2001 Buick Regal Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Buick Regal, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine8639.3%
- Electrical3214.6%
- Steering146.4%
- Driver assistance146.4%
- Brakes125.5%
- Transmission104.6%
- Airbags83.7%
- Visibility73.2%
- Body & structure73.2%
- Fuel system73.2%
- Exterior lighting62.7%
- Tires & wheels52.3%
- Other / unspecified31.4%
- Heating & air conditioning20.9%
- Seat belts20.9%
- Suspension20.9%
- Interior & seats10.5%
- Powertrain (other)10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
On [XXX], my son drove the car to Wendy’s to get lunch around 12:30 pm. He returned, parked the car in the driveway. My son entered the house and while we were eating lunch the doorbell rang, it was the police informing us that my car was on fire in the driveway. The fire department was called and they eventually extinguished the fire which started under the hood of the car. The jaws of life were used to cut the hood of the car loose to fully extinguish the fire. The car is destroyed. There is no fixing it. Marion, Virginia Fire Department extinguished the fire and stated that a report could be obtained but they were positive the fire started in the engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My car lit on fire under the hood
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The 2001 buick regal that we have has very inadequate head lights as far as im concerned it is a wiring problem dims are so dim that it's like you have no head lights at all bright are just bright enough to almost see 50 to 100 feet in front of vehicle also this buick is not the only gm vehicle I have experienced this on the 98 buick century's have same head light problem some what worse though also our 2002 chevy venture van has same extremely dim dims on all three vehicles brights are substituted for dims I have tried to rimity the problem by cleaning oxidation from lenses also replacing head lamp bulbs on one vehicle lenses had condensation inside lenses replaced both lenses but the results were same extremely dim dims and still had to substitute brights for dims to see also thought batterie might be getting weak both van and buick have new batteries and alternator on Both are charging strong and to specification so after all that still have head lamp problem no worse no better
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BUICK REGAL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING FLAMES APPEARED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE ON FLAMES WERE SUDDENLY PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS WERE TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN LOOK UP INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING DOING ALMOST 50 WHEN IT SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I JUST LET THE CAR COAST TO A STOP, THE SECOND TIME WAS EXACTLY THE SAME EXCEPT I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WHILE I STILL HAD A GOOD BIT OF SPEED AND CRUNK IT BACK UP. THE CAR ALWAYS CRANK RIGHT BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM AND DRIVES FINE. I'VE CHANGE MY FUSES AND CERTAIN LIGHTS (LOW TIRE, LOW COOLANT, CHECK ENGINE)ON THE DASHBOARD WON'T GO OFF AND I JUST RECENTLY HAD MY CAR INSPECTED IN WHICH IT PASSED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL... WHILE DRIVING IN OUR CITY ALL INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WENT TO FLASHING AND THE GAUGES WERE QUIVERING, BELLS WENT OFF AND MY CAR DIED RIGHT THERE IN THE TRAFFIC WHILE GOING 25 MPH. I HAD MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON IN THE CAR WITH ME AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT. CAR WOULDN'T RESTART FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES BUT EVENTUALLY DID WITH THE SAME THING HAPPENING WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. DAUGHTER GOT THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. HUSBAND GOT THE CAR HOME AND LEFT IT. IT WOULDN'T START BACK THE NEXT DAY BUT AFTER CONTINUALLY TRYING IT EVENTUALLY STARTED BUT HAD A HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STILL GOING CRAZY. HUSBAND CALLED OUR LOCAL GARAGE WHILE I STARTED A SEARCH ON THE WEB FOR POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS. I CAME ACROSS OTHERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT AS WE WERE EXPERIENCING AND FOUND THAT THEIR PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. OUR LOCAL GARAGE SUGGESTED WE LOOK FOR GROUND WIRE PROBLEMS. I WATCHED A VIDEO OF A CAR DOING THE SAME THING MINE WAS DOING, THAT PERSON REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND ALL WAS WELL. I READ AND WATCHED A VIDEO OF WHERE ONE SAID TO TURN ON THE FLASHERS OR HEADLIGHTS BEFORE TRY TO START THE CAR, THIS ALLOWED THE CAR TO START WITH NO PROBLEMS. TRIED IT AND IT WORKED. ONE OTHER THING WITHOUT THE FLASHERS OR HEADLIGHTS ON, THE SIFTER IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. CALLED OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT A RECALL AND WAS LAUGHED AT AND SPOKEN TO AS IF I WAS A CHILD. SHE SAID IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND 1 PERSON HAD A COMPLAINT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. I TOLD HER THERE WAS PLENTY DOCUMENTATION ON YOUTUBE TO GO WATCH IT. I AM READING MANY THAT ARE CALLING THIS AS A "DEATH TRAP" AND THAT SOME HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR
THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND I HAD SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AND MY SPEED STARTED TO INCREASE SLOWLY AT FIRST THEN IT INCREASED AT A RAPID RATE.SO I TAPPED THE BRAKE AND IT DISENGAGED . WHEN I REENGAGED IT THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT HAS HAPPENED SPORADICALLY AND BECAUSE IT HAPPENS INFREQUENTLY I HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT REPAIRED AND WHEN I HAVE ASKED MECHANICS ABOUT IT, THEY DRIVE IT AND IT WORKS FINE.I CANT BELIEVE I AM THE ONLY ONE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON 1997-2004 "W PLATFORM" GM AUTOS, INCLUDING MY REGAL, THE ABS SENSOR DESIGN IS FLAWED IN THAT IT'S WIRING IS LOCATED IN AN EXPOSED LOCATION AT THE INSIDE BOTTOM OF THE WHEEL HUB THAT ANY ROAD DITRITUS CAN IMPACT, CAUSING THE TRACK SYSTEM OFF DASH LIGHT TO COME ON AND ABS BRAKING TO FAIL. I AM NOW ON MY 6TH REPLACEMENT INCIDENT SINCE 2006, WHEN IT HAPPENED THE 1ST TIME. (2 EACH ON THE FRONT WHEEL HUBS AND 1 ON A REAR. DO NOT KNOW AT THIS TIME WHICH WHEEL IS INVOLVED THIS TIME,) EVERY TIME THE LITTLE SENSOR WIRE BREAKS OR GETS CUT & YOU CAN'T JUST FIX THE WIRE, IT REQUIRES A TOTAL REPLACEMENT OF THE WHEEL HUB AND COSTS NEARLY $500 A POP. THE WIRE IS RIDICULOUSLY EASY TO DAMAGE JUST BY DRIVING THROUGH PLOW DRIFT IN THE DRIVEWAY OR HITTING SMALL TREE BRANCH DETRITUS ON THE ROAD THAT BOUNCES OFF THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND SNAGS THE WIRE. MOST COMMONLY IT BREAKS INSIDE THE INSULATION AND INTERMITENTLY SHORTS OUT WHEN IT GETS WET, (& DISAPPEARS WHEN IT DRIES OUT AGAIN) CAUSING THE ABS SYSTEM TO STUTTER WHEN BRAKING, & MAKING IT EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE TO DIAGNOSE BEFORE FIXING (AN EXTRA $129). SINCE IT'S A COMMON (& FREQUENT) DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT ON ALL "W PLATFORM" GM VEHICLES FROM '97-'04, I FIND IT CURIOUS THAT THE NTSB HASN'T ORDERED GM TO FIND A FIX FOR THIS LONG AGO.
