1998 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
325
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
STEERING
67 complaints
CAR HAS BECOME VERY HARD TO TURN, UNLESS MOVING.
Jul 20, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V527000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,013.
Apr 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN BUT HAD DIFFICULTY MANEUVERING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Aug 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOWER BEARING ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED, BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION). THE VIN WAS INELIGIBLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,330.
Aug 02, 2012
1998 BUICK REGAL GS. RACK AND PINION PROBLEMS AT 96K MILES. NOTHING NOTICABLE LEADING UP TO PROBLEM. ONE DAY IT HAS HARD TO STEER TO THE LEFT. NOW IT IS EFFECTING TURNING TO THE RIGHT. *TR OTHER '98 REGALS WERE UNDER RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BUT FOR SOME REASON MY REGAL ISN'T. SPOKE TO BUICK AT 8666088080 AND WAS TOLD BY A MANAGER THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE IT WASN'T PART OF RECALL. KEPT REFERING TO CAR AGE EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAS UNDER 100K MILES. TAKING TO BUICK DEALER THIS WEEKEND TO SEE IF FIXING IS WORTH IT. DEALER SAYS FULL RACK AND PINION OVERHAUL WILL RUN $1500 TO $2000. CAR IS ONLY WORTH $2500. SAD TO SEE A CAR DIE BEFORE IT HITS 100K MILES BUT I GUESS THERE IS A REASON GM WAS IN SUCH BAD SHAPE.
Mar 30, 2011
+ 62 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
46 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN 15 MINUTES. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WERE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN NOVEMBER 2011 FOR A POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE. SHORTLY AFTER RECEIVING THE NOTICE, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM FIXED. UPDATED 07/06/15. *JB
Jan 12, 2015
I REC'D A RECALL NOTICE ON MY VEHICLE IN NOV. 2011 AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO GET IT IN TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL FIXED WHEN THIS FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM PICKING UP MY SON, AND MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE VEHICLE AS WELL, I HAVE NO OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION TO GET TO AND FROM WORK, AND MY WORK IS 30 MILES AWAY. IN CONTACTING GM THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL ONLY FIX THE RECALL PART ANY OTHER DAMAGE WILL NOT BE COVERED, I DO NOT HAVE THE EXTRA MONEY TO FIX THIS VEHICLE AT THIS TIME AND I HAVE ALREADY MISSED 3 DAYS OF WORK, AND HAVE NO MORE PERSONAL PAID DAYS OFF TO TAKE. I AM THE MAIN BREADWINNER OF MY HOUSEHOLD AND MY HUSBAND IS USING A BORROWED VEHICLE TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO WORK AS WELL. I FEEL THAT IT IS TRULY UNFAIR GM CAN'T OR WONT HELP OUT A MOTHER OF 3 WITH FIXING THIS VEHICLE SO THAT I MAY CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FOR MY FAMILY. *TR
Apr 04, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
Nov 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ENGINE OIL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, SOME OF THE OIL SPILLED ON TOP OF THE MANIFOLD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Nov 18, 2011
1998 BUICK REGAL. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS DONE RELATED TO RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO AN OIL LEAK, WHICH RESULTED IN A FAULTY GASKET. IT IN TURN SHORTED OUT THE BATTERY AND THE STARTER. THE GASKET LEAKED, BLOWING OIL IN THE STARTER, AND CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIRS THAT WERE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE RECALL. *JB
Sep 23, 2011
+ 41 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
29 complaints
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.
Aug 25, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO GO INTO THE IGNITION AND FAILED TO TURN BACK. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Dec 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO POLICE OR FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Dec 17, 2015
I USED MY TURN SIGNALS TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN AND MY CAR TURNED OFF. NO LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, DASH LIGHTS, BRAKES WERE SOFT, AND STEERING WAS HARD. IF I HAD BEEN ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO TIMES NOW AND I AM NOW UNABLE TO START MY CAR AT ALL AT THIS POINT IN TIME. WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT? AND WHY HAVEN'T ANYONE FOUND A FIX? HELP ME PLEASE. *TR
Apr 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS ALL OF THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000. UPDATED 05/12/14*LJ *TR
Mar 25, 2014
+ 24 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
23 complaints
THE VEHICLE HAS HAD 14 POWER WINDOW MECHANISMS REPLACED AND THE WINDOWS CONTINUE TO BE A PROBLEM. 14 REPLACEMENTS IN ONE CAR, THIS CAN'T BE THE ONLY VEHICLE IN WHICH THIS IS OCCURRING. *KB
Jul 21, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED A FILM COVERING THE MIRROR. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT A SUBSTANCE WAS LEAKING FROM THE MIRROR ONTO HER CONSOLE AND MELTED PARTS OF THE CONSOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND INSPECTED WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE AUTOMATIC DEM SOLUTION LEAKED FROM THE MIRROR AND THE MIRROR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF 210.00 AND THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE LABOR. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, NO COMPENSATION COULD BE OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 61,300.
