RoadVitals

2003 Buick Regal Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
101
Latest Aug 4, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 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

  • Electrical3527.6%
  • Engine3527.6%
  • Brakes107.9%
  • Steering107.9%
  • Other / unspecified64.7%
  • Exterior lighting53.9%
  • Transmission53.9%
  • Visibility43.1%
  • Interior & seats32.4%
  • Fuel system32.4%
  • Airbags32.4%
  • Powertrain (other)21.6%
  • Driver assistance21.6%
  • Heating & air conditioning21.6%
  • Seat belts10.8%
  • Body & structure10.8%

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

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

UNANNOUNCED TO PURCHASERS, THE BUICK REGAL HAS A REDUNDANT AND DEFECTIVE SECURITY IGNITION SYSTEM THAT PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM BEING ABLE TO START WITH THE KEY AFTER THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED. IT MUST NOW BE TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP TO BE DIAGNOSED AND FOR A COSTLY REPAIR. IT WAS STATIONARY, AND THE BATTERY DRAINED DOWN WITH A PHONE CHARGER HOOKED UP. EVEN FOLLOWING THE FACTORY KEY SEQUENCE, THE BATTERY RUNS DOWN BEFORE THE CODE CAN BE CLEARED AND RE-ESTABLISHED.

NHTSA ID 10949491 · filed Feb 3, 2017

MY 03 BUICK REGAL LS WILL SHUTOFF SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING LEFT, OR WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNAL. I CAN NOT FIND THE PAPERWORK, BUT I REMEMBER A RECALL FOR THIS ABOUT 5 TO 8 YEARS AGO. WE DID HAVE IT ADDRESSED, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS COME BACK. TODAY'S DATE IS 1/9/17 AND MY WIFE HAD THIS HAPPEN AGAIN TO HER ON 1/4/17 WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND CURVE. SHE WAS NOT TURNING OR USING HER TURN SIGNAL. I ONLY HAD IT HAPPEN TO ME ONCE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN USING MY TURN SIGNAL. MY MOTHER ALSO HAS AN 03 REGAL GS AND ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL NOR WAS THERE EVER ONE FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT I KNOW WE HAD IT ADDRESSED ABOUT 5 TO 8 YEARS AGO.

NHTSA ID 10943795 · filed Jan 9, 2017
All 35 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I BACKED THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE GUAGES WERE NORMAL. WHEN I GOT OUT I SAW A SMALL AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER CAR BUT WITHIN A MINUTE THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE FLAMES WERE ABOVE THE CAR. I CALLED 911 WHEN I SAW FLAMES AND KNEW I WASN'T GOING TO BE ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT MYSELF. THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED, IT TOOK THEM AT LEAST 30 MINUTES TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. A COUNTY DEPUTY ARRIVED AND THERE IS A POLICE REPORT (I TRIED TO UPLOAD IT AND IT FAILED EACH TIME). THE DAMAGE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY AN INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE OWNER OF THE HOUSE (UPLOAD FAILED.

NHTSA ID 11536533 · filed Aug 4, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE REPEATEDLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S FRIEND OPENED THE VEHICLE'S HOOD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED AT THE SCENE, NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 09V116(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 11343064 · filed Aug 3, 2020
All 35 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ALL WINDOW COMPONENTS MOTORS AND REGULATORS HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE IN ALL 4 DOORS BRAKE SHAKING TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE

NHTSA ID 11014548 · filed Aug 11, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, THE ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY, THE FOOT, AND THE NECK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 11/29/16*LJ UPDATED 12/13/16.*JB

NHTSA ID 10905903 · filed Sep 12, 2016
All 10 reports naming brakes

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 03 BUICK REGAL LS WILL SHUTOFF SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING LEFT, OR WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNAL. I CAN NOT FIND THE PAPERWORK, BUT I REMEMBER A RECALL FOR THIS ABOUT 5 TO 8 YEARS AGO. WE DID HAVE IT ADDRESSED, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS COME BACK. TODAY'S DATE IS 1/9/17 AND MY WIFE HAD THIS HAPPEN AGAIN TO HER ON 1/4/17 WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND CURVE. SHE WAS NOT TURNING OR USING HER TURN SIGNAL. I ONLY HAD IT HAPPEN TO ME ONCE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN USING MY TURN SIGNAL. MY MOTHER ALSO HAS AN 03 REGAL GS AND ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL NOR WAS THERE EVER ONE FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT I KNOW WE HAD IT ADDRESSED ABOUT 5 TO 8 YEARS AGO.

NHTSA ID 10943795 · filed Jan 9, 2017

SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN 65 S HEADING TOWARD BRANDON FROM SPRINGFIELD, CAN'T GET BELT ON, AND IT WON'T EVEN TURN OVER WITHOUT A JUMP.

