Engine
3.1L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 120 of 136 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 58 of 136 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
41 complaint records17 fire reports
"VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF WITHOUT ANY NOTICE AT ANY SPEED. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WASNOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Steering
40 complaint records1 crash report
"97 BUICK REGAL--LOCKED UP STEERING--SITTING IN MY GARAGE--WAITING TO BE REPAIRED CALLED CARDEALER EST:1,000. TO REPAIR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Electrical system
18 complaint records1 fire report
"DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKERED AND THE EXTERIOR WINDOW MOLDING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL ROTTED TO THE POINT THE METAL BAR COULD BE SEEN. MR..*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA03019 opened Sep 2003 | closed Dec 2003 | Steering | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE - led to recall 03V527000 GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX;... |
| RQ03001 opened Jan 2003 | closed Sep 2003 | Steering | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). |
| EA02030 opened Oct 2002 | closed Mar 2004 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led 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... |
| PE02050 opened Jun 2002 | closed Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES |
| EA99024 opened Aug 1999 | closed Jan 2000 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 12, 1999, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA OF ITS PLANS TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY 155,149 OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE VEHICLE POPULATION FOR THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES THE 1997 BUICK REGAL/CENTURY AND PONTIAC GRAN PRIX MODELS... |
Show 1 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE99028 opened Apr 1999 | closed Aug 1999 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER INCIDENTS OF WIPER FAILURE (OWNER REPORTS AND WARRANTY) ARE VERY HIGH, AND MANY OF THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FAILURES ARE STILL OCCURRING IN 1999. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15V701000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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... | Normally free |
| 09V116000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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... | Normally free |
| 08V118000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GM IS RECALLING 207,542 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L SUPERCHARGED V-6 ENGINE. | Normally free |
| 03V527000 | Steering | 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. | Normally free |
| 99V348000 | Visibility | 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. | Normally free |
| 98V102000 | Exterior Lighting | 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. | Normally free |
| 97V223000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE PIPE CAN CONTACT THE PIOWER STEERING ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR THROUGH. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015501 2015-10-23 | Engine | 105,933 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.8L engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. |
| 2009105 2009-04-08 | Engine | 128,726 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.8L naturally aspirated engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. |
| 2008081 2008-03-05 | Engine | 21,046 | On certain Grand Prix GTP and Regal GS vehicles equipped with a 3.8L supercharged engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. |
| 2003336 2003-12-16 | Steering | 55,411 | On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. |
| 2000002 2000-01-04 | Visual System | 12,032 | On certain vehicles, the windshield wipers may stop working, usually after operation under heavy load conditions such as accumulated snow or ice, because of separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly. |
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998109 1998-05-28 | Lights And Instruments | 11,662 | THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING SYSTEM AND RETROREFLECTIVE DEVICES. THE ENGLISH OWNER MANUALS FOR THE OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH OWNER MANUALS FOR THE BUICK REGAL AND CENTURY VEHICLES DO NOT... |
| 1997210 1997-11-25 | Brakes | 307 | NOTE: REGAL GRAN SPORT MODEL. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE PIPE MAY CONTACT THE THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY. THIS COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR THROUGH, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND AN EVENTUAL PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Electrical System | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock. | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-016 Feb 2017 | Wheels | This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance. | |
| 17-NA-016 Jan 2017 | Wheels | This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance. | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| PI1217 Apr 2014 | Power Train | This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 08-06-04-019 Apr 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | L67 ENGINE OIL SMELL OR ODOR, LEAK AT LEFT OR FRONT VALVE COVER (REPLACE VALVE COVER GASKET, GROMMENTS AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINERS FOR CYLINDERS 1-3-5). *NJ UPDATED 7/25/2008 *PE | |
| 010601007 Sep 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COOLANT CONSUMPTION OR COOLANT LEAK (INSPECT FOR MATERIAL DEGRADATION/REPLACE INTAKE MANIFOLDS) *TT UPDATED 11/02/07 *NJ | |
| 050604058 Sep 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT CHUGGLE OR FISHBITE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION OR A HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 050232003 Jun 2005 | Steering | REVISED OUTER TIE ROD END NUT TIGHTENING SPECIFICATION/TIE ROD END JAM NUT TIGHTENING SPECIFICATION ADDED. *TT | |