Aug 27, 2009
THE WINDOW REGULATORS ARE DEFECTIVE ON 3 WINDOWS. I HAD TO GET THEM SHUT PERMANENTLY WITH TAPE. UNABLE TO OPEN ALL THREE WINDOWS - FRONT DRIVER AND TWO BACK WINDOWS. THE PART ALONE IS ABOUT $400 -VISIBILITY-POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS. *JB
Sep 25, 2006
THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER AND THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER SWITCH AND THE RESISTOR. *AK WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 45 MPH WITH THE BLOWER ON AT A LOW SPEED, WITHOUT WARNING IT WOULD SHUT OFF ALONG WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS PROBLEM REPEATED. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER HAD THE SAME VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. GM STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OTHER INSTANCES REPORTED. *SCC THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE BLOWER RESISTOR BURNED UP, WHICH CAUSED OTHER COMPONETS TO FAIL. *JB
Dec 02, 2003
POWER WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED ON LEFT REAR DOOR IN MARCH 2002, AND ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR IN MARCH 2003. BOTH FAILURES WERE OF THE PLASTIC RETAINER FOR THE CABLE END WHICH HOLDS THE WINDOW UP. BOTH WINDOWS DROPPED SEVERAL INCHES. THE REAR WINDOW DROPPED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING DRIVER DISTRACTION. IN BOTH CASES THE WINDOW COULD NOT BE RAISED WITHOUT REMOVING THE DOOR UPHOLSTERY PANEL. THE ONLY REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLY. LIST PRICE FOR THE DRIVER'S DOOR PARTS ONLY WAS $352. *JB
Apr 30, 2003
+ 18 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
22 complaints
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.
Jul 30, 2019
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.
Mar 30, 2018
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.
Feb 01, 2017
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.
Oct 19, 2016
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.
Sep 28, 2016
+ 17 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
21 complaints
DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, AND WHEN HE TURNED IT BACK ON, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE AND BRAKE LIGHT WOULD BE ON. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, AND HE FOUND THE GROUND ON THE SAFETY BRAKE MALFUNCTIONED. HE FOUND A RECALL ON WEB LINE, BUT ACCORDING TO BUICK, THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
Oct 24, 2005
HAVE 1998 BUICK REGA GS. ONLY 55000 MILES. HAVE HAD SEVERAL ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS REPLACED OVER LIFE OF VEHICLE. SAME PROBLEM EVEN WHILE UNDER WARRENTY. DEALER ORIGINALLY TURNED ROTORS. DEALER APPEARED TO BE AWARE OF PROBLEM. PROBLEM RETURNED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. AFTER SEVERAL ROTORS AND BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENTS OUT OF WARRENTY I FINALLY REPLACED ROTORS WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE CROSS DRILLED AND SLOTTED ROTOR (ASSUMING A HEAT PROBLEM) BUT TO NO AVAIL. VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLANTLY AT TIMES WHEN BRAKES APPLIED AND ROTORS ALWAYS WARPED. I BELIEVE GM WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM FROM ONSET BUT REFUSES TO RECALL VEHICLE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VEHICLE DID THIS FROM THE DAY I PURCHASED IT NEW IN DECMEBER OF 1997 BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS A NEW FORM OF ANTILOCK BRAKED THAT PULSATED. FEAR THAT IF SOLD TO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL, VEHICLE BRAKES MAY FAIL.
Jul 14, 2005
THE CONSUMER'S ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON DRY CONDITIONS. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN HE STARTED TO BRAKE. THE ORANGE AND RED BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, AND IT WAS STILL ON. HE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER 2-3 DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR, AND TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT HIS BRAKES WERE OK THAT THEY WERE NORMAL BRAKES. HOWEVER, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES REPAIRED SINCE THE DEALER WAS CHARGING HIM $575.00. *AK *SB
Jun 08, 2005
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END WHEN VEHICLE IS BACKING UP. *LA THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE NOISE APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM THE ABS. DURING A TEST DRIVE THE TECHNICIAN ALSO HEARD THE NOISE BUT WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE REGIONAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHO INDICATED THAT THE ABS NOISE WAS NORMAL. *NM
Dec 12, 2003
CONSUMER STATES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE STARTS TO SHUTTER WHEN MAKING TURNS.*AK
Aug 12, 2003
+ 16 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
16 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE CROOKED AND NOT AIMING STRAIGHT. THE CONTACT LOCATED A RECALL IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V356000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HEADLIGHTS) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL WHICH CONTAINED A MANUAL INSERT WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPTICALLY AIMING THE HEADLAMPS PER THE RECALL NOTICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Mar 09, 2011
I HAVE A 1998 BUICK REGAL GS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WHEN ACTIVATING THE TURN SIGNALS. UPON ACTIVATING A SIGNAL IN EITHER DIRECTION THE CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN AND STALLS THE ENGINE. THE CAR IS NORMALLY IN MOTION AND POWER STEERING, HEADLIGHTS ETC IS LOST. *TR
Nov 30, 2008
1998 BUICK REGAL GS, PROBLEM EVIDENT FOR THE LAST 10, 000 MILES. WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNAL STICK, CAR EXPERIENCES A "DEAD SHORT" AND ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WHILE CAR IS ROLLING. CAR BECOMES WORSE AS CAR IS DRIVEN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. DEALER SAID HE COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. IT IS INTERMITTENT, BUT EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. ON MY LAST RIDE(4/21/2008), THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY EXPERIENCED A CUT OFF OF POWER AND IF I HAD NOT MOVED THE TURN SIGNAL STALK TO ITS NEUTRAL POSITION, I AM SURE THE CAR WOULD HAVE STALLED WHILE STILL IN MOTION, REDUCING AND/OR ELIMINATING POWER STEERING AND BRAKE FUNCTIONS. THE PROBLEM STARTED AT ABOUT 75,000 MILES. HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS? *TR
