Page 3 of 4 · complaints 101–150 of 187

2001 Buick Regal complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2001 record →

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 11, 201019,000 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ALL OVER HIS DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST CORROSION UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CORROSION WAS CAUSING THE LEAK AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO REPLACE ALL OF THE PARTS THAT WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 24, 201074,882 milesPA

2001 BUICK REGAL GS. FUEL FILLER PIPE RUSTED OUT, SUB FRAME VERY RUSTY, AND REAR BUMPER SUPPORT RUSTED OUT. ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. HAD NOTIFIED BUICK ON MAY 25, 2010 AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER ( [XXX] ) BUICK SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME AS THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed Jun 30, 2010200,000 milesMO

MY VEHICLE HAD THE NECESSARY RECALL WORK DONE, BUT IT STILL CAUGHT FIRE AND IS NO LONGER IN WORKING ORDER. THE WHOLE ENGINE IS BURNT TO A CRISP... *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 17, 2010LA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE, SHE WOULD HAVE TO ENGAGE THE HAZARD LIGHTS FIRST AND THEN TURN THE IGNITION BEFORE IT WOULD START. THE DASHBOARD COMPONENTS WOULD ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY AND THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE, GEAR SHIFTER, AND ODOMETER WERE ALL INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 19, 201099,584 milesFL

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

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 15, 2010111,000 milesTX

MY 2011 REGAL HAD TO HAVE THE LOWER AND UPPER INTAKE GASKET REPLACED AS WELL AS THE VALVE COVER GASKETS.. A WEEK AFTER THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AND THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY GASKET. I THEN GOT IT REPLACED AND THEN A WEEK AFTER THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. IT WAS PULLING UP A CODE FOR A VACUUM LEAK. WTF! MY BOYFRIEND TURNED THE LIGHT OFF AND IT HASN'T COME ON SINCE, SO I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS A GLITCH. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 2, 2010120,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN UNTIL IT WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND HE SHOULD FILE A SAFETY COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 13, 200954,000 milesIN

I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR. THE INCIDENT INVOLVES THE CRUISE CONTROL OF THIS VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING ON I-65. I SET THE CRUISE FOR 65 MPH. LATER, I PUSHED THE ACCELERATE BUTTON TO INCREASE THE SPEED BY 5 MPH. I RELEASED THE SWITCH AT THE DESIRED SPEED BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AS IF I FLOORED IT. I QUICKLY HIT THE BRAKES AND THAT FIRST STOPPED THE ACCELERATION. BUT AS SOON AS I RELEASED THE BRAKES, IT WENT BACK TO ACCELERATION. I THEN TURNED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION AND THAT STOPPED THE ACCELERATION. I CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 10 MILES WHEN I TRIED THE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN. THE UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION OCCURRED AGAIN WHEN I USED THE ACCELERATE BUTTON BUT THIS TIME I APPLIED THE DECELERATE BUTTON ONE TIME AS IF TO DECREASE THE SPEED BY 1 MPH. THAT ACTION KILLED THE CRUISE CONTROL ALL TOGETHER. IF I WANTED CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN, I WOULD HAVE TO RESET THE DESIRED SPEED ALL OVER AGAIN AS IF IT WEREN'T SET AT ALL. I HAVE ANOTHER INCIDENT INVOLVING THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE SAME TRIP. I HAD THE DESIRED SPEED SET. WHEN THE CAR HIT A BUMP SUCH AS A SMALL POTHOLE, THE CAR'S SPEED SUDDENLY WOULD START TO INCREASE AS IF I FLOORED IT. AGAIN I HAD TO APPLY THE OFF SWITCH OR DECELERATE BUTTON TO KILL IT. ANOTHER INCIDENT OCCURRED ON THE SAME TRIP INVOLVING THE CRUISE CONTROL. I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH IN THE ON POSITION BUT HADN'T SET THE SPEED WHEN I HIT A BUMP ON THE INTERSTATE. AGAIN THE CAR ACTED AS IF I FLOORED THE ACCELERATOR AND AGAIN I HAD TO TURN THE SWI

