HVAC UNIT ON MY 1997.5 BUICK REGAL HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND ITS NOW OUT AGAIN.
Sep 15, 2003
MY WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY FAILED DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. I CONTACTED BUICK CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT MY ISSUE AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY.*AK
Mar 11, 2001
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NO FURTHER DETAILS WERE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Dec 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STARTER AND BATTERY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
Apr 12, 2012
CARS ENGINE WOULD CUT OFF WHEN USING EITHER TURN SIGNAL. ALL DASH LITES WOULD MOMENTARILY COME ON,OR JUST AIR BAG LITE WOULD COME ON BEFORE STALLING. REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH TO CORRECT. MANY OTHER REGAL CUSTOMERS HAVE COMPLAINED ON-LINE,NOTHING DONE ABOUT IT!!! VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION!!!!. *TR
Mar 06, 2010
OUT OF THE BLUE BY USING THE TURN SIGNAL OUR 1997 BUICK REGAL'S ENGINE WOULD STALL. IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, WE HAD NO BRAKES OR POWER STEERING. ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS WOULD FLASH. OUR CAR WAS TOWED TO THE GM DEALERSHIP AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. NOW EVERYTHING IS WORKING FINE. *TR
Aug 29, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AN IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, DURING THE MOST RECENT INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER REPAIR, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,618 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Aug 05, 2008
+ 5 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
9 complaints
1997 BUICK REGAL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO SAFETY RECALL ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NOTICE . CONSUMER WRITES VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WAS NO PROOF FOR CAUSE OF FIRE. *AS *TR
Feb 28, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD NEED TO WAIT FOR THE SECOND NOTICE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Aug 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 BUICK REGAL. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
May 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AS AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE ENGINE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS REPLACED EACH TIME BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Mar 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 BUICK REGAL. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO WEEKS AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000.
Feb 29, 2016
+ 4 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS IN A PARKING LOT, THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Sep 27, 2016
THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THE AIR BAG MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Oct 19, 2004
THE VEHICLES HORN STARTS TO BLOW ON ITS OWN. TOOK TO A MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE AIRBAG SYSTEM. SEPTEMBER 2002 CONSUMER RECIEVED A RECALL LETTER THE AIRBAG SYSYEM. SYSTEM HAD BEEN REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Nov 21, 2002
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 30MPH GOING UPHILL WHEN AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. CONSUMER COULDNOT SEE WHAT CAUSED A CRASH, AND CONSUMER HIT GUARDRAIL ON RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF VEHICLE. ONE INJURY. VEHICLE AT DEALER, AND DEALER HAD NO WAY TO TELL WHY AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
Jun 19, 2001
PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG CONSOLE IS RISING UP. MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED TSB FOR DEFECT. *AK THE DEALER FIRTS INSTALLED A COVER FOR THE AIR BAG BUT THE CLIP HOLDING THE COVER WAS REMOVED DURING SECOND SERVICE. THE CONSUMER WAS VERY MUCH CONCERNED ABOUT AIR BAG BEING EXPOSED BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE PREMATURE DEPLOYMENT, NON DEPLOYMENT OR DETERIORATION. *YH
Dec 18, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 complaints
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, AND USING THE TURN SIGNAL TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
Feb 17, 2004
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE. THIS IS A $600+ REPAIR PER THE DEALER. *AK
May 16, 2000
STOP LIGHT FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH MALFUNCTION. YH
Feb 01, 1999
RIGHT HEADLIGHT HAS CONSUMED MOISTURE THAT COULD INADVERTENTLY CAUSE THE BULB TO BLOW OUT OR A SHORT CIRCUIT. WATER INSIDE LENS LESSENS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE HEADLIGHT. GM SAYS THAT ALL THEIR LIGHTS LEAK, BUT THAT THEY WILL DRY UP FROM THE HEAT INSIDE. *AK *ML
Dec 07, 1998
POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SMELLED OIL COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER DID NOT DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,111 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 195,115.
