1996 Buick Regal problems
The Buick Regal is a line of mid-size cars marketed by Buick since 1973. For nearly its entire production, the Regal has served as the premium mid-size/intermediate offering of the Buick product range. Introduced as a submodel of the Buick Century, the model line is currently in its sixth generation. From the 1970s to the 1990s, the Regal served as the Buick counterpart of the Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.
Originally introduced as a personal luxury coupe, the Regal was later expanded to a full model line. To showcase its success in NASCAR racing, from 1982 to 1987, Buick introduced the Buick Regal Grand National, Regal T-Type, and the limited-production Buick GNX. During the 1990s, while the four-door sedan superseded the two-door coupe entirely, forced-induction engines made their return, with superchargers replacing turbochargers.
For 1999, the Buick Regal inaugurated the sale of GM vehicles in the Chinese market, with the 1997 design lasting through 2008. Following the 2004 model year, Buick retired the nameplate in North America, with the Regal replaced by the Buick LaCrosse.
For 2008, Opel introduced the Opel Insignia as its largest sedan, with Buick rebranding the model line as the Regal for the Chinese market. For 2011, GM reintroduced the Regal to North America, rebranding the Insignia sedan for North America. For 2018, Buick introduced the second-generation Opel Insignia, sourcing all production from Germany; alongside a first-ever liftback sedan, the Regal TourX was the first Buick station wagon in 22 years.
After 2020, as the division shifted away from car model lines, Buick ended sales of the Regal in North America.
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Common 1996 Buick Regal problems
The 1996 Buick Regal is a car that has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the transmission. Owners have reported that the transmission in their 1996 Buick Regal has been problematic, with some reporting that the car would not go into park unless the emergency brake was on or the car was moved forward or backward slightly. Others have reported that the car made a noise like a spinning wheel when stuck, and that the transmission would not move the car forward or backward. Some owners have also reported that the transmission fluid level was fine, but that the car still had transmission problems.
Another common problem reported by owners of the 1996 Buick Regal is related to the ignition switch. Some owners have reported that the ignition switch in their car is faulty, and that the car would not start when the key was turned. This problem was reported to be intermittent, with the car starting after several attempts. Some owners reported that jiggling the key in various ways helped the engine to start more consistently.
The engine assembly under the hood of the 1996 Buick Regal has also been reported to be poorly designed. Some owners have reported that the engine assembly is prone to rusting, and that the body of the car may rot before the engine dies. The plastic interior of the car has also been reported to fall apart over time, with the leather stitching on the seats coming apart.
The power antenna in the 1996 Buick Regal has also been reported to be poorly designed, with some owners reporting that the antenna breaks easily in cold weather. The exterior door handles have also been reported to be problematic, with some owners reporting that they have had to replace them.
In summary, the 1996 Buick Regal has several common problems that have been reported by owners. These include transmission problems, ignition switch problems, poorly designed engine assembly, poorly designed power antenna, and problematic exterior door handles. It is important for owners of this car to be aware of these common problems and to address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicle.
Is the Buick Regal reliable?
The Buick Regal has gotten a great reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal. Midsize sedans are generally reliable, and among the 34 sedans that RepairPal has ranked, the Buick Regal is ranked 13th. Owners will approximately pay around $500 for annual repairs, which is average.
Why does my Buick Regal keep shutting off?
The most common reasons a Buick Regal engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
Why won't my Buick Regal start?
The most common reasons a Buick Regal won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
How long is a 1996 Buick Regal?
193.7 to 193.9″1996 Buick Regal / Length
Why won't my Buick Regal start?
The most common reasons a Buick Regal won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
How do you start a Buick Regal?
Start the car by pressing the brake pedal and pushing the Stop/Start button.
What causes car not to start?
The battery is usually the main reason that your car won't start, and is one of the most common callouts to the AA. There are a few ways your battery might go flat or even die: Something electrical was left on in the car, like the lights, which ran the battery down.
How do I start my engine?
If the car has a key, turn the key to start the engine and let go as soon as the engine has started. If you are driving a very old car (perhaps pre-1980s) you may have to give the car some choke if it's cold. If the car has push button ignition, push the button for long enough for the engine to start.