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 21, 2009115,000 milesIA

WAS IN FATAL ACCIDENT ON MAY 8 2009 IN DES MOINES, IA. IT WAS LIGHT RAIN THAT NIGHT AND I MADE AN ATTEMPT TO TURN A CORNER AND SLIDE RIGHT THROUGH AND FENCE AND DROPPED DOWN A HILL ABOUT AND ESTIMATED 20 FEET. THE ANTI-BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AS WELL AS THE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING IS MY CONCERN. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST INCIDENT. THE ONE TOOK PLACE IN DECEMBER OF 2009. A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED I WAS THEY CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION, BUT WAS NOT INFORMED TO WHERE I COULD UNDERSTAND. NOW THE CASE IS WITH THEIR LAWYERS WHO WON'T ANSWER THE PHONE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed May 19, 200932,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. MINUTES LATER AFTER THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Apr 28, 200920,000 milesAZ

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

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 2, 2009100,000 milesGA

IN DEC.2008, I HAD MY OIL CHANGED AND I NOTICED SEVERAL WEEK LATER THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE IT CHECKED FOR THE OIL LEAK. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE "INTAKE MANIFOLD" WHICH HAD A BAD DESIGN AND IT WAS ALSO CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE OIL. I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE, AND THERE WERE. HOWEVER, WHEN I CALLED THE "BUICK" HOME OFFICE I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. THE INFORMATION WHICH I COLLECTED STATED THAT LETTERS WERE MAILED OUT FOR 1997-2000 MODELS ON APRIL 28,2008. IT ALSO STATED THAT GM WILL ADVISE WHEN LETTERS FOR THE 2001-2003 MODELS WILL BE MAILED. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE AND I AM AFRAID THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY CAUSE MY CAR TO CATCH FIRE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Aug 8, 200830,000 milesWA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED BUICK RECALL NOTICE NUMBER 07035 OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000 REGARDING THE GASKET ON HIS VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE FIRST GASKET. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECOND GASKET IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO MAKE THE REPAIR. HE CALLED GM TO FILE A COMPLAINT AND THEY REFERRED HIM TO NHTSA. CURRENTLY, THE GASKET IS LEAKING AND DRIPPING DOWN ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

Suspension › Front
Filed Jul 14, 2008104,100 milesNH

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

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed May 15, 200892,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND APPROACHING AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, HE FELT THE FAILURE WAS LIFE THREATENING WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY ABLE TO BE DRIVEN IN 1ST, 2ND, AND REVERSE GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIR AND HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO A DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED AT 92,000 MILES. THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE VEHICLE WAS THE ORIGINAL PART. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed May 8, 200824,000 milesOH

I OWN A 2001 BUICK REGAL THAT I BOUGHT NEW, IT HAS 27,000 ORIGINAL MILES. TWO YEARS AGO WHEN I ENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. NOW WHENEVER THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED SOMETIMES IT WORKS AT FIRST AND THEN LATER IT MAY START ACCELERATE UNTIL YOU HIT THE BRAKES TO DISENGAGE IT. *TR

Visibility
Filed Apr 29, 2008LA

IN AUGUST OF LAST YEAR (07) 3 WINDOWS FELL INTO THE DOOR ALL WITHIN A 2 WEEK TIME SPAN. I SEE THAT MANY OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED AND GM HAS ALREADY RECALLED TOYOTA VEHICLES FOR THIS DEFECT BUT NOT BUICK VEHICLES. AFTER CALLING MY DEALERSHIP, I AM TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM EXIST IN LARGE NUMBERS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, YET NO SOLUTION. THE MOTORS STILL WORK BUT THE LEADS HAVE DETACHED. *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Apr 29, 200895,000 milesLA