Jul 18, 2012
TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING WINDING NOISE AS SHIFTING THROUGH THE GEARS. DEALER SAID IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. DEALER WILL PAY FOR PARTS, BUT CONSUMER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR LABOR WHICH COULD BE AROUND $700.*AK *SLC
Mar 30, 2001
NO SUMMARY
Aug 22, 2000
WHILE VEHICLE WAS ON A MEDIUM INCLINE , IGNITION ON AND THE SHIFT INDICATOR IN THE DRIVE POSITION, DRIVER TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE PEDAL AND VEHICLE DRIFTED BACKWARDS DOWN INCLINE UNTIL DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AGAIN. ALSO, WHEN DRIVER IS GOING FORWARD ON ANINCLINE WITH TRANSMISSION IS IN REVERSE, VEHICLE ROLLS FORWARD. WHEN TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER, HE STATED THAT IT WAS JUST A CHARACTERISTIC OF VEHICLE. *AK
Jun 23, 1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
4 complaints
DT: THE CONTACT WAS PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATIONS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. WHEN THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE HE SAID THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND SPLIT. THE VEHICLE WAS ROUTINELY MAINTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE MECHANIC TO THE SERVICE DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE LINES, BUT THE BRAKE LINES WERE STILL LEAKING. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THE BRAKE CORROSION WAS DUE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES.*AK
Nov 07, 2005
ABS LIGHTS FLASH ,CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. VEHICAL IS BEING INSPECTED.*AK
Jul 09, 2002
BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC DUE TO A MELTDOWN. MECHANIC SAID THAT BRAKE LIE MELTED DUE TO ENGINE HEAT. NO WARNING. *AK *ML
Jun 19, 2000
AT LOW SPEEDS (UNDER BRAKING CONDITIONS), BRAKES MAKE LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND COMPLETELY FAIL TO STOP THE CAR. ABS LIGHT, LOW TRACKING LIGHT AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON/OFF. WE HAVE HAD 14 INSTANCES WHERE THE BRAKES HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED. APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS AFTER INITIAL FAILURE, THE BRAKES COME BACK. WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP 8 TIMES SO FAR, AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. WE HAVE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO REPORT THE PROBLEM (CASE#990045360). VARIOUS BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE, EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS NOT MOVING AND WE ARE NOT APPLYING THE BRAKES. *AK
Mar 20, 2000
TIRES
4 complaints
CONSUMER STATES FRONT TIRES EXPERIENCED BAND SEPARATION, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO WOBBLE DURING LOW AND MODERATE SPEEDS UNDER 50 MPH, THE REAR TIRES EXPERIENCED CUPPING, CAUSING A THUMPING SENSATION, MICHELIN REPLACED ALL TIRES, THE TIRES WERE GOODYEAR EAGLE LS, P225/60R16. *YH
Feb 06, 2002
CONSUMER STATES FRONT TIRES EXPERIENCED BAND SEPARATION, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO WOBBLE DURING LOW AND MODERATE SPEEDS UNDER 50 MPH, THE REAR TIRES EXPERIENCED CUPPING, CAUSING A THUMPING SENSATION, MICHELIN REPLACED ALL TIRES, THE TIRES WERE GOODYEAR EAGLE LS, P225/60R16. *YH
Feb 06, 2002
FIRESTONE TIRE (P215/70R15) EXPERIENCED BLOWOUT. *SLC
Jan 22, 2001
WHOOPING SOUND TIRE BLOWOUT/ SAW TREAD IN REARVIEW MIRROR AS I WAS TRYING TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE, I HAD MY TWO CHILDREN WITH ME AT THE TIME.*AK (TIRESIZE: 215/70R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 215/70R15 )
Oct 28, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
3 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT INDICATE THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FREQUENTLY AND MORE OFTEN IN SEVERE WINTER WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 138,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
May 02, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH ENGINE STALLED FOR SECOND TIME WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER FOUND OUT THAT CAUSE WAS FUEL PUMP RESISTOR THAT HAD FAILED. *AK
Apr 17, 2001
FUEL PUMP FAILED. MJS
Feb 01, 1999
SUSPENSION
3 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED STEERING COLUMN VIBRATED AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY. ALSO, WHEN TURNING LEFT THERE WAS A PULLING RESISTANCE IN THE STEERING. *AK
Mar 02, 2004
LOW SPEED THUMPING NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION. CAR RETURNED TO DEALER, CONSUMER REFUSED TO ACCEPT VEHICLE AFTER MULTIPLE REPAIR ATTEMPTS OVER THE NEXT 30 DAYS, CONSUMER ULTIMATELY DEMANDED AND RECIEVED REPLACEMENT AUTO. *AK
May 10, 1999
REAR STABLIZERS FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
ENGINE CRADLE FELL OUT OF CAR WHEN WIFE WAS DRIVING KIDS HOME FROM SCHOOL. *TR
Feb 23, 2008
WATER LEAK ON LEFT REAR DOOR.