1996 Buick Regal car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Regal problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Buick Regal vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Buick Regal
The NHTSA has received 230 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Buick Regal. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Buick Regal vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 2G4WB52M9T1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ON JULY 17, 2019 AT 8:40AM, I GOT INTO MY CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY. I TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE AIRBAG EXPLODED. (THE CAR WAS NOT STARTED.) THE AIRBAG SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN BEING FIRED AND A POWDER LIKE SUBSTANCE IMMEDIATELY FILLED THE CAR. THE AIRBAG ITSELF HIT ME IN THE ABDOMINAL AREA. I FOUND THE DOOR HANDLE, OPENED THE DOOR, AND ROLLED OUT OF THE CAR ONTO THE GROUND. AT THIS TIME, I YELLED FOR MY SON. MY SON PICKED ME UP OFF THE GROUND AND CALLED AN AMBULANCE DUE TO ME BEING IN A SEVERE AMOUNT OF PAIN AND IN SHOCK. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE AND OBSERVED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY. I HAD SEVERAL FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS THAT CONTINUE TO THIS DAY. INSURANCE CAME TO LOOK AT CAR, FILLED OUT PAPERWORK, AND SAID THEY WERE GOING TO TOTAL THE VEHICLE. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN MOVED SINCE THIS INCIDENT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-02
- VIN: 2G4WB52MXT1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND FAILURE CODES: C1265 (REAR ABS MOTOR CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND) AND C1286 (EBCM/EBTCM FAILED TO ILLUMINATE THE RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR) WERE LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (DON BROWN CHEVROLET, 2244 S KINGS HIGHWAY BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63110, (314) 282-7887) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CODES INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A REAR MOTOR SHORT TO THE GROUND AND THE ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE ACTIVATED THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS. FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WOULD BE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-05
- VIN: 2G4WB12K9T1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE DOOR DOES NOT WORK WITH KEY EITHER. LOCK SEEMS TO WORKING BUT DOOR DOES NOT OPEN. THE CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND SHOULD BE A RECALL.
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2G4WB52K5T1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE MERGING ONTO THE FREEWAY, I WAS TAKING MY CAR TO BE SMOGGED. AT SPEED, I NOTICED A LITTLE WHITE PUFF OF SMOKE EMIT FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE BAY. AS I PROCEEDED TO START MOVING TO THE SHOULDER, THIS PUFF HAD TURNED INTO A GRAY PLUME. AS I FINALLY REACHED THE SHOULDER, THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE ENGINE BAY WAS BILLOWING BLACK SMOKE. AS I TRIED TO STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, SO IT SEEMED THE FIRE HAD BURNT THROUGH A BRAKE LINE. I MANAGED TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SLOWLY AND MANAGED TO STOP ON THE SHOULDER. OPENING THE HOOD, I FOUND A SMALL FIRE BURNING AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE, BUT IN FRONT OF THE FIREWALL. I HAD NOTHING WITH ME, SO I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND IT WAS EXTINGUISHED. HOWEVER, BY THE TIME THEY GOT THERE, THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS TOTALED BEYOND EXTENSIVE REPAIR.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2G4WB52K6T1
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: MY CAR STARTED TO NOT START AFTER BEING DRIVEN AND SHORTLY AFTER DID NOT WANT TO START IN A SIMPLE IDLE. SOMEHOW FUEL HAS BEEN GETTING TRAPPED IN A PRESSURIZED LINE AND I'M HAVING TO RELEASE THE FUEL OUT. OIL LEAKED INTO THE SPARK PLUGS CAUSED A PILOT FLAME. I HAVE READ MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO THAT SPECIFIC MAKE AND YEAR AS WELL A FEW OF THE OTHER 90 MODELS. EVERY ACCOUNT SAYS IT IS A FLAW IN THE ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEM. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2G4WD52K3T1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 1996 BUICK REGAL. CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THE BALL BEARING WENT THROUGH THE GEAR BOX WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL, ON THE STEERING. HOWEVER, HE WAS INFORMED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-29