Apr 17, 2008
I JUST REVIEW YOUR "COMPLAINT" SEGMENT. I FOUND NO FEWER THAN 8 COMPLAINTS RELATIVE TO OWNERS OF 1998 BUICK REGALS EXPERIENCING THE VERY SAME AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES. I.E. THE CAR DYING WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL STICK IS ACTUATED. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL SINCE THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION? THERE WERE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE DYING WHILE IN MOTION. IF ONE OF YOUR STAFF MEMBERS WERE INJURED OR KILLED, WOULD THIS BE A BETTER REASON TO NUDGE GM TO DO A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THOSE AFFECTED WITH THIS PROBLEM? I JUST WANT TO BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE CARES. SINCERELY. JOSEPH WOJCIECHOWSKI *TR
Apr 17, 2008
THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL CONTINUALLY BLOWS OUT ON MY 1998 BUICK REGAL. I AM CONCERNED THAT IT WILL START A FIRE IN MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *NM
Oct 08, 2006
+ 11 more complaints for this component
TIRES
13 complaints
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT B.F.GOODRICH TIRES STARTED TO DRY ROT. *AK
Mar 03, 2004
TREAD DELAMINATED AS VEHICLE WAS ENTERING I-20 WESTBOUND IN BENBROOK, TX. PHOTOS AVAILABLE. DT
Nov 20, 2002
BLOW OUT WHICH RESULTED IN BROKEN AXLE AND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO FRONT FENDER, AND BENT RIM. ALSO CAUSED CONTUSIONS TO DRIVER UPON IMPACT OF HILLSIDE.*AK
Aug 30, 2002
BLOW OUT WHICH RESULTED IN BROKEN AXLE AND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO FRONT FENDER, AND BENT RIM. ALSO CAUSED CONTUSIONS TO DRIVER UPON IMPACT OF HILLSIDE.*AK
Aug 30, 2002
VEHICLE BELONGS TO MY MOTHER BUT I AM WRITING FOR HER. WE WERE DRIVING TO HOSPITAL TO VISIT DAD WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WANTED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. ASKED MY MOM TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO SEE IF IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. SHE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL GOODYEAR DEALER IN MILTON. THE TECH THERE SAID THE TIRES WERE BAD AND SHOWED HER THE TIRES, THE TREAD WAS COMING OFF THE TIRE (TWO ON THE FRONT), THE REARS WERE GETTING THERE. SHE PURCHASED FOUR NEW TIRES AFTER THE TECH TOLD HER THAT HE WOULDN'T EVEN RIDE IN THE CAR. MY MOM KEPT ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES TO SHOW ME - AND YES THE TREAD WAS SEPERATING FROM THE TIRE. I STILL HAVE THE ONE TIRE.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2M3 BCB TIRESIZE: P215/70R15)
Oct 16, 2001
+ 8 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
11 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE ENTIRE UNDER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS LOCATED IN A SALT BELT STATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Oct 16, 2006
THE CONSUMER FAILED TO LOCATE THE SMALL PLACES ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE HORN IS LOCATED. *LA THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS CONSTITUTES A DANGEROUS HAZARD. MODEL VEHICLE: ESTATE. *SC
Feb 19, 2004
THE RUBBER WEATHER SEALING STRIPPING AROUND DRIVERS DRY ROTTED HAD TO REPLACED, BOTH EMBLEMS CAME OFF THE CAR.
Aug 30, 2001
BOTH VISORS LOOSE.
Aug 30, 2001
THE RUBBER WEATHER SEALING STRIPPING AROUND DRIVERS DRY ROTTED HAD TO REPLACED, BOTH EMBLEMS CAME OFF THE CAR.
Aug 30, 2001
+ 6 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
10 complaints
I WAS DRIVING I SMELLED SMOKE THEN I SEEN SMOKE I GOT OUT THE CAR SEEN SMALL FIRE UNDER THE CAR THEN IT EXPLODED INTO A BALL OF FIRE. *TR
Aug 13, 2008
I BOUGHT A 1998 BUICK REGAL USED FORM GLENN BUIGE IN LANSING MI. WITH-IN FOUR MONTHS OF OWNING THIS CAR THE TRANSMISSION STARTED GOING OUT. IT WAS SHIFTING HARD BETWEEN THE 1 AND THE 2 GEAR THEN IT STARTED NOT TO SHIFT AT ALL IF THE CAR WASN'T WARMED UP FOR FIFTEEN MIN. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED THAT SINCE THERE WERE NO LIGHTS COMING ON AND IT TESTED ALL RIGHT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM BUT THEY COULD PUT IN A REBUILT TRANSMISSION FOR 2,000. SOMEHOW THIS DID NOT MAKE SENSE. AFTER READING UP AND STUDIES THAT I HAVE DONE THIS IS A ON GOING PROBLEM THAT GM TRANSMISSIONS HAVE AND THE COMPANY REFUSES TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AS WELL AS ALL OF THE COMPLAINS ABOUT THEIR TRANSMISSION. *JB
Mar 05, 2004
PURCHASED VEHICLE W/4000 MILES, I WAS THE FIRST TITLED OWNER, 1ST TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITH 30705 MILES & WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITH 53582 MILES. I DON'T FEEL A CAR SHOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AT 30,000 MILES LET ALONE ANOTHER ONE AT 54,000. SOMETHING ELSE MUST BE WRONG WITH THE ENGINE TO NEED TWO TRANSMISSIONS IN LESS THAN 3 YEARS. *AK
Nov 14, 2001
TRANSMISSION FAILED, ALL THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE EXCEPT FOR PARK. *SLC
Feb 19, 2001
NOTICED PROBLEM SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE BUT THOUGHT MAY BE JUST THE WAY THE VEHICLE OPERATED. PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AND PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE---WHEN CHANGING GEARS FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND CAUSE A JERKING MOTION. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION (MILEAGE 11,733) AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPS FAILED TO CORRECT PROBLEM. CONSIDERED THIS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. CAR IS USED DAILY IN MY PROFESSION AS A PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE WITH THE STATE OF VA. I MAKE HOME VISITS WHERE BACKING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC IS NECESSARY AND AT TIMES THE CAR WOULD FAIL TO ENGAGE PROPERLY MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE OUT OF TRAFFIC'S WAY. THE REBUILT TRANSMISSION IS NOW AGAIN REPEATING THIS PROBLEM FOR WHICH I RETURNED TO THE DEALER TWICE. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DEFINE PROBLEM WHILE THEY TEST DROVE IT--NO ACTION TAKEN OTHER THAN TO CALL BUICK(GM) WHO STATED NO OTHER CONCERNS HAVE BEEN NOTED.