Sep 08, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
DT: THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS STALLING WHILE GOING DOWN A HILL. THE CONSUMER HAD THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AND THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS FIXED AT A DEALERSHIP, AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WORKING PROPERLY. 1997, BUICK, REGAL. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY $837.00 TO HAVE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR/IGNITION REPLACED. *AK *JB
Sep 16, 2005
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY AND LOST ALL POWER WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. DEALER REPLACED POWER CONTROL MODUL/ CRANK SENSOR, ETC. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Jul 16, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
FUEL GAUGE INCORRECTLY REGISTERS EMPTY WHEN TANK IS 1/4 FULL. *AK
Jun 05, 2003
OIL SENDING UNIT.
Sep 08, 1999
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
RIGHT SIDE SEAT BELT TIGHTENS ON DRIVING. YH
Feb 01, 1999
THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDES REAR SEAT BELTS LOCK UP, BELTS GET VERY TIGHT, PREVENTING THE OCCUPANTS IN THE SEAT TO MOVE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER STATES NORMAL OPERATIONS DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE SEAT BELT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
Oct 09, 1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID. *TT CONSUMER STATED DEALERSHIP IS NOW CLOSED AND WILL BE TAKING IT TO A REPAIR SHOP. UPDATED 12/20/18*JB
Oct 26, 2018
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
BUICK FIXED 3 RECALLS BUT WON'T FIX ON SAY I HAVE TO PAY FOR ANOTHER PART BEFORE THEY CAN FIX LAST RECALL.
Oct 05, 2016
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING MY 1997 BUICK REGAL GS 3.8 WHEN I HAD MY SON IN THE CAR WENT TO TURN LEFT AND WHEN IN THE TURN ALL THE LIGHTS START TO FLASH AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN .. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED LATER TO FIND OUT IT IS THE IGNITION SWITCH NOW CAR IS SITTING WILL NOT START ALL LIGHTS FLASH WILL NOT CRANK OR TURN OVER ... BEFORE ALL THAT HAPPENED WHEN I WOULD MAKE A LEFT TURN YOU COULD HEAR A CLICKING COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON ... EVERYTHING YOU TOUCHED ON THE STEERING WHEEL , TURN SIGNALS , WINDSHIELD WIPERS ANYTHING WOULD MAKE ALL CLUSTER LIGHTS COME ON AND SHUT DOWN THE CAR . THANK GOD KNOWONE WAS INJURED OR KILLED
Jan 08, 2016
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC 6 TIMES TO REPAIR THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON/ABS LIGHT/TRAC OFF LIGHT COMING ON, HE REPLACED THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WITH A MORE EXPENSIVE MODEL AND REPLACED THE MODULE ON THE ABS PUMP THAT HAS THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND PUMP GEARS. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR APPROX. 1 1/2 WEEKS AND NOW IS BACK! AM GOING TO THE MECHANIC TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON. *TR
Nov 10, 2014
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE SERVICE VEHICLE SOON/ABS WARNING LIGHT/AND TRAC OFF LIGHT LIT AND THE CAR LURCHED AS IF THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. THE ERROR CODE WAS C1225, WHICH IS TOO MUCH SPEED AT THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. THE BEARING AND SENSOR WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. THE MECHANIC ALSO REPLACED THE ABS PUMP MODULE (THE ELECTRONIC PART OF THE ABS UNIT) AND THEN HAD TO UPGRADE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND SENSOR TO ANOTHER BRAND THAT WAS 2X AS EXPENSIVE. THE ABS PROBLEM AFFECTED THE STEERING (MAKING IT HARDER TO STEER AND MORE NOISY), AND ALSO AFFECTED THE SHIFTING OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE ONLINE WARNINGS SAID THAT IT COULD DAMAGE THE TRANSMISSION IF NOT CORRECTED. I EVEN TRIED REPLACING THE MODULE OF THE TRACTION CONTROL UNIT UNDER THE DASH. THIS WAS A VERY TIME CONSUMING AND COSTLY REPAIR, AS THE LEFT FRONT BEARING WAS REPLACE A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES AND TWO VISITS FOR THE ABS MODULE AND PROGRAMMING. I SEE THAT ANOTHER OWNER HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS AT ABOUT 140,000 MILES. *TR
