On engine start, loud explosion in engine compartment. Inspection reveled engine cover broken, upper intake manifold (plenum) split in two pieces. Smell of gas, broken vacuum and fuel lines. Must replace upper intake manifold, fuel rail, 2 injectors, various lines. Old parts are available.

- Daphne, AL, USA

The contact owns a 1996 Buick Regal. The contact's vehicle caught fire after being parked for approximately fifteen minutes. The current and failure mileages were 186,000. Updated 02-01-08. Updated 02/19/10. Updated 09/2810

- Beattyville, KY, USA

Vehicle would not start, it was towed to repair shop sat for about 24 hours, when trying to start it the intake manifold exploded.

- Greenwood, IN, USA

While driving at any speed, the vehicle would intermittently stall. Just before the vehicle stalled, the check engine and battery light had come on. The vehicle had been to the dealer three times for this problem, but the dealer was unable to resolve the problem. The stalling would also occur when making left turns.

- Farmington, MI, USA

While driving 40 mph vehicle stalled. Then, vehicle restarted without any problem.

- Rockland, MA, USA

Plastic connection hose of oil filter to manifold on motor block broke off.consumer took vehicle into dealer, and they fixed the hose.

- Houston, TX, USA

Bolt in oil pan has stripped and separated from oil pan. Entire unit has to be replaced.

- Gold River, CA, USA

Engine failed going uphill, valve failure, repairman says normal with type of Buick. Buick knows engine is bad, recalled other engine model for this year.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

Loud ticking noise at startup: Camshaft and lifters failed.

- Las Cruces, NM, USA

Broken valve spring in the engine.

- Louisville, KY, USA

After having reported a steady burning "engine check light" to the dealer, approximately two weeks prior to engine problem and upon being advised to be sure to tighten gas cap to create the proper vacuum, the light went out and the car ran like a top. Upon stopping at the store and hearing a little chug, the engine then rattled, etc. And had no power on start-up and was towed to dealer. The dealer found a broken valve spring in the engine. Much to our consternation when we thought we had purchased a 100,000 mile virtually maintenance free engine, there seems to be no explanation for this occurrence and we wonder if: (1) others have complained of such a problem, (2) this is a defect in the original equipment, and (3) this might be a dealer defect to be corrected by the dealer.

- Louisville, KY, USA