WELL DRIVING I WAS GOING ALONG AT 40 MPH AND THE CAR JUST UP AND DIED ALL THE DASH LIGHTS STARTED TO FLASHING STEERING BECOMES HARD AND THE BRAKING IS LIKE STANDING ON A BRICK I DO BELIEVE THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY BE THE PROBLEM IT IS THE SAME SWITCH THAT IS IN THE CHEVROLET IMPALA THAT HAD BEEN RECALLED I USED TO WORK FOR A GARAGE AND INSTALL THEM OFTEN I DO HOPE YOU LOOK IN TO THIS WITH CARE SECOND THING IS THE STEERING RACK IS REALLY BAD AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO THEM AT THE DEALER THEY TRIED TO TELL ME IT WAS FROM USE I DON'T BELIEVE IT I HAVE A ASE CERTIFIED PERSON DO ALL THE WORK TO IT AND THE BRAKES ARE BRAND NEW SO YOU TELL ME THERE IS A MAD DEFECT ON THE CAR IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED SOME TIME AGO AND I DON'T KNOW AS TO WHY THIS IS STILL NOT ON THE LIST OF RECALLS BUT IT NEEDS TO BE SAME FOR THE 2000 01 02 03 BUICKS THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME HOPE THIS GET TAKEN CARE OF. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION FAILURE,RADIATOR FAILURE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STARTED THE ENGINE ON A COLD START AND A SHAKING MOTION OCCURRED. ADDITIONALLY, WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION THE ENGINE POWER FAILED TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO EXCEED OVER 25 MPH. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE POWER TRAIN, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,584. UPDATED 05/13/10. *LJ
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
HAD A FRONT TIRE BLOW OUT CAR WENT ACROSS THE ROAD DOWN INTO SMALL DITCH AND STOPPED TO HIT A MAILBOX RESULTING IN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG CAME OUT SO HARD THAT IT BROKE THE WINDSHIELD DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG CAME OUT AND RESULTED IN IT BREAKING MY SPINE I'VE HAD TO HAVE ONE SURGERY SINCE THEN AND MAYBE MORE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MODULE WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFATURER WAS NOTIFIED THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. UPDATED 03/01/17*LJ
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES WITH THE POWER WINDOWS EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDING TO ROLL DOWN THE FRONT WINDOW, THE WINDOW STALLED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE ROLLED BACK UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REGULATOR AND THE RETAINER WERE FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAS FAILED EIGHTEEN TIMES OVER THE YEARS SINCE 2004 AND EACH TIME THE SAME PART HAS BEEN REPLACED. ON APRIL 16, 2009, THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REGULATOR FAILED. THE TECHNICIAN BOLTED UP THE WINDOW. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO USE THAT WINDOW AGAIN AND THERE WAS NO REMEDY TO REPAIR IT; THEREFORE, IT WILL CONTINUE TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 7/9/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOWS WOULD MAKE A CLICKING SOUND AND THEN IT WOULD FALL DOWN INTO THE DOOR PANEL. DURING RAINY WEATHER, THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 07/17/09.*JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. IN AUGUST OF 2007, WITHIN A SPAN OF THREE WEEKS, THREE OF THE VEHICLE'S WINDOWS COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THEY STATED THAT THE ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE WINDOWS WERE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $750 EACH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE, BUT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE COMPLAINTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 05/19/08. *LJ
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car lit on fire under the hood
I BOUGHT THIS CAR A YEAR AGO. TODAY I TRIED TO CRANK THE CAR WHILE SITTING IN MY YARD A BIG BOOM HAPPENED AND THE CAR ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE PLASTIC COVERING MELTED OFF THE ENGINE AS WELL AS SOME OF THE BACK PART OF THE ENGINE IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE RECALLS ASSOCIATED MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERN150757 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER15V701
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car lit on fire under the hood