Sep 21, 1999
+ 5 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR TRAIL MOUNT FRACTURED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SINK ON ONE SIDE. THE CONTACT THEN APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. THE CONTACT THEN STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE TIRE SEPARATION CAME FROM THE TRAILING MOUNT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC OR A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 254,000.
Oct 15, 2012
AN ABNORMAL NOISE NOTED WHEN DRIVING, SO TOOK IT IN FOR INSPECTION. FRONT STABILIZER BAR HAD CRACKED THROUGH AND HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED - REPAIR COST $319.99. IT SEEMS THIS MAY BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL BUICK (3800V^) ACCORDING TO MECHANIC WHO HAS HAD SEVERAL REPAIRS OF THIS NATURE IN THIS SMALL COMMUNITY. HE FEELS THIS IS OCCURRING BECAUSE THE BAR IS HOLLOW AND NOT SOLID. *JB
Aug 04, 2006
FRONT STABILIZER BAR HAS CRACKED. THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HAS CRACKED AT THE EXACT TRANSITION POINT WHERE THE BAR CHANGES SHAPE FROM A TUBE TO A FLAT PIECE OF METAL. THE CRACK IS BIG ENOUGH TO INSERT A BUSINESS CARD INTO THE CRACK. THE CRACK PROCEEDS TO A DEPTH OF HALF OF THE MATERIAL THICKNESS. *JB
Jun 21, 2006
INTERMITTENTLY WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT AT LOW SPEEDS, VEHICLE WOULD TURN TO THE RIGHT ON ITS OWN. *PH WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, THEY ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. * CB
Jan 21, 2004
CONSUMER STATES THAT A BOLT CONNECTED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CAME OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
Jan 07, 2003
+ 1 more complaint for this component
AIR BAGS
5 complaints
I T- BONED A CAR. WHEN MY FRONT END HIT IT THE AIRBAGS WERE SET OFF. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAD WAY TOO MUCH CHARGE IN IT OCCURRING TO THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER. WHEN IT WENT OFF IT EXPLODED SO HARD AND FAST THAT THE TOP OF THE DASH FLIPPED UP AND SHATTERED THE WINDOW IN THAT SHAPE. THE REST OF THE WINDOW IS FINE BUT THIS REALLY EXPLODED AND COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE IF THEY HAD BEEN IN THE FRONT SEAT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR
May 31, 2013
DT: THE AIR BAG WAS PUSHING THROUGH THE DASHBOARD ON THE CONSUMERS 1998 BUICK REGAL. SHE NOTICED THIS ON 7-21-05. SHE TOOK IT IN ON THE 22ND AND THEY SAID THE CLIP WAS BROKEN. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD GLUE IT DOWN BUT THEN IT MIGHT NOT WORK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THEY SAID THAT RIGHT NOW, IF ANYONE WAS RIDING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, IT MIGHT KILL THEM AND IT WOULD BREAK THE WINDOW. SHE IS NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE. SHE HAS NOT TALKED TO GENERAL MOTORS. THERE IS NO AIR BAG LIGHT ON IN THE VEHICLE. SHE HAS NOT WRECKED THE CAR. SHE HAS ONLY HAD THE CAR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AND IT WAS NOT LIKE THAT AT A ALL WHEN SHE BOUGHT IT. *JB
Jul 25, 2005
WHILE TRAVELING AT 20 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK
Feb 06, 2004
FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH AIR BAGS WHEN CONSUMER HIT A CURB AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED CAUSING DAMAGE TO SUN ROOF, FRONT WINDSHIELD AND DASHBOARD, THE GASSES EXPELLED FROM THE AIR BAG IRRITATED DRIVERS BRONCHIAL TUBES CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH BREATHING AND CONSTANT BOUTS OF COUGHING, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. NLM
Nov 28, 2000
WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY REASON. CAUSE UNKNOWN. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT IIF IT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC. *AK
May 12, 1998
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
DRIVER'S SEATBELT WILL NOT BUCKLE UP ANY LONGER. *AK
Mar 14, 2002
BUCKLE ASSEMBLY FOR DRIVERS FRONT/LEFT RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILS TO STAY LATCHED AND SECURE. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF PROBLEM. *AK *JB
Oct 25, 2001
RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WILL NOT RELEASE, SO PASSENGER IN THAT SEAT CANNOT USE BELT AS REQUIRED.
Sep 06, 2001
BOTH REAR SHOULDER BELTS GET TWISTED WHEN RETRACTING-WHICH CAUSE RETRACTOR TO BIND-HANG UP INTERNALLY/JUST LIKE ON 98-99 OLDS INTRIGUE. SAME BASIC DESIGN AS ON REGAL AND GRAND PRIX AND OTHER BUICK MODELS-HAVE SAME CONDITION/OLDS CAME OUT WITH RECALL TO INSTALL GUIDE-TO KEEP BELT FROM GETTING TWISTED. BUICK CUSTOMER ASSIT STATED NO FUTURE RECALL IN THE WORKS FOR BUICK. WHY NOT????*AK
Jan 08, 2001
SEAT BELT FAILED.