Oct 24, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEIZED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER WHEELS LOCKED. ALSO, THE ANTI TRACTION, AND THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 09/05/14*LJ
Jul 21, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
IF YOU USE TURN SIGNALS CAR WILL SHUT DOWN. GAUGES GO CRAZY ALL LIGHTS COME ON. STARTED WITH SEAT BELT LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT COMING ON FIRST TIME - - ABOUT A MILE LATER WHILE IN A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED TRIED AGAIN AND ENGINE SHUTS OFF !!!!!! FINALLY GOT CAR TO START AFTER PLAYING AROUND WITH SIGNALS AND 4 WAY FLASHER AND DROVE HOME OK BUT DID NOT USE TURN SIGNALS. WHEN IN DRIVE TRIED SIGNALS AND AGAIN CAR SHUTS OFF. THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR 97 REGAL TURNED 30,000 MILES ON THE WAY HOME. *TR
Oct 12, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
1997 BUICK REGAL SEDAN DEVELOPED VARIOUS PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASE. *MR THERE WAS A CONTINUOUS OIL LEAK. THE REPAIRS CONSISTED OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE OIL PAN AND GASKET DUE TO AN OIL LEAK, THE THERMOSTAT, BELT TENSIONER, COOLANT PUMP, COMPLETE FLUSHING OF THE SYSTEM, WIRES AND PLUGS, NEW ALTERNATOR, UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE GASKET REPLACEMENT AND A NEW ENGINE. THE FIRST TIME THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED, THE BEARINGS AND THE PISTONS WERE NOISY. *SC THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS WERE RESURFACED. *JB
Apr 26, 2005
STEERING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED LESS THAN A YEAR AGO DUE TO COMPLETE FAILURE OF POWER STEERING. THE RACK AND PINION BEGAN MAKING NOISE AND PRODUCING WHEEL VIBRATION WHILE TURNING AND EVENTUALLY DEVELOPED A LEAK. RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE FOR PARTS AND LABOR. UNFORTUNATELY, CAR IS BEGIN TO DEMONSTRATE EARLY SYMPTOMS OF IT FAILING AGAIN. THE SYMPTOMS ARE INCREASED NOISE AND VIBRATION WHILE TURN AT SLOW SPEEDS OR TIGHT TURNS AT MODERATE SPEEDS. I AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO REPLACING THIS AGAIN. I NOTE THAT MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS EXIST ON THE LIST FOR SIMILAR ITEMS, AND THAT SIMILAR ISSUE EXIST FOR OTHER GM VEHICLES. PLEASE PROVIDE INFORMATION ON ACTIONS BEING TAKEN ON THE BEHALF OF THE CONSUMERS OF THIS VEHICLE. *LA
Dec 10, 2003
SEATS
1 complaint
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEATER BURNED BLACK COIL PATTERNS THOUGH THE LEATHER ON THE SEAT (BEIGE SEAT), WHEN DISCOVERED THE SEAT WAS EXTREMELY HOT TO TOUCH. DEALER SUSPECTED A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE SEAT HEATING COIL MECHANISM. I HAVE CONCERNS THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY LEAD TO FIRE. *NLM
Apr 26, 2003
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKERED AND THE EXTERIOR WINDOW MOLDING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL ROTTED TO THE POINT THE METAL BAR COULD BE SEEN. MR..*AK
Apr 03, 2003
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
1 complaint
