10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 8
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,828 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Buick Regal engine problems

engine problem

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1997 Buick Regal Owner Comments

problem #15

Apr 062016

Regal 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1997 Buick Regal. Consumer writes in regards to dealership denied reimbursement requests for engine oil deposited on the exhaust manifold recall notice. The consumer was denied reimbursement, because the repair was done after the recall was mailed.

- Menomonee Falls, WI, USA

problem #14

Jun 282013

Regal 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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 the head gaskets and coils failed. Updated 09/05/13

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #13

Mar 162011

Regal 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1997 Buick Regal. Consumer states vehicle exploded after exiting.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #12

Jan 032011

Regal

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #11

Jun 102010

Regal

  • 78,000 miles
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.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #10

Sep 062009

Regal

  • 158,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Buick Regal. The contact stated that she received recall notice # 09V116000 (09V116000). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired according to the remedy referenced in the recall. However shortly after the repair the vehicle had an engine compartment fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the flames. The manufacturer was not notified. The current and failure mileages were 158,000.bl

- Auburn, AL, USA

problem #9

Apr 082009

Regal

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact does not own a 1997 Buick Regal. The contact read an article regarding NHTSA campaign id number 09V116000. The recall was issued due to an oil leak that could cause the vehicle to catch fire. He believed that the remedy for the recall would not repair the failure. GM states that they will remove the spark plug wire retention channel and install two new plug wires. He believes that this will not correct the failure and the vehicle could still catch fire in the future. The contact believes that the leaks should be repaired at the core of the issue. There is not one particular vehicle in question, but the recall includes the 1997-2003 Buick Regals, 2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala, 1998-1999 Chevrolet luminas, 1998- 2003 Chevrolet monte carlos, 1998-1999 Oldsmobile intrigues, and 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. The VIN and mileages were unknown.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #8

Aug 282008

Regal

  • 120,219 miles
3.8 liter supercharged engine coolant leak - lower intake manifold gasket is leaking coolant. I have read about the recall or class action suit about the coolant leaks on 3.8 liter engines that are not supercharged. I would like to know why they never included superchared engines. I have a 1997 Buick Regal and a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix that were both at a GM dealership and they have this problem and it needs to be fixed.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #7

Nov 152007

Regal

  • 118,328 miles
Engine light kept coming on and then when go off. It was fixed by replacing the rear purge solenoid on 11-15-07.

- Greer, SC, USA

problem #6

Mar 312008

Regal 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1997 Buick Regal died while driving and caught fire. Consumer states that she was then informed of a recall and believes that Buick should compensate her so she can purchase a new vehicle. The consumer received a recall letter in the mail 1 month after the fire. Recall # 08V118000

- Queen Creek, AZ, USA

problem #5

May 022008

Regal 6-cyl

  • 125,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1997 Buick Regal gs on Thursday May 1, 2008 I received in the mail a recall letter from GM. In this letter it explains that these vehicles have higher rocker cover gasket temps. In short, this could lead to vehicle fire and surrounding property. On Friday, May 2, 2008, my daughter was driving this vehicle and parked at a friends house. While the car was parked and engine off, the car caught fire in the engine area. The vehicle and contents were totally destroyed. Damage was also caused to the friends house.

- Fredericktown, OH, USA

problem #4

Jul 292005

Regal 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
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 to have crank shaft sensor/ignition replaced.

- Shelton, CT, USA

problem #3

Oct 251997

Regal 6-cyl

  • 32,869 miles
1997 Buick Regal sedan developed various problems since purchase. 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. The front brakes were replaced and the rotors were resurfaced.

- Unknown, DC, USA

problem #2

Feb 182005

Regal 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Driver noticed that the check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. A loud winding noise was coming from the front of the vehicle. Then, vehicle stalled. Driver was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection.

- Richland, WA, USA

problem #1

Jan 012003

Regal

  • miles
While traveling on the highway the oil light appear on the dashboard. And with in seconds the vehicle caught on fire. Please fill in additional information dealer is aware of the problem.

- San Jose, CA, USA

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