NHTSA ID 10934325 · filed Dec 9, 2016
All 10 reports naming steering

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DROVE IN A MONTH, I DROVE ABOUT 3MILES THEN PARKED, CAR THEN STARTED TO SMOKE THEN CAUGHT FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10663816 · filed Dec 12, 2014

THE INSIDE OF THE WHEELS ARE FLAKING OFF CAUSING THE TIRES TO LOSE AIR AND COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE CALIPER LINES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10513702 · filed May 27, 2013

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE BRIGHT /DIM HEADLIGHT CONTROLLER HITS THE BACK OF THE STEERING WHEEL IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS IN A POSITION DURING A RIGHT DIRECTION CURVE IN THE ROAD. THIS HAS CAUSED THE SWITCH TO CATCH IN BETWEEN SETTINGS AND THE HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF. AN EXAMPLE OF THAT USE WOULD BE GOING AROUND A CURVE AND NEED TO TURN BRIGHT LIGHTS OFF DUE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS BACK ON, THE BRIGHT / DIM SWITCH HAS TO BE ACTIVATED AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW BY MYSELF IN 2003 AND HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER SINCE OWNING THE CAR. I FORGET ABOUT THE PROBLEM WHEN I GET HOME SO NOW I FINALLY REPORT IT IN 2018. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT BECAUSE THE SWITCH AND STEERING WHEEL ARE NOT DAMAGED. THE INFORMATION ABOUT WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED IS ONLY THE LAST INCIDENT.

NHTSA ID 11062616 · filed Jan 13, 2018

AT NIGHT IF THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS ARE ON, AND I MEET A VEHICLE WHILE MOVING THROUGH A RIGHT CURVE, THE DIMMER SWITCH CANNOT BE ACTIVATED BECAUSE IT HITS THE BACK OF THE STEERING WHEEL. SINCE THIS OCCURS ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE AT NIGHT TO GO HOME, I'M AFRAID IT COULD BLIND ANOTHER DRIVER AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE GOTTEN BAD REACTIONS FROM OTHER DRIVERS WHEN I CAN'T DIM THE LIGHTS AND MEET THEM ON THE ROAD. (I DON'T WANT TO BE THE VICTIM OF ROAD RAGE.) I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2004. THE SWITCH BROKE A FEW YEARS BACK AND IT WAS REPLACED, BUT THE NEW ONE STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT WAS THE ONLY MODEL OF SWITCH IN HIS CATALOG. IT HAS A DESIGN FLAW. IT THE TURN SIGNAL HANDLE WAS DESIGNED TO BE PUSH AWAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL INSTEAD OF PULLING IT TOWARD THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WOULD BE NO PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10597801 · filed Jun 12, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND WOULD LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE AND THE MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. UPDATED 12/12/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD FRONT AND REAR GLOWED REED HOT. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS IN THE RED. COOLANT LEAKED FROM A HOSE NEAR THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO EMIT BLUE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE BURNED ONE QUART OF OIL EXCESSIVELY. THE BATTERY, THERMOSTAT, FRONT BRAKES, TRANSMISSION OIL FILTER AND GASKET WERE ALL REPLACED. ALSO, THE DRIVER REAR WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WASHER WAS SPRAYER DID NOT WORK, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE HEAT/AC BLOWER DID NOT OPERATE IN ALL THE SETTINGS. UPDATED 12/23/11

NHTSA ID 10434147 · filed Nov 3, 2011

2003 BUICK REGAL WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE NOTICED AN ODOR. UPON PERSONAL INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. *KB

NHTSA ID 10215050 · filed Jan 15, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING DIMMED, THE WINDOWS FAILED TO CLOSE AND OPEN, AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FAILED TO COOL. THE DEALER PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,528. UPDATED 10/24/14*CN UPDATED 08/28/2017*CT

NHTSA ID 10631447 · filed Sep 8, 2014

2003 BUICK REGAL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM FELL OFF HIS DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER.

NHTSA ID 10479022 · filed Oct 2, 2012

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT. THE SEAT KEPT HEATING UP ALMOST UNBEARABLE. THE NEXT DAY CAR WAS OFF ALL NIGHT MY BATTERY DIED AND THE HEATED SEAT WAS STILL HOT NEVER SHUT OFF ALL NIGHT LONG I FOUND A SENSOR UNDER THE SEAT AND UNPLUGGED THAT BUT AM NERVOUS OF MY DRIVER SEAT ALSO SHE HAS NEWBORN BABY WAS WITH US AND THE SEAT DEFINITELY COULD HAVE STARTED ON FIRE VERY DISTURBING ALSO VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID 11163490 · filed Dec 26, 2018