Feb 01, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaints
1998 BUICK REGAL W/ 3.8L ENGINE. HAD RECALL ISSUE FIXED MARCH 2011. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER DRIVING UP TO OUR LOCAL MOUNTAINS. FIRE BEGAN AFTER VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, AS WE WERE GETTING OUR CHILDREN OUT OF THE CAR. THE FIRE BEGAN AT THE SPARK PLUG WIRES, CONTINUED UP THE WIRE ASSEMBLY TO THE FUEL LINES AND BURNED THROUGH FUEL LINES. IMMEDIATELY HAD TO DISCONNECT BATTERY, SINCE FUEL LINES WERE SPEWING GAS AT THE FIRE. WE WERE ABLE TO PUT FIRE OUT WITH SNOW ON THE BRUSHY HILLSIDE WE WERE PARKED BESIDE. FILED CLAIM WITH GM. THEY DENIED IT DUE TO CAR'S AGE, AND CLAIMED THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY AFTER THE CAR IS 4 YEARS OLD. THEIR RECALL FIX DID NOT WORK. THE CAR STILL CAUGHT ON FIRE ANYWAY WITH MY FAMILY INSIDE. *KB
Nov 29, 2011
CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER ON 3 SEPARATE LEFT-HAND TURNS. HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. *JB
Jul 26, 2006
NUMEROUS FAILURES - POWER WINDOWS(SAME WINDOW 2X), HEATER/AC BLOWER MOTOR, TURN SIGNALS (SAME DIRECTION 3X), ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, ENGINE STRUT BRACKETS, LEAKY GASKET VALVE COVERS. CURRENT UNRESOLVED PROBLEM - FAILURE TO START ALTHOUGH BATTERY IS FINE. REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH AND STARTER YET STILL FAILS REGULARLY. NEXT REPAIR, REPLACE A WIRE IN STEERING COLUMN THAT CONTACTS THE CHIP IN THE KEY???*JB
Feb 27, 2005
WHEN APPLYING GAS AFTER MAKING A COMPLETE STOP, ENGINE WILL SHUT ITSELF OFF,CONSUMER MUST RESTART VEHICLE .THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS REPLACED IGNITIONS MODULE AND COIL. ALSO CRANK CASE SENSOR. DEFECT IS STILL OCCURRING, DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE DEFECT. A TRADE ASSIST HAS SINCE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED, VEHICLE REPURCHASED BY BUICK. *AK *ML
Nov 17, 1998
EQUIPMENT
4 complaints
1 YR OLD FAN REPLACED BECAUSE DEFECTIVE, REPLACEMENT STOPS WORKING IN SIX MONTHS LEAVING CLIMATE CONTROL INOPERABLE AGAIN. OBVIOUSLY POOR QUALITY PARTS ARE USED WHEN $25K CAR WON'T LAST SIX MONTHS
Jul 31, 1999
CLIMATE CONTROL SWITCH FAILED. MJS
Feb 01, 1999
RADIO MALFUNCTIONING. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
CUP HOLDER NOT WORKING PROPERLY. NLM
Feb 01, 1999
SEATS
3 complaints
WHILE DRIVING I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING AND FOUND THAT THE HEATED SEAT OVER HEATED TO THE POINT IT MELTED ITEMS IN MY PURSE,COAT, WALLET, AND BURNT THE LEATHER SEAT. NO ONE WAS IN THE SEAT BUT I FEEL THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. I CALLED BUICK AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT A RECALL ISSUE
Feb 09, 2016
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER FELT THAT THE VEHICLE'S SEAT WAS GETTING TOO WARM. CONSUMER STOPPED AT A REST STOP TO USE THE FACILITIES AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. UPON RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE CONSUMER CLAIMED THAT NO ONE IN THE VEHICLE SMOKED. CONSUMER MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE HEATED SEATS IN THE VEHICLE THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REFUSED TO HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT EH HEAT SEAT WIRING MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED A SMALL FIRE WHICH LEFT A HOLE IN THE SEAT ABOUT 6 INCHES IN DIAMETER. *NM
Aug 16, 2004
THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT (WITHOUT THE HEAT SWITCH BEING TURNED ON) GOT SO HOT IT MELTED A PLASTIC BAG ON THE SEAT AND GOT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT SO HOT IT MELTED THE FOAM UNDER THE LEATHER AND CAUSED A BROWN BURN MARK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GREY LEATHER SEATS. *TT
Jun 01, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS BLEW OUT. IN ADDITION, THE IGNITION KEY WAS RUNNING HOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,500.
Dec 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE TURNING SIGNAL HAD SHORTENED. AS A RESULT, THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Apr 02, 2014
1. RIGHT SIDE CORNERING LAMP IS INOPERATIVE DESPITE REPLACING BULB, SOCKET AND EVEN ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE HEADLAMP HOUSING ASSEMBLY WITH ALL NEW WIRING AND BULBS IN IT (NOT THE TURN SIGNAL BECAUSE THAT WORKS AND SO DO ALL HEADLIGHT FUNCTIONS I.E. HIGH/LOW BEAM). 2. WHEN ABOVE ISSUE STARTED CAR SUDDENLY STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHENEVER TURN SIGNALS WHERE USED WHEN PASSING OR TRYING TO ENTER HIGHWAY ON ENTRANCE RAMP REGARDLESS OF IF WE WERE SPEEDING UP OR SLOWING DOWN. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED AT A COMPLETE STAND STILL WHILE LOCAL MECHANIC WAS INVESTIGATING COMPLAINT REGARDING ALL THE ABOVE AND HE IS STILL NOT ABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE. I AM AFRAID TO LET MY FAMILY RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE AND I AM AFRAID IT WILL COST US A FORTUNE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THIS UNSAFE ISSUE! *TR
Dec 19, 2011
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
1998 BUICK REGAL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE AS IT WAS TOTALED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO BEING HIT BY A DRUNK DRIVER. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER CONTINUES TO RECEIVE RECALL LETTERS REGARDING THE VEHICLE. *JB
Jun 28, 2011
I OWN A 1998 BUICK REGAL LS. WHEN IT RAINS, WATER DRIPS DOWN FROM BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX AND ONTO THE PASSENGER FLOOR. IN ONE PARTICULARLY HEAVY RAINFALL, THERE WAS 2 INCHES OF STANDING WATER ON THE FLOOR OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY ASSISTANCE. *JB
Jan 04, 2007
CUP HOLDER BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND PASSANGER SEATS POPS OUT INTERMITTENTLY. YH
Feb 01, 1999
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS ON A STREET, THERE WAS A LOSS OF ALL POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE SERPENTINE BELT FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE MECHANIC PERFORMED A TEST DRIVE, AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SHARP LEFT HAND TURN AT LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING RACK AND PINION FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE STEERING RACK AND PINION AS WELL AS THE BUSHINGS WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Dec 11, 2006
GRINDING AND STEERING PROBLEMS. *PH THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION. THE VEHICLE HAD OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS COOLANT, OIL AND TIMING COVER GASKET LEAKS. *JB
Mar 23, 2004
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
GAS PEDAL IS LOCATED TOO FAR FORWARD CAUSING DRIVER TO BE TOO CLOSE TO AIR BAG. MJS
Feb 01, 1999
CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION AFTER SEVERAL REPAIR ATTEMPTS.