WHILE STATIONARY AND IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY AND ON CITY STREETS WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL ISTURNED ON THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF, AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART VEHICLE WITH TURN SIGNALS OFF THE ELECTRONICS FLASH AS IF THEY ARE CONNECTED TO FLASHER RELAY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE STATIONARY AND IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY AND ON CITY STREETS WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL ISTURNED ON THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF, AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART VEHICLE WITH TURN SIGNALS OFF THE ELECTRONICS FLASH AS IF THEY ARE CONNECTED TO FLASHER RELAY
FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS WHILE DRIVING MY SECURITY LIGHT WILL COME ON ALL OF A SUDDEN AND THE CAR WILL LOSE POWER AND THEN INSTANTLY COME BACK ON. I HAD MY 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME SO WE ALL WERE IN PANIC MODE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. IT HAS NOW MADE ME VERY NERVOUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. FRIENDS HAVE TOLD ME IT WAS BECAUSE THE CHIP IN MY KEY IS WORN OUT AND TO HAVE A NEW KEY MADE. I CONTACTED A LOCAL LOCKSMITH AND HE SAYS SINCE THIS IS HAPPENING AFTER THE CAR IS IN MOTION THEN IT IS NOT THE KEY. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL BUICK DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS AND IT COST $95 JUST FOR THEM TO LOOK AT IT AND SEE HOW MUCH TO FIX IT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
SINCE TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES HAVE NOW FAILED I WILL SUBMIT TWO COMPLAINTS, ONE FOR EACH TIRE. GOODYEAR VIVA 2 TIRES BOUGHT FROM WALMART ON MAY 31, 2011. P225/60R16 97S DOT MDX0 H6HP 1911 TIRES FOR MY 2001 BUICK REGAL. AFTER ALMOST A YEAR I NOTICED THE CAR WAS NOT RIDING SMOOTHLY SO I TOOK IT IN TO GET THE TIRES BALANCED. THE TIRE MAN SHOWED ME THAT THERE WAS A TREAD ISSUE ON A TIRE, SO ON MAY 9, 2012 I BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT VIVA 2 TIRE. THE FAILED TIRE HAD LESS THAN A YEAR AND 17,601 MILES ON IT. RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ANOTHER OF THE INITIAL VIVA 2 TIRES BLEW OUT (SAME DOT CODE). THIS TIRE WAS ABOUT 26 MONTHS OLD WITH 31,440 MILES ON IT. *TR
I AM AN AUTO MECHANIC AND LATER AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER AND I ALWAYS KEEP MY TIRES PROPERLY INFLATED WITH ROUTINE BALANCING, ROTATION AND ALIGNMENTS. IN OVER 30 YEARS OF DRIVING I HAD NEVER HAD A TIRE ISSUE BEYOND THE OCCASIONAL FLAT UNTIL I BOUGHT A SET OF GOODYEAR VIVA 2 TIRES FROM WALMART ON MAY 31, 2011. P225/60R16 97S DOT MDX0 H6HP 1911 TIRES FOR MY 2001 BUICK REGAL. AFTER ALMOST A YEAR I NOTICED THE CAR WAS NOT RIDING SMOOTHLY SO I TOOK IT IN TO GET THE TIRES BALANCED. THE TIRE MAN SHOWED ME THAT THERE WAS A TREAD ISSUE ON A TIRE, SO ON MAY 9, 2012 I BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT VIVA 2 TIRE. THE FAILED TIRE HAD LESS THAN A YEAR AND 17,601 MILES ON IT. RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ANOTHER OF THE INITIAL VIVA 2 TIRES BLEW OUT (SAME DOT CODE). THIS TIRE WAS ABOUT 26 MONTHS OLD WITH 31,440 MILES ON IT. I STILL HAVE THIS TIRE IF YOU WANT TO INSPECT IT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH LOW AIR PRESSURE IN THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE OF MY 2001 BUICK REGAL. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN SIGNIFICANT CORROSION ON ALL OF THE CHROME COATED ALUMINUM RIMS SINCE MY PURCHASE. I HAVE TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE UNDER WARRANTY DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP WITH MY DEALERSHIP, GM CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND VARIOUS TIRE MANUFACTURERS. ALL PARTIES INVOLVED WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE PROBLEMS CITING REASONS HAVING TO DO WITH MOTHER NATURE, AND/OR BLAMING EACH OTHER TO AVOID THE ISSUE. I RECENTLY HAD A FRONT TIRE CHANGE WHERE THE EMPLOYEE WORKING ON IT INFORMED ME OF A "CRACKED OR "FRACTURED" WHEEL. AFTER CONTACTING GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND BEING SENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN, I WAS TOLD THAT THE CRACK MUST HAVE COME FROM EITHER CORROSION, OR HITTING A POTHOLE. I DISAGREED WITH THEIR ASSESSMENT AND DEMANDED A NEW RIM FREE OF CHARGE. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED A CRACK IN A RIM. IT IS MY POSITION THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, AND COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE A "DEATH IN THE FIELD". I WILL BE REPLACING THE RIM AT MY COST, YET I NEED THIS ISSUE RESOLVED BEFORE THE OTHER THREE RIMS ON MY CAR POSSIBLY CRACK. ALSO, I NEED TO FIND OUT HOW "COMMON" CRACKED RIMS ARE ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE, AND WHY THEY WERE NEVER RECALLED. *JB