- VIN: 2G4WB52K2T1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,035.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 2G4WB52M4T1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, WEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WITHOUT IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED ABRASIONS TO THE LEFT FOREARM. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITH CAUTION TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000. UPDATED 10/20/10 *BF UPDATED 10/26/10*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2G4WB52K9T1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK REGAL LE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL LOUD EXPLOSION IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. SHE OPENED THE HOOD TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE AND WAS EXHUMED WITH THICK SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE TOP MANIFOLD MELTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE MANIFOLD, INJECTORS, SENSOR WIRES, PCV VALVES, AND HOSES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2G4WB52K7T1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-10
- VIN: 2G4WD52KXT1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE BACK FIRE THROUGH THE INTAKE AND SMOKE ROLLS OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, NORMALLY START GOOD AFTER SITTING OVER NIGHT, BUT GO TO START IT AGAIN IT WILL BACK FIRE OR THE ENGINE IDLE IS VERY ERRATIC BEFORE IT WILL SMOOTH OUT. I REPLACE SPARK PLUG, SPARK PLUG WIRES, CAM SENSOR, PCV VALVE, FUEL FILTER CHECK BATTERY CONNECTION. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-26
- VIN: 2G4WB52K1T1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY EXPERIENCED A NO-START CONDITION. THERE WAS ALSO A BACKFIRE THAT OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED PRIOR TO THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,117. UPDATED 02/05/09. *LJ COOLANT WAS FOUND IN THE OIL WHEN REPAIRS WERE MADE ON THE MANIFOLD. UPDATED 02/10/09. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-19
- VIN: 2G4WB52K0T1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK REGAL. AFTER INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT OR CRASH. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 157,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- VIN: 2G4WB52MXT1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 1998 AND SOON AFTER THAT THE PAINT STARTED TO PEEL. IN ABOUT 2000 I FINALLY RESEARCHED IT ONLINE AND FOUND OUT TO LOOK AT MY VIN NUMBER, AND IF THE 11TH NUMBER WAS A '1' THAT IT WAS PAINTED IN CANADA AND THAT THEY TROUBLE WITH BAD PRIMER UP THERE. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAD SUED FOR A NEW PAINT JOB. GM CLOSED THAT PLANT DOWN. I WENT TO MAACO HERE AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE PRIMER WAS BAD, THEY WOULD HAVE TO STRIP THAT ALL OFF TOO, AND THE WHOLE JOB WAS MORE THAN I COULD AFFORD. ALSO, EVER SINCE I'VE HAD THE CAR, THE BRAKES HAVE MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE ON STOPPING, MAINLY IN WARM WEATHER. ALL MECHANICS THINK IT IS VERY ODD AND HAVE TRIED TO FIX IT SEVERAL TIMES. TWO MECHANICS HAVE ACTUALLY STOPPED THE NOISE BUT IT RETURNS PROMPTLY. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO IMPAIR THE BRAKING ABILITY. IT'S A GOOD OLD CAR AND NOW HAS 93,000 MILES WITHOUT OTHER COMPLAINTS, BUT IS EMBARRASSING TO DRIVE WITH 1/2 OF ITS PAINT MISSING. IT LOOKS LIKE A COW. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-02
- VIN: 2G4WB52K6T1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THERE IS A SEVERE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A GARAGE AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE TO CORRECT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. WE CALLED BUICK AND WERE TOLD THAT THE RECALL IS VIN SPECIFIC AND THAT OUR VIN WAS NOT RECALLED. WE WERE ADVISED BY BUICK THAT IT WAS JUST A COINCIDENCE THAT OUR VEHICLE WAS THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL AS THE RECALL AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY ONE OF THEIR DEALERS TO LOOK AT IT. *TR
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-10
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2G4WD52K6T1
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE 1996 BUCK REGAL ON I-77 NORTH NEAR CHELYAN, WV ANOTHER DAUGHTER WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BROKE FROM THE HUB, CAUSING THE CAR TO VEER AND EVENTUALLY HIT THE CONCRETE MEDIAN. THE CRASH SEVERELY DAMAGED THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR; IT WA STOTALLED. THE CRASH RESULTED IN INJURIES TO BOTH OF MY DAUGHTERS - THE DRIVER SUSTAINE D A BUMP ON HER FOREHEAD, AND THE PASSENGER HASD A SWOLEN LEFT ANKLE - PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF THE X-RAYS WERE NEGATIVE FOR A BREAK/FRACTURE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-22