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

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Apr 24, 200878,892 milesUT

DEALER SAYS LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING. REPAIRED AT 61,549 MI. DEALER SAYS LOWER INTAKE COOLANT BYPASS IS LEAKING, AS IS, THE VALVE COVER GASKETS. CLAIMS THERE HAVE BEEN ENGINE FIRES AND THAT GM HAS A RECALL ,BUT NOT A REMEDY FOR THE PROBLEM, AS OF YET. REPAIRED GASKETS AT 78,892 MI., TOTAL COST FOR BOTH 1,600.00. 1. ONE WOULD THINK AFTER BUILDING CARS FOR 50 YRS. THAT A HEAD GASKET COULD LAST 200,000 MI. 2. MY GASKET LASTED 17,000 MILES BETWEEN REPAIRS. THE LEAKING GASKETS ARE A DIRECT CAUSE OF THE ENGINE FIRES. THE OIL LEAKS DOWN ON TOP OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND BINGO, "FIRE". THEY SAY THEY HAVE TO COME UP WITH A BETTER HEAT SHIELD "DUH". I BOUGHT THE CAR BASED ON CONSUMER REPORTS. I'VE HAD OTHER PROBLEMS TOO. I JUST WONDER IF GM WILL STEP UP AND REIMBURSE ME. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Apr 17, 200865,870 milesIL

DRIVING THE CAR TO THE SHOPPING MALL THERE WAS NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, NO SMELL, NO NOISE. ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER I REMEMBERED I FORGOT SOMETHING IN THE CAR AND WENT OUT TO RETRIEVE IT WHEN I SAW FIRE TRUCKS. THERE WERE FLAMES SHOOTING OUT 10 FEET HIGH OF A CAR, THINKING POOR FOOL, THEN REALIZING THAT FOOL WAS ME! IT WAS MY 2001 REGAL. THE CAR WAS TORCHED TO THE INSIDE DASH BOARD. WITNESSES STATED SPARKS WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE FRONT LEFT, WHEN IT BURST INTO FLAMES. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE CAR IS TOAST. NEVER, EVER ANY WARNING, NO DASH LIGHTS INDICATING A PROBLEM, AND IT ONLY HAD 65K MILES ON IT. MY SON HAS A 92 TOYOTA WITH OVER 200K, BET THAT WON'T EVER CATCH FIRE! *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Mar 15, 200854,348 milesPA

THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2001 BUICK REGAL LS WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AS IT HAS BEEN IN MY FAMILY SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 54,348 MILES ON IT WHICH IS CONSIDERED LOW MILEAGE GIVEN THE MODEL YEAR. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL BUICK DEALER AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENOR WHICH COST ME OVER $300. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THIS PART IS COVERED UNDER THE CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS WARRANTY. HOWEVER, SINCE I DO NOT RESIDE IN CALIFORNIA, THEN I HAD TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR OUT OF POCKET. I CONTACTED BUICK TO ADVISE THEM THAT THIS FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. HOWEVER, SINCE THEY COULD NOT FIND AND SERVICE BULLENTINS OR RECALLS, THEY ADVISED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DUE TO REIMBURSE ME THE REPAIR COST FOR THIS DEFECT. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER BUICK OWNERS HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE. THEREFORE, I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT IN HOPES OF OTHER BUICK OWNERS WILL FOLLOW SUIT THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR BUICK. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 13, 2008118,357 milesAK

MY WIFE WENT OUT TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING FOR 2-3 DAYS IN 0-20 DEGREE TEMPERATURES. UPON TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH SHE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND, SAW THE HOOD BULGE, AND SAW SMOKE BILLOW OUT FROM THE SIDES. SHE IMMEDIATELY REMOVED KEY, EXITED THE VEHICLE, AND ASKED ME TO COME OUT TO THE VEHICLE. UPON OPENING THE HOOD WE FOUND PIECES OF THE HEAT SHIELD, AND PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD SCATTERED THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, ALONG WITH THE OIL FILL CAP, WHICH HAD BEEN BLOWN OFF. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 28, 2008125,000 milesVA

I PARKED MY CAR AT A COMPANY PARKING LOT AND WENT INSIDE. WITHIN 15 MINUTES, A PERSON APPROACHED ME TO TELL ME MY CAR WAS ON FIRE OUTSIDE. ANOTHER PERSON WHO WAS WALKING PAST THE CAR AT THE TIME SAID IT TRIED TO START ALL BY ITSELF JUST BEFORE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIREMEN PUT THE FIRE OUT BUT NOT BEFORE IT MELTED THE THROTTLE BODY, THE RADIATOR, BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD, EXPLODING THE LEFT FRONT TIRE AND HAD BEGUN BURNING THROUGH THE FIREWALL INTO THE CAB. *CN

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › GasolineFire
Filed Jan 4, 2008225,000 milesKY

VEHICLE HAS A 3.8 LITER SUPER CHARGED ENGINE. PARKED CAR AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES WITH NO NOTICEABLE PROBLEM. ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER, I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING AND THEIR WAS NO INDICATION OF SMOKE/FIRE WHEN I TURNED IT OFF. *CN

Steering
Filed Nov 26, 200744,000 milesNC

STEERING SHAFT IN MY 2001 BUICK HAS FAILED 3 TIMES. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 28, 200760,000 milesOK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKS ONTO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. WHEN THE WATER ENTERS THE VEHICLE, IT SATURATES THE ENTIRE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,400.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 3, 2007MI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED WHEN ACTIVATING THE TURN SIGNALS AND SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN. THE VEHICLE WILL RESTART AFTER A FEW MINUTES HAVE PASSED. THE FAILURE BEGAN IN APRIL 2007 , AND WAS NOW OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Apr 5, 200781,025 milesFL

VEHICLE STALLS WHEN USING TURN SIGNALS, GAUGES CLICK AND FLASH, DRIVE SELECTOR STUCK IN PARK, ENGINE WON'T START. PROBLEM IS FAULTY IGNITION RELAY AND WIRING HARNESS REPLACED BY DEALER AT $400.00 COST. ALLIED SWITCH 2.188 FROM AC DELCO COMPANY. *AK

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Apr 3, 200781,402 milesFL

THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHEN USING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL, WHEN TRYING TO RESTART ALL DASH BOARD LIGHTS FLASH AND THE FUEL GAUGE SWAYS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, THE DRIVE LEVER LOCKS IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. AFTER LETTING IT SET THE DASH LIGHTS CONTINUE TO FLASH AND WON'T START. IF YOU TURN THE HAZARDS ON OR SET THE PARKING BRAKE THE CAR WILL START BUT SHUTS DOWN WHEN DRIVING. *JB

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Mar 31, 200778,020 milesFL

CAR DIES WHILE DRIVING IF TURN SIGNAL LEVER IS MOVED, INTERMITTENT SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES), ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) OR TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) LAMP ILLUMINATED, ENGINE NO CRANK/NO START, VARIOUS INSTRUMENT PANEL (I/P) CLUSTER INTERMITTENT, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) U1000, U1016, B1422, B2957, B2958 SET, SHIFTER LOCKED IN PARK. *JB

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Mar 30, 2007NY

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

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Feb 9, 2007AZ

THE ELECTRIC WINDOW MECHANISM ON BOTH REAR WINDOWS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW THE LEFT REAR WINDOW HAS FAILED AGAIN AND ALSO THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW HAS FAILED. WHEN I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER, THEY HAD NO EXPLANATION ON WHY THE REAR WINDOW FAILED AGAIN (ESPECIALLY WHEN I DON'T CARRY REAR PASSENGERS AND THE WINDOW IS SELDOM USED) AND WAS QUOTED $530.00 FOR REPAIR. IT WAS AFTER THAT THE FRONT WINDOW THEN FAILED. IT SEEMS TO ME THERE MUST BE SOME KIND OF PROBLEM OR DEFECT WITH THE MECHANISM SINCE 4 WINDOWS HAVE FAILED SINCE BUYING THE CAR. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 1, 200784,000 milesNY

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

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 18, 200791,000 milesCA

TL* - WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, CONTACTS 2001 BUICK REGAL WAS REAR ENDED, CAUSING THE CONTACTS VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91000. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT. *JB UPDATED 03/07/07*JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Jan 12, 2007MI

CRUISE CONTROL ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AND SOMETIMES OPERATES NORMALLY FOR A PERIOD OF TIME THEN ACCELERATES VERY RAPIDLY UNEXPECTEDLY. I HAVE NOT RETURNED TO A DEALER YET BUT THOUGHT THE INCIDENTS IMPORTANT TO REPORT. *NM