Aug 25, 1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
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
Mar 10, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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?
Dec 22, 2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
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.
May 30, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
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.
Dec 17, 2017
ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
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.
Mar 15, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT PASSENGER ALSO SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. AFTER THE CRASH, THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Jan 20, 2016
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS NOTICED WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS ONLY PRESENT WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,839.
Jan 19, 2016
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT ABOUT 5 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT LIFTED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE HOWEVER, THE FLAMES WERE EXCESSIVE AND THE VEHICLE BURNED COMPLETELY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE FIRE, SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 THE (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED. UPDATED 03/16/16*LJ;05/11/18*JB *TR
Dec 14, 2015
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED EIGHTEEN TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000. UPDATED 09/02/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE BRAKES WOULD STALL, THE STEERING AND BRAKES WOULD FAIL AS WELL. UPDATED 09/16/2014 *JS
Jul 03, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
JUST AS THE CURRENT GM RECALL MY BUICK REGAL SUDDENLY LOSES ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE 1ST TIME THIS OCCURRED I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 60 MPH AT NIGHT, 1ST ALL THE DASH LIGHTS FLASHED ON, THEN MY HEADLIGHTS, POWER STEERING, ALL ELECTRONICS AND ENGINE DIED! LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE EMERGENCY LANE! ONCE, I WAS ABLE TO PULL MY FRIGHTENED SELF TOGETHER, THE CAR STARTED RIGHT BACK UP AND I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE INTERSTATE AND MAKE IT HOME VERY CAUTIOUSLY. IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING, I TESTED IT JUST DRIVING VERY CLOSE TO HOME AND CONTINUOUSLY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, SOMEWHAT SEEMING TO OCCUR MORE OFTEN WHEN I USED MY TURN SIGNAL, THESE INCIDENCES OF TOTAL POWER FAILURE OCCURRED @ SPEEDS OF 0-35 MPH, SINCE I WAS UNWILLING TO PUT IT BACK ON THE INTERSTATE. WHEN PERFORMING A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH FOR A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM, I QUICKLY FOUND THAT I WAS NOT THE ONLY TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM, SOME WITH A 1998 BUICK REGAL JUST AS MYSELF, AND OTHERS WITH A SIMILAR MAKE & MODEL (STILL GM) AND CLOSE TO THE SAME YEAR, WELL BEFORE 2003. AFTER TAKING THE CAR TO A MECHANIC & GETTING A NEW ALTERNATOR AND BLOWER MOTOR, THE CAR DIED YET AGAIN BEFORE I EVEN MADE IT OUT OF THE PARKING LOT. IT WAS SUGGESTED TO ME TO TRY THE NEW ALTERNATOR BEFORE REPLACING THE IGNITION AND RELATED PARTS WHICH ARE QUITE PRICEY ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH HAS 1 OF THOSE CHIPS IN THE KEY. THIS PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE SOLVED AND I WONDER IF THE CURRENT RECALL IS EVEN MORE OVERDUE THAN THOUGHT. PLEASE HELP! DO NOT WAIT UNTIL MYSELF, MY CHILDREN OR OTHERS SUFFER FATAL CONSEQUENCES! THIS VEHICLE IS NEW TO ME, HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE AND IS IN OTHERWISE IN GREAT CONDITION AND ALSO HAS A SATISFACTORY CARFAX REPORT. MY SINCEREST THANKS! *TR
Mar 08, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Nov 16, 2011
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHEN PROCEEDING TO MAKE A TURN. THE CONTACT EXERTED MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V527000 (STEERING;RACK AND PINION). THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED FAILURES IDENTICAL TO THE ONES MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 62,000. THE ABS MOTOR FAILED WHICH PREVENTED THE REAR BRAKES FROM WORKING AND ALSO THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHEN USING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL. UPDATED 03/04/09. *JB
Jan 12, 2009
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION). SHE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPONTANEOUSLY DRIFT TO THE LEFT. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY STALL WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT SHE NEEDED TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 01/14/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/15/09. *JB
Nov 14, 2008
STEERING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MY CAR IS CURRENTLY EXHIBITING THE EXACT SAME FAILURES THAT ARE ALREADY LISTED ON NHTSA FOR MY MAKE, MODEL & YEAR. HOWEVER, THEY SAY MY VIN# IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL.....EVEN THOUGH I AM EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM LISTED! IT IS ACTION #EA03019 CAMPAIGN# 03V527000. PLEASE I NEED HELP BEFORE I HAVE A CRASH.....*TR
Aug 19, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THIS CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, NOTED BY MANY OWNERS. RUSTED PAINT OVER REAR WHEEL WELLS. I CANNOT COUNT THE NUMBER OF TIMES I HAVE HAD TO GET THE TURN SIGNALS FIXED. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ABS SYSTEM THIS SPRING. NOW I AM TOLD I HAVE A CRACKED MANIFOLD. THE HEATING DISPLAY ON THE DASHBOARD HAS NOT WORKED FOR THREE YEARS: WE MANIPULATE THE HEAT/ AIR BY TRIAL AND ERROR. I HAD A "CHECK ENGINE SOON" LIGHT PROBLEM THAT REQUIRED NUMEROUS COMPUTER SCANS, AND WOULD ONLY BE FIXED FOR A MONTH OR TWO AT A TIME. THE WINDOW BUTTONS ARE FAILING. THE CAR DRIVES WELL, BUT HOW MUCH MORE MONEY IS IT REASONABLE TO PUT INTO? IT HAS 138, 00 MILES, AND HAS BEEN SERVICED EVERY 3000 MILES. IT SHOULD BE GOOD FOR ANOTHER 60, 000 MILES. AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS, IT SEEMS I WILL ONLY BE WASHING MY MONEY. IS THE CRACKED MANIFOLD RELATED TO THE REPORTED FIRES?