I REPORTED THIS TO THE BUICK DEALER ONCE BEFORE AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL HANGS AND ACCELLERATES. IT IS ALL YOU CAN DO TO GET IT STOPPED.I QUIT USING IT FOR A LONG TIME AND TRIED IT AGAIN RECENTLY AND ALMOST REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR.THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD NOT EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START LOOKING FOR THE PROBLEM.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
BUICK REGAL. THE HEATING MODULE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT MALFUNCTIONED, CATCHING ON FIRE AND BURNT A HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF SEAT. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *MC THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO ASCERTAIN THE CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION. *JB
DT: CONSUMER STATES THERE IS AN ODOR COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS ISSUE IT STATES THERE IS A GROWTH ON THE EVAPORATOR CORE. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEATBELT BUCKLE FROZE, WOULDNOT RELEASE, HAD TO CUT THE SEATBELT TO GET OUT OF CAR... *TR
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WHILE TRAVELING 35-40 MPH. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELTS RELEASED. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR FAILED. THE VEHICLE IS STILL ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,250 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,100. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF UPDATED 08/01/08. *JB
AT ABOUT 80,000 MILES GRINDING NOISE IN RIGHT FRONT WHEEL DEVELOPED, REPLACED BRAKES AND ROTORS FOUND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD AND HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED . AT ABOUT 84,000 MILES THE LIFTERS WERE MAKING A TICKING NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE A HELICOPTER, REPLACED THE LIFTERS AT A COST OF $1600 THIS WAS JUST ONE MONTH AFTER THE FINAL PAYMENT OF THE 5 YEAR LOAN ONE MONTH AFTER THE LIFTERS WERE REPLACED THE ENGINE SEIZED UP NEEDED TO BE TOWED AND I'M TOLD THAT THE MAIN BEARING HAS GONE BAD AND THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR REBUILT. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES WITH THE POWER WINDOWS EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDING TO ROLL DOWN THE FRONT WINDOW, THE WINDOW STALLED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE ROLLED BACK UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REGULATOR AND THE RETAINER WERE FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAS FAILED EIGHTEEN TIMES OVER THE YEARS SINCE 2004 AND EACH TIME THE SAME PART HAS BEEN REPLACED. ON APRIL 16, 2009, THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REGULATOR FAILED. THE TECHNICIAN BOLTED UP THE WINDOW. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO USE THAT WINDOW AGAIN AND THERE WAS NO REMEDY TO REPAIR IT; THEREFORE, IT WILL CONTINUE TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 7/9/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOWS WOULD MAKE A CLICKING SOUND AND THEN IT WOULD FALL DOWN INTO THE DOOR PANEL. DURING RAINY WEATHER, THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 07/17/09.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING DOING ALMOST 50 WHEN IT SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I JUST LET THE CAR COAST TO A STOP, THE SECOND TIME WAS EXACTLY THE SAME EXCEPT I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WHILE I STILL HAD A GOOD BIT OF SPEED AND CRUNK IT BACK UP. THE CAR ALWAYS CRANK RIGHT BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM AND DRIVES FINE. I'VE CHANGE MY FUSES AND CERTAIN LIGHTS (LOW TIRE, LOW COOLANT, CHECK ENGINE)ON THE DASHBOARD WON'T GO OFF AND I JUST RECENTLY HAD MY CAR INSPECTED IN WHICH IT PASSED
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .