- The problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
- The risk
- Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
- The fix
- The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Buick Regal Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 136 complaints about the 1997 Buick Regal with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (41) and the steering (36). Those complaints describe 3 crashes, 19 fires and 2 injuries. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in October 2015 for the engine. For comparison, the 1996 has 207 and the 1998 has 312.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Regal year, for its age
#48 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 136
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 19
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Buick Regal problems
Share of all 136 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Buick Regal recalls 8
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8L v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.
- The risk
- If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.Pontiac.Com or http:www.Gmownercenter.Com.
- The problem
- Dorman is recalling 979 steering knuckles, dorman p/nos. 697-902 And 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutions<sup>tm</sup>" brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 And 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. A potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area.
- The risk
- A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
- The fix
- Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on february 23, 2009. Owners may contact dorman's toll-free hotline at 1-800-523-2492 and press 5.
- The problem
- Gm is recalling 207,542 my 1997-2003 buick regal and pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8L supercharged v-6 engine. These vehicles have higher front rocker cover gasket temperatures, creating the potential for earlier degradation of the front rocker cover gasket and eventual oil seepage.
- The risk
- Certain underhood fires may be caused by drops of engine oil, from seepage or spillage, being deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, along with the 1-3-5 spark plug wire retainers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. , Free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Until the remedy is completed, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions (1) that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, car port, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle. The dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual. Owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or through their website at <a href=http://www.Gmownercenter.Com>http://www.Gmownercenter.Com</a> .
- The problem
- Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
- The risk
- If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The windshield wipers may stop working due to a separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly.
- The risk
- Driver visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm and install a water deflector. On vehicles receiving a replacement crank arm and new water deflector, dealers will also apply additional sealing material to improve water deflection away from the crank arm assembly and will install a reinforcement to improve the performance of the wiper park mechanism.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The owner manuals do not contain the requirement information pertaining to the vehicle headlamp aiming device. This does not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may not be able to properly aim the headlights.
- The fix
- Owners will be mailed an owner manual's insert which contains the appropriate information.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The right front brake pipe can contact the piower steering assembly causing the brake line to wear through.
- The risk
- This condition can result in the loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of half of the vehicle brake system.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect for proper clearance between the brake line and power steering assembly. Assemblies found to be out of position will be repositioned and all assemblies secured to maintain proper clearances. Additionally, those brake lines found to have been damaged will be replaced and properly routed.
What owners say
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136 complaints about the 1997 Buick Regal
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.
1997 Buick regal. Consumer writes in regard to safety recall engine compartment fire notice . Consumer writes vehicle caught fire and manufacturer stated there was no proof for cause of fire. *As *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. While driving approximately 35 mph and making a right turn, the vehicle suddenly shut off. Approximately ten minutes later, the vehicle was able to be restarted and operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000. The vin was invalid. *Tt consumer stated dealership is now closed and will be taking it to a repair shop. Updated 12/20/18*jb
Buick fixed 3 recalls but won't fix on say I have to pay for another part before they can fix last recall.
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 buick regal. While driving at low speeds in a parking lot, the driver side of the contact's vehicle was struck by another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained major injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was invalid. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair for several months. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The dealer stated that the contact would need to wait for the second notice. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
1997 Buick regal. Consumer writes in regards to dealership denied reimbursement requests for engine oil deposited on the exhaust manifold recall notice. *Smd the consumer was denied reimbursement, because the repair was done after the recall was mailed. *Jb
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 buick regal. While parked, the vehicle caught fire under the hood. The fire was extinguished by the contact. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, the engine overheated as an unknown warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on two separate occasions where the engine mass air flow sensor was replaced each time but the failure recurred for the third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 buick regal. While parked, the vehicle burst into flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure recurred two weeks after the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. While attempting to start the vehicle, it caught fire. The contact stated that the fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. There were no injuries. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling) after the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fire started in the engine, resulting in the car exploding in about 10 minutes total. Total loss. Caught fire to my friends garage. The car was parked and running while we ran inside to pay for some stuff. Heard an explosion and went to investigate, and saw the hood and dash and the engine on fire. My friend jumped on his tractor and pushed it away from the garage, and started dumping snow on it. Fire dept came and put it out.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. The contact stated that the engine caught fire while driving. The fire department extinguished the fire and stated that the fire originated in the engine compartment. The contact was not injured. The contact received a notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling) after the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