Wheels › Rim
Filed Jan 11, 200766,000 milesNY

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

Tires
Filed Dec 20, 2006TX

TL*- THE CONTACT CALLED TO INFORM NHTSA THAT HE RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER FROM PEP BOYS ON HIS TIRES, THE COOPER FUTURA 2000 RADIAL LTE, SIZE 225/60/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO PEP BOYS TO HAVE THEM REPLACE THE TIRE BECAUSE THIS IS A PEP BOY RECALL, AND THEY DECLINE TO DO SO. PEP BOYS STATED THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THE RECALL.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Nov 14, 2006121,000 milesGA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A SMELL OF PLASTIC BURNING. THE CONTACT DISMISSED THE SMELL AND ENTERED THE HOME. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE CONTACT SAW SMOKE COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE GARAGE DOOR. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTED THAT THERE WERE 20 FOOT HIGH FLAMES COMING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HOOD. DURING THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE ENGINE ATTEMPTED TO START TWICE ON ITS OWN. THE FIRE BURNED THE SIDING ON THE HOUSE, AND MELTED THE FRONT OF THE GARAGE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS, AND WAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT RETURNED PHONE CALLS FROM THE CONTACT.*AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Oct 25, 200627,000 milesFL

THE REGULATOR AND MOTOR MALFUNCTION IN MY 2001 BUICK REGAL. ALL 4 WINDOWS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS OFF AND ON SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN DECEMBER 2001. THEY STOP WORKING FOR A MONTH OR SO, THEN START WORKING AGAIN. ONE QUIT WORKING COMPLETELY, SO I TOOK IT TO THE BUICK DEALER IN FORT WALTON BEACH, FL. THEY WANTED SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIX IT. I COULD NOT AFFORD THIS, SO THEY SAID FOR LESS THEY COULD BOLT IT IN THE UP POSITION. THEY SAID THAT WAS BETTER THAN IT BEING STUCK DOWN. SO I TOLD THEM TO DO THAT FOR NOW. NOW THE FRONT PASSENGER IS BROKEN IN THE HALFWAY DOWN POSITION. THE OTHER WINDOWS WORK FOR A WHILE THEN QUIT WORKING. *NM

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Oct 21, 2006FL

I HAVE A 2001 BUICK REGAL, PURCHASED NEW IN OCTOBER 2001. IN MAY 2005 THE REAR WINDOW ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FELL. I TOOK IT FOR REPAIR AT A BUICK DEALER AND IT COST ME $516 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. A SHORT TIME AGO THE FRONT WINDOW ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FELL, AND TODAY THE FRONT WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FELL. I AM IN THE CAR ALONE 99.99% OF THE TIME. THE REAR WINDOWS AND PASSENGER WINDOW ARE NEVER DOWN. INITIALLY I THOUGHT THAT WAS WHY THEY FAILED, BUT NOW THE DRIVERS WINDOW FELL. I SEE THAT JEEP VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. BEING GM PRODUCTS, HAS THIS BEEN DISCUSSED. I JUST PAID THIS CAR OFF AND FEEL IT IS PROBABLY THE WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. I HAVE REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND HAD ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *NM

Electrical System
Filed Sep 14, 200620,000 milesCA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE SERVICE DEALER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE COULD BE REPAIRED AT A COST.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Sep 6, 2006CA

2001 REGAL POWER WINDOWS FAILED. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOW WOULD SUDDENLY GO DOWN AND WOULD NOT COME BACK UP WHEN THE BUTTON WAS PRESSED.*JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 3, 200640,300 milesCA

2001 BUICK REGAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. *KB WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAVE A SLIGHT LURCH, A WEAK THUD AND IT KICKED DOWN FROM DRIVE TO THIRD GEAR. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO A REST STOP AND WHEN HE WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE IN REVERSE, FIRST OR SECOND GEAR. IT WOULD ONLY LURCH FORWARD WHEN IN DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE PLANETARY HAD A BROKEN GEAR, SOME DAMAGED CLUTCH DISKS AND METAL FRAGMENTS IN THE PAN. THE CONSUMER DIDN'T GET TOO FAR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN HE SMELLED FUMES AND SAW BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER, OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONSUMER AND A POLICE OFFICER OBSERVED A DAMP SPOT ON THE GROUND WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE TRANSMISSION FLUID. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STICK WAS CHECKED IT SHOWED THERE WAS NO FLUID. A HAIRLINE CRACK WAS DISCOVERED IN THE LEFT COVER AND WHEN IT BECAME HOT, IT EXPANDED FORCING OUT FLUID. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 23, 200640,300 milesCA