May 02, 2008
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 1-5 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSTANTLY STALL. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER IT STALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,988. UPDATED 02/15/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE SUCH AS STEERING GEAR FAILURE, WHICH THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. AIR CONDITION FAILURE, TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER, WHICH THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WAS OVERHAULED. THE IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED OUT. THE RIGHT FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED
Jan 16, 2008
SEAT BELTS,WHEELS
1 complaint
BOTH SIDE SEAT BELTS HAVE STOPPED WORKING IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR. THIS HAS CAUSED QUITE A PROBLEM WITH THE LAW REQUIRING PASSENGERS TO WEAR SEAT BELTS. IT IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD. THE STOCK RIMS OF THE VEHICLE SLOWLY CUT THE TIRES AND CAUSE AIR LEAKAGE. THIS REQUIRES THE OWNER TO REPLACE THE TIRES BEFORE THEY WOULD OTHERWISE BE NEEDED. AND ALSO CAUSES THE 'LOW TIRE' WARNING LIGHT TO REPEATEDLY LIGHT UP AND NEED RESETTING. THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD AS LOW TIRES CAN CAUSE BLOW OUTS. *JB
Nov 05, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,SEATS
1 complaint
ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING MY WIFE'S 1998 BUICK REGAL WHEN I HEARD A SUDDEN GUST OF WIND NOISE. I HAD FOUND OUT THAT BOTH OF THE REAR WINDOWS HAD FALLEN AS IF THEY WERE OFF TRACK, BUT THESE WERE ELECTRIC WINDOWS. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FELL AS WELL. I CALLED 3 DIFFERENT BUICK DEALERS WHO ALL TOLD ME THAT THE REGULATORS ON MY YEAR MODEL HAVE A VERY BAD TENDANCY TO GO OUT. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THE REGULATOR FOR EACH WINDOW IS $400.00 PLUS LABOR. I SPOKE TO BUICK'S CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO SAID THAT THEY HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A COMPLAINT ON THIS, BUT I HAVE FOUND COUNTLESS FORUMS ONLINE WITH MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM OF TWO OR MORE WINDOWS MALFUNCTIONING ALL AT ONE TIME...THIS IS NO COINCEDENCE. ALTHOUGH IT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S JUST A FEW WINDOW PROBLEMS, UNFORTUNATELY WHEN IT RAINS THE WINDOWS FALL AND MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER HAVE ENDED UP IN A VERY WET CAR TRYING TO COME HOME. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AS I HAVE ALSO HAD THE WIRES IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR SHORT OUT AND MELT. THIS HAS HINDERED THE VIEW FROM MY MIRROR AS WELL AS LEAKED BLACK GOO ALL OVER MY CONSOLE. WHEN I TOLD THIS TO BUICK THEY DIDN'T SEE IT AS A PROBLEM. I HAVE ONE OTHER COMPLAINT THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS ARE NOT PROPERLY DONE. THEY WORK AND DON'T WORK WHENEVER THE MOOD STRIKES THEM. THIS IS VERY DISCONCERNING WHEN I HAVE CHILDREN TO PUT IN THE BACK. *AK
Apr 18, 2005
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH AND MAKING LEFT TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE AL;SO PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
Jan 26, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF DURING OPERATION AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING. LISTED BELOW IS THE TEXT OF MY NOTE TO THE DEALER MORE FULLY DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM. YOU MAY RECALL AFTER REVIEW OF YOUR SERVICE RECORDS THAT I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE TO YOU DECEMBER 3, 2002 FOR A FAULTY BLOWER MOTOR. AFTER DIAGNOSIS YOU PHONED AND INDICATED THE PROBLEM WAS A RESISTOR, NOT THE MOTOR AND DURING DIAGNOSIS YOU DISCOVERED WIRES UNDER THE HOOD DAMAGED BY AN ANIMAL WHO HAD BUILT A NEST UNDER THE COWLING. I AUTHORIZED REPAIR OF BOTH THE RESISTOR AND THE WIRING. ON JANUARY 3, 2003 I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO YOU FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM, THE BLOWER MOTOR WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY ALONG WITH THE ELECTRONICALLY DIMMED REARVIEW MIRROR AND THE INTERIOR DASH LIGHT WOULD FAIL TO DIM WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TURNED ON. YOU KEPT THE VEHICLE UNTIL JANUARY 7, 2003 BUT WERE UNABLE TO OBSERVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD TWO INSTANCES OF THIS BLOWER FAILURE SINCE BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET TO YOU BEFORE THE FAN AND ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS DISAPPEARED. THIS MORNING SHORTLY AFTER 5:00 AM (IN THE DARK) I HEADED TO THE RICHMOND AIRPORT. AS I WAS ABOUT TO PULL ONTO ROUTE 54 FROM OUR DEVELOPMENT I DECIDED TO TURN ON THE BLOWER TO CLEAR MOISTURE FROM THE WINDOWS. WHEN I DID THE HEADLIGHTS EXTINGUISHED. HAD THIS BEEN TWENTY SECONDS LATER I MAY HAVE WRECKED MY VEHICLE AND INJURED OR KILLED MY PASSENGER AND MYSELF. *NLM
Mar 30, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, THE DEALER STATED THE CRACK SENSOR AND THE FUEL SENSOR WERE THE PROBLEM. *JB