Was driving my 1997 buick regal gs 3.8 When I had my son in the car went to turn left and when in the turn all the lights start to flash and the car shut down .. Had to have it towed later to find out it is the ignition switch now car is sitting will not start all lights flash will not crank or turn over ... Before all that happened when I would make a left turn you could hear a clicking coming from the drivers side tire and the lights would come on ... Everything you touched on the steering wheel , turn signals , windshield wipers anything would make all cluster lights come on and shut down the car . Thank god knowone was injured or killed
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 buick regal. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was destroyed. No further details were available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
After taking my car to the mechanic 6 times to repair the service engine soon/abs light/trac off light coming on, he replaced the left front wheel bearing with a more expensive model and replaced the module on the abs pump that has the circuit board and pump gears. The problem went away for approx. 1 1/2 Weeks and now is back! Am going to the mechanic to see what is going on. *Tr
The service vehicle soon/abs warning light/and trac off light lit and the car lurched as if the brakes were applied at the left front wheel. The error code was c1225, which is too much speed at the left front wheel. The bearing and sensor was replaced 3 times and the problem still occurred. The mechanic also replaced the abs pump module (the electronic part of the abs unit) and then had to upgrade the left front wheel bearing and sensor to another brand that was 2x as expensive. The abs problem affected the ...
Read the full complaint
steering (making it harder to steer and more noisy), and also affected the shifting of the transmission. The online warnings said that it could damage the transmission if not corrected. I even tried replacing the module of the traction control unit under the dash. This was a very time consuming and costly repair, as the left front bearing was replace a total of 4 times and two visits for the abs module and programming. I see that another owner had similar problems at about 140,000 miles. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the vehicle seized. The contact mentioned that the front driver and passenger wheels locked. Also, the anti traction, and the abs light illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. The failure and current mileage was 140,000. Updated 09/05/14*lj
The low coolant light sensor flashes on and off, if the car is idol the temperature gauge moves up rapidly. I have had the coolant and thermostat check, both are fine. My mechanic advised to check this website for engine cooling recall and there is one. I need to know where to take my car to get this issue fixed under the recall. *Tr
Tl* 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*lj the head gaskets and coils failed. Updated 09/05/13
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. The contact stated that he smelled oil coming from the front end of the vehicle while parking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. The dealer did not diagnose a failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they stated that they were not responsible for the failure. The failure mileage was 195,111 and the current mileage was 195,115.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. On a separate occasion while sitting at a traffic stop, the vehicle stalled with the illumination of all of the warning lights on the instrument panel. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who stated that the starter and battery would have to be replaced. The failure continued after the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. The contact stated while making a right turn, the vehicle would loose power steering. The nhtsa campaign id number: 08v118000 (steering), but the vin was not a part of the recall. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but denied assistance with the failure. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was 137,000 and the current mileage was 137,025.
1997 Buick regal. Consumer states vehicle exploded after exiting. *Tgw
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick regal. The contact stated that the fuel gauge did not indicate the correct amount of fuel in the tank. The failure occurred frequently and more often in severe winter weather. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The current mileage was approximately 138,000. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Tl*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.
Buick Regal: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 194 | 8 | F |
| 2000 | 196 | 10 | F |
| 1999 | 252 | 8 | F |
| 1998 | 312 | 7 | F |
| 1997 | 136 | 8 | F |
| 1996 | 207 | 4 | F |
| 1995 | 174 | 8 | F |
| 1994 | 122 | 3 | F |
| 1993 | 88 | 2 | F |
1997 Buick Regal vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Buick Regal | 136 | 8 | F | |
| 1997 Buick Lesabre | 402 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Buick Park Avenue | 219 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Buick Century | 106 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Buick Skylark | 87 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 43 | 0 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Buick Regal
Does the 1997 Buick Regal have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 1997 Buick Regal: engine (October 2015); engine and engine cooling (April 2009); steering (February 2009); engine and engine cooling (March 2008) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Buick Regal?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (41), steering (36), electrical system (18).
How many complaints has the 1997 Buick Regal had?
136 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 5, 1997 and the latest on February 28, 2019. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 19 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Buick Regal a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 9 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Buick Regal year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Regal years have the most complaints?
1998 (312), 2011 (280), 1999 (252). See every Buick Regal year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Buick Regal has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data