- VIN: 2G4WB52K6T1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1996 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DURING AN OIL CHANGE. AFTER THE OIL CHANGE, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND THE CONTACT HAD THE BATTERY CHANGED. SHE DROVE APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF MILES, MADE A RIGHT TURN, AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE IN ORDER TO MOVE THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA RECALL # 03V527000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION). THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 86,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-22
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2G4WF52K5T1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*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. *KB UPDATED 02/19/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/2810*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-03
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I BOUGHT A USED CAR IN BOARDMAN, OHIO AREA AND I NOW HAVE A 1490.00 REPAIR BILL AFTER SALESMAN TOLD ME IT WAS CHECKED OUT. THEY REPLACED A BURNED OUT BULB WITH ANOTHER BURNED OUT BULB WHICH I CAN PROVE. I NEED HELP TO STOP THIS PRACTICE. *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-12
- VIN: 2G4WB52K3T1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING IN MY 1996 BUICK REGAL BECAME VERY STIFF AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL. IT HAS ONLY BEEN TWO DAYS NOW THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED, BUT IT'S DANGEROUS, AS IT GIVES NO WARNING. THE TURN ALMOST PUT ME INTO A TREE! IT HAPPENED TODAY BUT I WAS MORE AWARE THAT IT MIGHT HAPPEN AND ALERT FOR IT. MY 1995 CENTURY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT WAS THAT THE STEERING RACK GETS TIGHT IN COLDER WEATHER AND AFTER 75000 MILES! *NM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-07
- VIN: 2G4WB52M2T1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: LARGE PIECES OF PAINT CAME OFF THE HOOD OF MY CAR. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2G4WB52K0T1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE THE PLASTIC UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD EXPLODED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 96V116000, REGARDING THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 5/3/2006 - WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE AN EXPLOSION WAS HEARD. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THE ENGINE ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A GARDEN HOSE. *NM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE INFORMATION ON THE 1996 BUICK REGAL. *TS *NM
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-10
- VIN: 2G4WF52K9T1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: A RECALL WAS ISSUED REGARDING THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ON OUR 1996 BUICK. THE PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE CAR. MY 17 YEAR OLD SON WAS PUT IN SERIOUS DANGER BECAUSE THE 'FIX' DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. NOW BUICK IS TELLING US THAT THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE OBVIOUS PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLE. THE CAR WILL NOT TURN TO THE LEFT. BUCIK REPS ARE INCOMPETENT AND RUDE. *NM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 2G4WB52M4T1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ON JANUARY 21, 2006 AT 7:10 AM, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON U.S. 1, A BUSY STREET DURING RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC, MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO CRASH INVOLVED NOR DID MY CAR COME INTO ANY CONTACT WITH ANY OBJECT. I DIDN'T EVEN APPLY THE BRAKES. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, IT HIT ME IN THE FACE AND BURNED MY HAND. FOR ABOUT FIVE TO SEVEN SECONDS I DID NOT KNOW WHAT HAD HAPPENED. IT WAS LIKE I HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND THEN WHOOSH, THE WHOLE BAG WAS IN MY FACE. I WAS CRUISING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF LIGHT TRAFFIC, AND FORTUNATELY, WAS ABLE TO STOP, THEN PULL OVER OUT OF TRAFFIC TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED. I THEN CALLED MY LOCAL BUICK DEALER AND COMPLAINED TO SERVICE WRITER "PAUL." HE TOLD ME TO GET MY CAR TO HIM AT MY COST NEXT TUESDAY, AND HE WANTED TO CHARGE ME FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THIS MEANS I HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS BUICK'S FAULT -- INVESTIGATING A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS ACCEPTABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. *JB