Mar 19, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
DATE OF PURCHASE WAS SEPT 2000 USED. REPORTED ROTOR BRAKE WARPAGE AND TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE. ROTORS WERE TURNED BUT PROBLEM NOT COMPLETLY GONE. MECHANIC DISMISSED TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE AS TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVATION. TRANSMISSION FAILED 7/22/2001.*AK
Jul 26, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY. HE PARKED VEHICLE ON AN OVERLOOK. WHEN HE CAME BACK TO VEHICLE TO START HIS WIFE STATED THAT SHE SMELLED SMOKE. WHEN STARTING UP VEHICLE IDLED ROUGHLY, AND STARTED GOING DOWN HILL AT BOTTOM OF HILL. ALSO, THERE SMOKE AND FLAMES ERUPTED FROM CONSOLE. HE APPLIED BRAKES AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. VEHICLE WENT INTO MECHANICAL BRAKES, CAUSING HIM TO STOP 100 FEET. *AK CONSUMER AND WIFE EVACUATED VEHICLE AFTER STOPPING, ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *JB REFERENCED IN EA02-030
May 07, 2001
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, BRAKE CALIPER FELL OFF, JAMMING FRONT WHEEL CAUSING IT TO FREEZE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE IN REVERSE BUT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL STAYED LOCKED. THE CAUSE WAS FOUND TO BE TWO BOLTS THAT HOLD THE CALIPER SHEARED OFF. THE CALIPER, AFTER COMING OFF, JAMMED THE FRONT WHEEL MOVEMENT TO HALT. THE VEHICLE SHAKED WHEN BACKING AND TURNING DUE TO POWER STEERING GEAR FAILURE. THE BRAKES PULSATE WHEN APPLIED DUE TO EXCESS RUNOUT OF BRAKE ROTORS. *YH
Jan 09, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
DUE TO DEFECTIVE MICRO RELAY 18 AND 19, WHICH CONTROLS THE FUEL PUMP, FAILING AND CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS MAY CAUSE A CRASH OR A NO START CONDITION. MIRCO RELAY 18 AND 19 HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST 50-100 TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Sep 18, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
INTERMITTENTLY IN COLD CLIMATES, WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTION, CAUSING VISUAL DIFFICULTY WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. ALSO THE HORN WILL MALFUNCTION/FUMES FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM WILL ENTER THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO FEEL SICK. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK
Sep 22, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
CAR MAKES MANY ODD NOISES. BODY IS VERY SHARP AROUND DOORS. THE ENGINE IS TOO POWERFUL FOR THE BODY, MAKING IT PRONE TO PEELING OUT AND FISHTAILING.
Sep 08, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
RECURRING A/C, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND WINDOW VIBRATION PROBLEMS HAVE NOT BEEN RESOLVED BY THE MANUFACTURER, DESPITE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. WAS REFERRED TO A BUICK REGIONAL REP, WHO CONSISTENTLY LIED ABOUT THE FACT THAT BUICK WAS AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS IN NUMEROUS (MAYBE ALL) 1998 REGALS. WHEN THAT DIDN'T DETER ME AND THE TRUTH ESTABLISHED, HE ATTEMPTED TO USE PHYSICAL THREATS TO GET ME TO BACK DOWN. THAT DIDN'T DETER ME EITHER. BBB ARBITRATION PROCESS WAS A FARCE. BBB ADMITTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A LEMON, BUT THEIR RESOLUTION WAS TO LET BUICK HAVE THE CAR FOR AN ADDITIONAL 30 DAY PERIOD TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR IT. NEITHER THE BBB, NOR BUICK FOLLOWED THE BBB'S OWN ARBITRATION RULES. BUICK REP AND ARBITRATOR BOTH LIED DURING THE ARBITRATION HEARING, DESPITE TAKING AN OATH AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PROCEEDINGS. THESE FACTS HAVE BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED, AND WERE WITNESSED BY ANOTHER PERSON WHO ATTENDED THE HEARING ON MY BEHALF. READY TO START LEGAL PROCEEDINGS TO PROTECT MY RIGHTS AND OBTAIN A TRULY FAIR RESOLUTION COMPENSATE FOR THESE DEFECTS. ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE BUICK DOESN'T TREAT OTHER CUSTOMERS THE WAY THEY HAVE TREATED ME. *AK
May 28, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MOISTURE HAS ACCUMULATED ON INSIDE OF HEADLIGHT LENS. CONSOLE LATCH BROKEN, REPAIRED BY DEALER. WIPER ARMS WOULD NOT REMOVE SNOW, LINKAGE DISCONNECTED, REPAIRED BY DEALER, THEN WENT OFF WINDSHIELD, REPAIRED A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES. HALF OF DIGITAL TEMPERATURE-RADIO DISPLAY WENT DIM, REPAIRED BY DEALER. DIGITAL SUPERCHARGER BOOST GUAGE INTERMITENTLY STICKS ABOVE ZERO, DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM. *AK
May 10, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
FUEL GAUGE READS INACCURATE. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1998 BUICK Regal have?
The 1998 BUICK Regal currently has 325 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 1998 BUICK Regal?
The most common problems reported for the 1998 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 1998 BUICK Regal problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1998 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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