Model year record

2002 Buick Regal recalls & problems

The 2002 Buick Regal has 5 safety recalls and 117 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (40 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints117filed by owners

Crashes · fires2 · 23reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Engine and engine coolingOct 26, 2015

Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Recall 15V7010001,003,556 vehicles

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.
Risk: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
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 engineÂs 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.

Components: Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe; Engine and engine cooling › Engine

Engine and engine coolingApr 8, 2009

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 09V1160001,497,516 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINEÂS FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINEÂS 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.

SteeringFeb 17, 2009

Steering

Recall 09E005000979 vehicles

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.
Risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.

SteeringOct 17, 2008

Steering

Recall 08E0630003,855 vehicles

Problem: DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Risk: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

Engine and engine coolingMar 12, 2008

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 08V118000207,542 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINEÂS FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINEÂS 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> .

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2002 Buick Regal 4-DR w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2002 Buick Regal 4-DR

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Regal

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Regal

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Switch	40	0	2	0	88,000 mi
Engine	33	1	15	1	135,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingExhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor; Engine	17	0	5	1	85,485 mi
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Defroster/defogger/hvac system	7	0	0	0	56,000 mi
Exterior lightingTurn signal; Headlights	6	0	0	0	97,500 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Seat heater/cooler; Front assembly › Head restraint	5	0	1	0	83,700 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	4	0	0	0	20,675 mi
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system › Injectors	4	0	1	0	54,916 mi
SteeringGear box › Shaft sector; Rack and pinion	4	0	0	0	57,946 mi
Unknown or other	4	0	1	0	—
WheelsRim	4	0	0	0	60,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission	3	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
Dealership sold car knowing thereâs recalls and never fixed
Aug 20, 2023
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, WHEN HE DETECTED A BURNING ODOR AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FALSE SENSOR, OIL LEAK, AND BRAKE FLUID LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WILLIAM BUICK GMC (8201 SOUTH BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28273) BUT WAS INFORMED THE RECALL REPAIR COULD NOT BE DONE BECAUSE OF RUST UNDER THE HOOD AND LIABILITY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF…
Mar 3, 2019
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNED A 2002 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SHE SAW SMOKE EXITING THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WHEN SHE OPENED THE HOOD SHE SAW FIRE LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE CONTACT STATED RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) TWO WEEKS AFTER THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED GLENDENNING MOTOR COMPANY (1100 E SOUTH ST, MT AYR, IA 50854) TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE…
Feb 1, 2020
Engine
MY CAR AS A ENGINE ISSUE EVERY YEAR AROUND OR NEAR FEB CRAZY BUT TRUE I HAVE HAD MY CAR SAFTEY RECALL FIXED BUT NOT PROPERLY STATED ANOTHER DEALERSHIP IN SUNNYVALE DURING INVESTIGATION FROM GM BUT NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT IT ONCE AGAIN I HAD ANOTHER FIRE FROM COVER AND STILL NOTHING WAS DONE DUE TO MY LOST TIME AND SUFFER OF THIS REOCCURRING ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO NEVER BE PROPERLY FIXED OR ADDRESSED STILL I SUFFER FROM THIS CAR ALL MY NEW 'FIX' TO THAT SAFETY RECALL HAS A BIGGER PROBLEM STILL GASKET IS CRACKED BY LOOKS SINCE THE DAY IT WAS REPLACED AND THE PLASTIC RETAINING CLIPS ARE MELTING AND BURNING MY SPARK PLUGS TO THAT CLIP IS BURNING AND FREMONT DEALERSHIP WON'T EVEN GIVE ME TIME OR DAY…
Jan 21, 2019 · 98 miles
Service brakes
MY CAR WAS IN DRIVING MODE ON THE ROAD IN NEWARK CALIFORNIA AND SPEED LIMIT 35 MPH ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY CAR WITHOUT WARNING WITHOUT ANY ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS JUST STOPPED LOCKED UP BRAKES LOCKED UP STEERING WHEEL CAR STILL RUNNING BUT WON'T LET ME ACCELERATE CAR RADIOS ON TOAST ON MY BATTERY JUST EVERYTHING LOCKED UP OUT OF NOWHERE NO WARNING SIGNS SCARE THE HECK OUT OF ME I JUST HAD TO LET IT KEEP ROLLING TO LOOK INTO A STOP AND GOT IT TOWED HOME NOW EVERY TIME WE TURN ON THE CAR IF I HAD THE BLINKER ON IT SHUT OFF THE CAR WON'T DRIVE IT DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH POWER ALMOST LIKE ELECTRICAL ISSUE HIM A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WASN'T COMING ON NOW IS I HAVE CODES U1040,C1225,C1226,C1232, C1233,C1248,…
Nov 14, 2018
Wheels
WAS DRIVING ON A TRIP BACK AND FORTH FROM MISSISSIPPI, WAS DRIVING ON FIRESTONE INFINITY TIRES SIZEP215.7015, HAD 2 BLOW OUTS ON THE CAR. THE SAID TIRES DIDN'T HAVE BUT 23K MILES ON THEM THE LEFT FRONT WENT 1ST CAUSING BOUT 2000 WORTH OF DAMAGE, THE 2ND ONE BLEW OUT COMING BACK, THESE TIRES HAVE A HISTORY OF BLOW OUTS, WOULD RECOMMEND AGAINST PEOPLE TRUSTING FIRESTONE TIRES.
Sep 27, 2017 · 138,000 miles
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK REGAL. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE BEAUTY COVER WHERE OIL HAD LEAKED ONTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE THE FIRST TIME. THE FIRE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME WITHIN THE SAME DAY AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. FREMONT BUICK GMC IN FREMONT, CALIFORNIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FIRES AND REQUESTED THAT THE CONTACT PAY FOR A VEHICLE INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE FULLY INSPECTED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RETAINERS ON THE VEHICLE WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY. THE FAILURE…
Sep 25, 2017 · 83,100 miles
EngineFire
SECOND TIME AROUND MY BUICK REGAL CAUGHT ON FIRE AS IT SAT IN DRIVEWAY MY CAR HAS BEEN A VIN THAT FIT THE SAFTEY RECALL SINCE 2007 3RD OR 4TH ONE SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM DEALERSHIP MY CAR HAS 5 RECALLS WHICH 3 ARE RECALL CAMPAIGN SO DEALER FIXED ONLY PART OF THE RECALL IN FEB 18 2016 I WAS SENT ANOTHER SAFETY RECALL LETTER ASKING ME TO GO BACK TO GET EXTRA WORK DONE OR NEWER PARTS DEALER SAID NO SO NOW IT'S SEPTEMBER 25/26 2017 AND FIRE HAPPENS AGAIN THIS TIME WAS A BIGGER ISSUE HAD FIREDEPARTMENT CALLED OUT ALL THE FLAMES CAME FROM UNDER THE BEAUTY COVER AND VALVE COVER LEAK WHICH WAS A RECALL FOR SEVERAL YEARS THEY FIXED WITH BETTER PARTS BUT STILL HAVE A FIRE DEALERSHIP SAID NO GET MY…
Sep 25, 2017 · 89 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIREClosedLed to recall 08V118000
BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AND DEPOSIT ONTO HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THIS OIL TO IGNITE A SMALL PILOT FLAME, WHICH MAY SPREAD TO THE ADJACENT PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL, THE SPARK PLUG WIRES THEMSELVES, THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER, AND OTHER UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS.REPORTS…
EA07008 · opened Jun 12, 2007 · closed May 1, 2008
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESClosedLed to recall 04V090000
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
EA02030 · opened Oct 22, 2002 · closed Mar 9, 2004