OUR 2001 BUICK REGAL LOST IT'S A/T AT 40,300 MILES, LOCKED OUT OF REVERSE, GEARS 1 & 2. ONLY HAD DRIVE-3. WHY DOES THE GM AND AMERICAN CARS LOSE THEIR A/T MORE SO THAN THE JAPANESE CARS. WE WERE CURSING ON I-5 AT 70 MPH IN CRUISE CONTROL SOUTH OF STOCKTON, CA, WHEN THE CAR GAVE A SLIGHT LURCH, A THUD AND SLOWED DOWN. I STOPPED CHECKED THE TIRES, ALL OK. CHECKED THE ENGINE OIL AND A/T FLUID, ALL OK. PROCEEDED TO OXNARD, CA HAD THE A/T REPAIRED COSTING US SENIORS $3,600--OUCH. THE SHOP SAID THE PLANETARY GEAR AND THE CLUTCH DISKS WERE BROKEN WITH METAL FRAGMENT IS THE PAN. I KNOW IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT GOSH, IT SHOULD HAVE LASTED LONGER THAN IT DID KONKING OUT AT 40,300. OUR SON DROVE HIS TOYOTA CAMRY 130,00 WITH OUT PROBLEMS, WHY CAN'T AMERICAN CARS BE AS RELIABLE. MY NEXT CAR WILL BE JAPANESE, AND THAT IS A PROMISE. THANKS, LLOYD PEARSON. *NM

Steering
Filed Apr 3, 2006OH

EXPERIENCED A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN MAKE TURNS AT SLOW SPEED. SYMPTOMS INCLUDED LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND A POPPING IN THE BRAKE PEDAL DURING TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY AT ABOUT 25,000 MILES (RE-LUBRICATING IN THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT), BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RESURFACED AT 50,000 MILES. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 27, 2006CA

LTR FM (CA) RE DEFECTIVE 2001 - 2003 BUICK REGAL LS & GS STEERING SHAFT, REQUESTS A DEFECT INVESTIGATION. *TS THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WOULD COST 287.00 DOLLARS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD THE BRAKES REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Filed Sep 22, 200576,000 milesWA

2001 BUICK REGAL LS. I LOST ALL VACUUM TO BRAKES AND STEERING. ENGINE DIED. TOOK IT TO C_SPECK MOTORS IN SUNNYSIDE, WA FOR INVESTIGATION. THEY FOUND THAT THE INTAKE COVER, WHICH IS EITHER PLASTIC OR FIBERGLASS HAD A HOLE ABOUT 1 1/2 INCH IN DIAMETER BURNT THROUGH JUST BEHIND THE AIR INTAKE HOSE. ON TOP OF THE HOLE IS A WIRING HARNESS THAT HAS THE FLEX BURNT THROUGH AND THE WIRING HARNESS TAPE IS BURNT THROUGH. WIRES APPEAR TO BE OK. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND OR CAUGHT FIRE.*JB

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Sep 6, 200543,000 milesVA

I RETURNED HOME FROM A SHORT TRIP TO THE STORE ON 9/3/05, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND PARKED MY 2001 BUICK REGAL GS IN THE DRIVEWAY. ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES LATER, MY HUSBAND SAID HE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. HE LOOKED OUT THE FRONT DOOR, AND SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR. I CALLED 911, AND MY HUSBAND ATTEMPTED TO CONTAIN THE FLAMES UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. THE ENGINE TRIED TO START, ON ITS OWN, WHILE IT WAS BURNING. THE CAR RADIO CAME ON. THE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. THE CAR APPEARS TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. IN ADDITION, THE HEAT FROM THE FLAMES MELTED THE VINYL SIDING ON MY HOUSE, INASMUCH AS THE CAR WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE NEXT TO THE HOUSE. *NM

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jun 2, 2005AL

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

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 16, 2005NY

2001 BUICK REGAL EXPERIENCED STALLING . *MR THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. *SC *JB

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2001 Buick Regal → · Every Regal year → · How the figures are calculated →