| 030844005B Jan 2005 | Visibility | POOR RADIO RECEPTION OR RADIO STATIC/ INCREASED INTERFERENCE WITH REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ON OR SOME REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRIDS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 030849018B Oct 2004 | Structure | BROKEN CONSOLE OR STORAGE COMPARTMENT LID LATCH. *TT UPDATED *EH | |
| 040601017 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKET KITS. *TT | |
| 040601021 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW REAR MAIN SEAL AND SPECIAL TOOL FOR INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 040842010 May 2004 | Exterior Lighting | LEFT AND/ OR RIGHT FOG LAMP MAY BE INOPERATIVE. *MJ | |
| 040842006 Apr 2004 | Structure | INOPERATIVE LEFT OR RIGHT FOG LAMP. *EH | |
| 01292004 Jan 2004 | Steering | POWER STEERING GEAR LOWER PINION BEARING, SAFETY RECALL 03062. *TT | |
| 01650 Jan 2004 | Visibility | MANUAL DUAL ZONE FAN AND MODE KNOB REPLACEMENT. SERVICE VME. *TT | |
| 000604049B Dec 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO VIN BREAKPOINT 1F136536 MAY EXHIBIT INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP / SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR ILLUMINATION; ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION; STALL / NO START CONDITION; VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES; AND / OR... | |
| 030849021 Dec 2003 | Structure | CUP HOLDER MAY NOT RETAIN CUPS. *TT | |
| 01338 Nov 2003 | Structure | REGAL LOWER ROCKER MOLDING AT QUARTER PANEL AVAILABILITY. SERVICE VME. *TT | |
| 030232049 Nov 2003 | Steering | RELEASE OF NEW OUTER TIE ROD ENDS FOR SERVICE. *TT | |
| 080703 Aug 2003 | Structure | THE RIGHT PIECE OF BRIGHT TRIM ATTACHED TO THE LOWER ROCKER MOLDING IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE RIGHT SIDE HAS SEEN A FREQUENT FAILURE. *TT | |
| 060203 Jun 2003 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | CENTER CONSOLE AND/OR ARMREST STORAGE LID WILL NOT REMAIN CLOSED DUE TO A BROKEN LATCH. BOTH LATCHES ARE SERVICE SEPARATELY AND AVAILABLE THROUGH GM SERVICE PARTS. *TT | |
| 030844005 Feb 2003 | Electrical System | POOR RADIO RECEPTION OR RADIO STATIC/ INCREASED INTERFERENCE WITH REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ON OR SOME REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRIDS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 0308110002 Feb 2003 | Structure | SUN VISORS MAY NOT STAY IN INTENDED POSITION. *TT | |
| 062602 Jun 2002 | Equipment | VEHICLES WITH THE CJ2 AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING AND WITHOUT THE U20 CLUSTER WHICH IS THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER AND THE CJ2 AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONER DISPLAYS THE CELSIUS AND NOT FAHRENHEIT. *TT | |
| 051302 May 2002 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING CARPET PULLING OUT FROM UNDER FROM THE REAR DOOR SILL PLATE, LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE. *TT | |
| 010601008A May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A REPEAT ENGINE OIL PAN LEAK. *TT | |
| 020749001 May 2002 | Power Train | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THERE IS A HOLE IN THE SHIFTER BOOT IN VEHICLES WITH FLOOR SHIFTS. *TT | |
| 040302 Apr 2002 | Wheels | INFORMATION ON REFINISHING ALUMINUM WHEELS. *TT | |
| 020139002 Mar 2002 | Visibility | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON THE TIME IT TAKES THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR GLASS TO DEFOG. *SLC | |
| 000605049A Mar 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING VARIOUS DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES SEAT, ENGINE WILL NOT START. *SLC | |
| 020139001 Feb 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING HVAC TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE SIDE TO SIDE AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES B0361, B0441 SET. *TT | |
| 0108110004 Dec 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE CARPETING IS SEPARATING FROM, OR COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE REAR DOOR OPENING SILL PLATE MOLDING. *TT | |
| 011101 Nov 2001 | Unknown Or Other | CONCERNS WHERE THE CARPET PULLS OUT FROM UNDER THE SILL PLATE ON THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR FOOT WELL AREA. *TT | |
| 111001 Oct 2001 | Visibility | INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING WIND NOISE FROM THE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR AREA. *TT | |
| 010866010 Oct 2001 | Suspension | INFORMATION REGARDING ITCHING TYPE NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. *YH | |
| 280801 Aug 2001 | Structure | INFORMATION REGARDING A CLUNK OR POP NOISE IN THE LEFT FRONT FOOT WELL AREA. *YH | |
| 010601007A Jul 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLANT CONSUMPTION, OR AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK NEAR OR UNDER THE THROTTLE BODY AREA OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TT | |
| DCS752 Jun 2001 | Unknown Or Other | CAMPAIGN INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM WILL BE SENDING OUT AN ADDITIONAL OWNER NOTIFICATION ON CAMPAIGN 99091 REGARDING INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND INCORRECT PARK. *SLC | |
| 010523006A Jun 2001 | Service Brakes | THIS BULLETIN IS BEING ISSUED TO REVISE THE FASTENER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE CALIPER BRACKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES IN THE DISC-BRAKE SUB-SECTION OF BRAKES IN THE APPROPRIATE SERVICE MANUAL. *TT | |
| 010139001 May 2001 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING DIAGNOSIS OF HVAC DTC'S B0361, B0363, B0365 AND B0367. NLM | |
| 990603007C Apr 2001 | Fuel System | A CONDITION MAY EXIST IN WHICH THE FUEL GAUGE READS INCORRECTLY / FLUCTUATES, LOW FUEL CHIME SOUNDS PREMATURELY. *TT | |
| 990730030A Apr 2001 | Power Train | OWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT APPLIED. *TT | |
| 010523006 Apr 2001 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED FASTENER REQUIREMENTS FOR FRONT AND REAR BRAKE CALIPER BRACKET. *TT | |
| 010601008 Feb 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A REPEAT ENGINE OIL PAN LEAK. *TT |
Showing 60 of 102 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Buick Regal →