THE CONSUMER HAD A RENTAL VEHICLE. WHEN SHE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE DOOR(S) AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCKED AND AN UNKNOWN ASSAILANT PULLED THE CONSUMER FROM THE VEHICLE AND SEVERELY BEAT HER CAUSING PERMANENT DAMAGE. THE CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW THE DOORS WOULD AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCK. *JB *SC

NHTSA ID 10119356 · filed Jul 8, 2005

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I BACKED THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE GUAGES WERE NORMAL. WHEN I GOT OUT I SAW A SMALL AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER CAR BUT WITHIN A MINUTE THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE FLAMES WERE ABOVE THE CAR. I CALLED 911 WHEN I SAW FLAMES AND KNEW I WASN'T GOING TO BE ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT MYSELF. THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED, IT TOOK THEM AT LEAST 30 MINUTES TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. A COUNTY DEPUTY ARRIVED AND THERE IS A POLICE REPORT (I TRIED TO UPLOAD IT AND IT FAILED EACH TIME). THE DAMAGE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY AN INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE OWNER OF THE HOUSE (UPLOAD FAILED.

NHTSA ID 11536533 · filed Aug 4, 2023

OIL LEAKS,05/22/2016. I HAVE DAD SEVERAL HARD BREAKING TIMES -HIGHWAY-AND I HAVE SENSE NOTICED OIL LEAKING AND SMELLED OIL SMOKE FROM ENGINE.I HAD RECALL #15757 BACK IN 02/2016.CALLED ABOUT PARTS TO FIF PROBLEM.THEY SAY THEY CANT GET PARTS,-ON BACK ORDER- BEEN ALMOST 6 MONTHS,STILL NO PARTS.LOUDACROUS.NO EXCUSE.

NHTSA ID 10876978 · filed Jun 27, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, THE ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY, THE FOOT, AND THE NECK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 11/29/16*LJ UPDATED 12/13/16.*JB

NHTSA ID 10905903 · filed Sep 12, 2016

WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH IN TRAFFIC DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY HARD. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED $9700 DAMAGE BUT THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED NO DAMAGE. *NM

NHTSA ID 10071481 · filed Jun 4, 2004

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA ID 10872999 · filed Jun 7, 2016

I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR FOR OVER A YEAR DUE TO IT NOT BEING ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THE IGNITION NOT WORKING. SOME THING TO DO WITH THE IGNITION AND THE TRANSMISSION, YOU CAN'T GET THE KEY OUT OF IGNITION BECAUSE IT WANT TURN OFF TO THE POINT OF REMOVAL. I'VE NOTICED THAT THERE'S A CLICK SOMETIMES WHEN YOU PUT IT IN PARK AND THEN YOU CAN REMOVE KEY BUT IT'S RARE, I'M AFRAID IT'S GOING TO DO THE SAME THING THE RECALL SAYS WILL HAPPEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD. (ACCIDENT) THERE FOR I DON'T DRIVE IT THE BUICK DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE DUE TO THE NUMBER OF RECALLS BROUGHT IN, I'VE BEEN UNABLE TO GET HELP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10592721 · filed May 20, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING TO WORK IN THE MORNINGS RECENTLY, I HAVE BEEN HAVING SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH MY CAR. IF I USE MY BLINKERS, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS IN MY DASH CLUSTER WILL LIGHT UP FOR A FEW SECONDS, AND I COULD FEEL MY BRAKES PULSE. THIS MORNING MY CAR STALLED WHEN I MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN. I MANAGED TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR, BUT I DIDN'T USE THE BLINKERS AGAIN. THIS REALLY SCARED ME, AS I WAS JUST ON THE FREEWAY A FEW MINUTES EARLIER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10650900 · filed Oct 28, 2014