VEHICLE HAS A HISTORY OF STEERING PROBLEMS FROM PS PUMP TO RACK AND PINION COST OF REPAIRS ARE OUTRAGEOUS. MOST RECENT FAILURE LOCKED STEERING COMPLETELY WITH MY WIFE AND 6MO BABY DRIVING AT 75MPH ON INTERSTATE. HAS HAD NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS WITH OIL SEALS, ELECTRICAL, IDLERS GOING OUT. SERPENTINE BELT BROKE DUR TO IDLER SEIZED AND SHUT DOWN POWER STEERING WHILE AT 75MPH IN A SEPERATE INCIDENT
Dec 16, 2001
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TURNED AIR CONDITIONER ON, HEARD A RATTLING NOISE. SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE FRONT - PASSENGER SIDE. STOPPED THE CAR, OPENED HOOD AND AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR WAS ON FIRE. *AK
Oct 21, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO DEALER. DEALER STATED THAT AIR CONDITIONER IS LEAKING WATER ONTO CRADLE MOUNTS, WHICH HAVE DRIED OUT AND CAUSED FRONT CRADLE MOUNTS TO POP LIKE THERE WERE GOING TO FALL OFF. *AK THE BOLTS OF THE CRADLE MOUNTS WERE RUSTED. POWER STEERING HOSES RUBBED AGAINSTTHE BRAKE LINES, CAUSING A HOLE IN BRAKE LINE AND A LOSS OF OF BRAKES, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL, 99V223, HOWEVER CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION, CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE PROBLEM WILL OCCUR AGAIN. *SLC
Jun 13, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES
1 complaint
WATER PUMP REPLACED AT APPROX. 30,000, FRONT TIRES - STEEL BELTS WORE THROUGH. *AK
Dec 02, 2000
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TRANMISSION WAS REPLACED WHILE CAR UNDER WARRANTY W/REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION WHICH IS NOW NEEDING TO BE REPLACED...DEALERSHIP DID NOT ADVISE IT WAS BEING REPLACED W/REMANUFAC. PART. CONTACTED BUICK ONLY TO BE ADVISED CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY COULD NOT HELP. STEERING/RACK & PENION: STEERING LOCKS, POPS, ETC WHEN DRIVING ...I DON'T HAVE MUCH INFO ON THIS RIGHT NOW AS WE ARE HAVING CHECKED BY MECHANIC NOW. HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OTHER "NON LIFE THREATENING" PROBLEMS W/THIS CAR AND ARE VERY DISHEARTENED AS THE CAR IS ONLY 3 1/2 YEARS OLD.*AK
Nov 20, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
DEALER REPLACED ENTIRE FAILED HUB ASSEMBLY, CONSUMER STARTED EXPERIENCING LURCHING PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES AGAIN, TOOK TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO SAID THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY HAD BEEN REPLACED BUT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL SENSOR WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY, FAULTY PART WAS REPLACED AGAIN. *SLC
Sep 06, 2000
POWER TRAIN,TIRES
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE MORE THAN 15 TIMES FOR VIBRATION ISSUES, ATTEMPTS TO CURE THE PROBLEM HAVE INCLUDED SWAPPING THE CAR'S AXLES AND MULTIPLE INDIVIDUAL TIRE REPLACEMENTS AND THE INSTALLATION OF 3 COMPLETE SETS OF 4 TIRES, AT ALL TIMES THE TIRES WERE FIRESTONE BRAND. NLM
Aug 21, 2000
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CUP HOLDER FAILED. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG STICKS UP ON LEFT SIDE. OIL PAN SEAL LEAKS.
Mar 05, 1998
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CRUISE CONTROL WON'T KICK OUT UNLESS YOU APPLY BRAKES FIRMLY DUE TO AN OUT OF ADJUSTMENT CRUISE BRAKE SWITCH.
Jan 16, 1998
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1997 BUICK Regal have?
The 1997 BUICK Regal currently has 141 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1997 BUICK Regal?
The most common problems reported for the 1997 BUICK Regal are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1997 BUICK Regal problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1997 BUICK Regal comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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