1996 Buick Regal recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1996 Buick Regal.
- Manufacturer: DELPHI
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
- Summary: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
- Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:RACK AND PINION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
- Summary: A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINE CAN CONTACT THE TRANSAXLE MOUNTING BRACKET OR ATTACHMENT BOLT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR THROUGH, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND EVENTUAL LOSS OF ONE-HALF OF THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE SYSTEM, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR PROPER BRAKE LINE CLEARANCE AND REPOSITION THOSE BRAKE LINES FOUND TO HAVE LESS THAN MINIMAL CLEARANCE. ADDITIONALLY, THOSE BRAKE LINES FOUND TO HAVE AN INDENTATION CAUSED BY THE CONTACT WILL BE REPLACED AND PROPERLY ROUTED.
Negative 1996 Buick Regal car reviews
Positive 1996 Buick Regal car reviews
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Bought this car as a program vehicle with only 19k miles on it. It has lots of power, great amenities, and handles well. The back seat is huge and comfortable, but unfortunately, the lumbar support is not the best. Throughout the life of the car, I only had to replace the water pump and alternator. I'm sad to sell it, but the floor mats are all worn out!
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Going on 116,000 miles! Your powerful engine still runs smoothly, just like a Cadillac. It still shines like new! Although the seats may not be the most comfortable and the coils are shot, it still has a great sound system. Additionally, there is only minor lower body rust.
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This car is fantastic! It handles and drives beautifully, with adequate performance and stylish design. I have personally owned mine for 4 years and have put 95K miles on it, and have had no major problems other than routine maintenance. The car also boasts ice-cold air conditioning and is fantastic on gas with the 3.1 engine. You can find some really great deals on these cars, so if you're on a tight budget, be sure to shop around and you could end up owning a high-quality American-made car.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that I recently bought a new car and it's been great so far! I've only had to do some routine maintenance and minor repairs, but nothing major. It still runs superbly and I'm planning on driving it for another 100,000 miles.
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The car has been driven for 50,000 miles without any major issues. However, there was a need for a costly replacement of the tail light due to dampness in the tail light assembly causing frequent short outs. The interior switch to automatically unlock doors is not always reliable. The brakes tend to be noisy and the pedal feels soft compared to other brands of rental cars I often drive. Apart from these minor issues, the car has only required routine maintenance. The interior and trunk are spacious.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Buick Regal problems:
1996 Buick Regal Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
Problem with your 1996 Buick Regal? Our list of 21 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1996 Buick Regal.
96 Buick Regal intermittent starting problem - SOLVED ...
Jul 13, 2019 ... The anti-theft relay from what I can see is located above the glove compartment, behind the instrument panel. The relay and module are side by ...
Common 2002 Buick Regal Problems: Q&A with Experts
Jan 14, 2009 ... 2002 Buick Regal: supercharged..driving along..the car smooths..dies… · Changed out the battery on my 2011 Buick Regal. I haven't ... · 1996 buick ...
1996 Buick Regal Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Faults: Serpentine belt and brakes. Normal maintenance issues. Coolant sensor is out. General Comments: I love this car.
Q&A: How to Find Freon Leak in 1996 Buick Regal? | JustAnswer
Jul 9, 2012 ... Do these 96 model Buicks have a common issue with freon leaking from some hard to find place? (Evaporator?) Is there a rubber hose behind the ...
Other years of Buick Regal
Are you having problems with your 1996 Buick Regal?
Floyd Christiansen 2024-09-17
Although the writer had a negative experience with their Buick purchase, it is important to note that their expertise in the automotive industry adds weight to their opinion. The issues they encountered with the brakes, rear end, engine light, interior, and radio are valid concerns that should be addressed by the manufacturer. The writer's feedback highlights areas for improvement and should be taken seriously by Buick to ensure customer satisfaction.
Keyon Leffler 2024-02-18
Hi there! I noticed that you mentioned some issues with your car. I hope you're doing okay. It sounds like you've had a bit of a rough time with it. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of car is it? I'm not a mechanic, but I might be able to offer some suggestions or advice. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help!