I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF A THROTTLE PROBLEM. THEY SPRAYED SOMETHING ON IT (ALUMINUM TYPE SPRAY) AND SENT US ON OUR WAY UNTIL THEY ORDERED A NEW PART. IT WAS THE WRONG PART AND A MONTH WENT BY WITHOUT A FURTHER CALL REGARDING ANY NEW PART COMING IN. ON SEPTEMBER 13TH I HEADED INTO ANCHORAGE ON THE BUSIEST HIGHWAY IN THE STATE OF ALASKA. THE THROTTLE SPRING LET GO. I FOUND MYSELF CLUTCHING THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH AND THE BRAKES WOULDN'T WORK. I TRIED DOWNSHIFTING BUT THAT DIDN'T EVEN CAUSE A BLIP OF REACTION IN THE CAR'S SPEED. NOT KNOWING WHAT WOULD HAPPEN BY APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHILE GOING AT LEAST 70 MILES PER HOUR, I HAD NO CHOICE AND PUSHED ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THAT DIDN'T WORK AT ALL. AS I RUSHED DOWN THE ROAD WITH THE PARK BRAKE ON, I ALSO PRESSED ON THE REGULAR BRAKES AND THAT FINALLY WORKED ENOUGH THAT I COULD SLOW DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. I DROVE ONTO THE SHOULDER AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. SMOKE ROSE ALL AROUND THE CAR. I STAYED CALM AND TOOK INTO CONSIDERATION THAT IT WOULD BE BEST TO BE IN THE RIGHT LANE IF I ROLLED THE CAR. LUCKILY THE SATURDAY MORNING TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT ENOUGH, INITIALLY, THAT I DIDN'R REAR END ANY VEHICHLE, I DIDN'T ROLL, AND I DIDN'T LOSE CONTROL. I HAVE NOT, AND WILL NEVER AGAIN DRIVE IT. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR SINCE 9-13-03. I AM A 10 YEAR CUSTOMER OF BUICK. THEY ARE DOING A BUY BACK OF THAT CAR AND I WILL BE OUT ABOUT $3000 WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE. PRETTY EASY "OUT" FOR A COMPANY THAT COULD HAVE BEEN SUED IF I HAD BEEN KILLED IN THEIR VEHICLE. MY OWN DRIVING SKILL RESULTED IN MY NOT HAVING A FATAL OUTCOME IN THIS INCIDENT. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A WEEKDAY MORNING, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A TRAFFIC JAM IN MY PATH. IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON SNOW OR ICE, I WOULDN'T BE AROUND TO TELL YOU OF THIS. I AM REPORTING THIS SO OTHERS ARE AWARE OF THE THROTTLE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 10045045 · filed Oct 29, 2003

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING DIMMED, THE WINDOWS FAILED TO CLOSE AND OPEN, AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FAILED TO COOL. THE DEALER PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,528. UPDATED 10/24/14*CN UPDATED 08/28/2017*CT

NHTSA ID 10631447 · filed Sep 8, 2014

I OWNED A 2003 BUICK REGAL WITH 13,000 MILES THAT I PURCHASED NEW AT A DEALER IN INDIANAPOLIS IN JULY OF 2003. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME ON FEBRUARY 4, 2005 FROM RUNNING ERRANDS, MY SEAT HEATER IN THE DRIVER SEAT BECAME SO HOT THAT I HAD TO PULL OVER AND PUT MY WINTER COAT DOWN TO SIT ON IN ORDER TO FINISH THE DRIVE HOME. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY HOME, I PULLED INTO THE GARAGE AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. A SHORT TIME LATER, I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING IN THE HOUSE THAT WAS ON FIRE. I LOOKED OUT INTO THE GARAGE AND THE INSIDE OF MY BUICK WAS ON FIRE. I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT WAS LOCATED ABOUT ONE BLOCK FROM MY HOME. THEY CAME IMMEDIATELY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE AS WELL AS DISCONNECTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SO THAT MY HOME WOULD NOT CATCH ON FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTACTED GM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I WAS TOLD THAT A WRECKER WOULD COME WITHIN TWO HOURS AND PICK UP THE CAR AND TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THE WRECKER DID PICK UP THE VEHICLE ON FEB. 4TH AND TRANSPORTED IT TO ERIC DICKERSON BUICK IN INDIANAPOLIS. A DIAGNOSTICS WAS RUN ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 7TH. IT WAS DETERMINED BY THE DEALER THAT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING FOR THE SEAT HEATER. AS A RESULT, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS TOTALED. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH BUICK AND ASKED THAT THE CAR BE REPLACED. AFTER MANY WEEKS OF BEING PUT OFF BY GM, WE WERE OFFERED A SETTLEMENT BY GM TO NOT SUE THEM. I WAS ALLOWED TO PURCHASE A NEW 2005 BUICK LACROSSE, HOWEVER, I HAD TO GIVE THEM MY CAR AND $3,528.62 OF MY SAVINGS. GM DID PAY FOR MY CAR RENTAL FOR THE TIME I NEEDED ONE. I BELIEVE GM SHOULD HAVE REPLACED MY CAR WITH A NEW ONE AT NO COST TO ME. THEY LEFT ME NO CHOICE. I HAD TO HAVE A CAR. PLUS, THEY ARE NOT RECALLING THIS VEHICLE. I THINK ALL OF THEM SHOULD BE CHECKED. THIS WAS VERY UPSETTING TO ME AS I AM NEARLY 80 YEARS OLD. BUT, THIS INCIDENT SCARED ME AND LEFT ME WITH A DEPLETED SAVINGS ACCOUNT. BUT, IT WAS CHEAPER THAN GOING OUT AND BUYING A NEW OR USED CAR SIMILAR TO MY 2003.*AK

NHTSA ID 10116424 · filed Apr 5, 2005

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

PASSENGER SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS ON

NHTSA ID 11020534 · filed Aug 30, 2017

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE LINES AND THE FRAME WERE COVERED WITH RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10575315 · filed Mar 28, 2014

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

Data on this page last refreshed .