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2001 Buick Regal

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Regal years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Buick Regal are substantially higher than the model-year median of 29.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

112 reports with mileage · 75 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports48 fire reports6 injury reports

Power Train complaints

11 reports
Clear category filter
235,000 miles · Dec 13, 2019
EnginePower TrainSteering

I WAS DRIVING DOING ALMOST 50 WHEN IT SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I JUST LET THE CAR COAST TO A STOP, THE SECOND TIME WAS EXACTLY THE SAME EXCEPT I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WHILE I STILL HAD A GOOD BIT OF SPEED AND CRUNK IT BACK UP. THE CAR ALWAYS …

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I WAS DRIVING DOING ALMOST 50 WHEN IT SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I JUST LET THE CAR COAST TO A STOP, THE SECOND TIME WAS EXACTLY THE SAME EXCEPT I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WHILE I STILL HAD A GOOD BIT OF SPEED AND CRUNK IT BACK UP. THE CAR ALWAYS CRANK RIGHT BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM AND DRIVES FINE. I'VE CHANGE MY FUSES AND CERTAIN LIGHTS (LOW TIRE, LOW COOLANT, CHECK ENGINE)ON THE DASHBOARD WON'T GO OFF AND I JUST RECENTLY HAD MY CAR INSPECTED IN WHICH IT PASSED

NHTSA ODI #11288811

102,000 miles · Aug 29, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

TRANSMISSION FAILURE,RADIATOR FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10352628

99,584 miles · Mar 19, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

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 DEAL…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10321065

92,000 miles · May 15, 2008
Power Train

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 STOP…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10227890

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2006
Power TrainVisibility

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 A…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10171491

40,300 miles · Aug 3, 2006
Power Train

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #10165815

40,300 miles · Jul 23, 2006
Power Train

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #10163234

47,276 miles · Mar 17, 2004
Power Train

TRANSMISSION ON MY 2001 BUICK REGAL HAD PROBLEM SHIFTING,TO FIND OUT TRANSMISSION TOTALLY FELL APART AFTER 45000 MILES,HAD TO REBUILD TRANSMISSION AT CONSIDERABLE COST CONVENIENTLY 10000 MILES OR LESS OUT OF WARRANTY,FINDING OUT BY THIS WEBSITE THAT OTHER REGALS HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION DEFECTS AND TOTAL FAILURES. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10062390

25,000 miles · Mar 5, 2004
Power Train

TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SOUNDING ROUGH AND SLIGHTLY SLIPPING GOING UP HILL IN DRIVEWAY SOON AFTER PURCHASING CAR AS USED. CAR WAS SAID TO HAVE PASSED GMC 100+ POINT INSPECTION. TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED AFTER ABOUT ONE WEEK OF OWNERSHIP AT 25,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP AND BUICK RESPONDED VERY SATISFACTORILY. REPAIRS COMPLETED…

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TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SOUNDING ROUGH AND SLIGHTLY SLIPPING GOING UP HILL IN DRIVEWAY SOON AFTER PURCHASING CAR AS USED. CAR WAS SAID TO HAVE PASSED GMC 100+ POINT INSPECTION. TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED AFTER ABOUT ONE WEEK OF OWNERSHIP AT 25,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP AND BUICK RESPONDED VERY SATISFACTORILY. REPAIRS COMPLETED UNDER WARRANTY. REPAIRS TOOK ABOUT ONE WEEK THOUGH A SECOND ATTEMPT HAD TO BE MADE AFTER TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO SLIP SLIGHTLY WHEN GOING UP HILLS, MORE NOTICEABLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND AFTER A STOP AND TURNING LEFT. DEALERSHIP REPORTED THE FOLLOWING ON INITIAL REPAIRS: " ...FLUID PRESSURES OK. R&R TRANS (4T65E). FOUND INPUT AND REACTION CARRIER ASSEMBLY GEARS BROKEN. TORRINGTON THRUST BEARING FAILED, DAMAGING GEARS. REPLACED CARRIER, SUN GEAR,INPUT COMPLETE CARRIER,CARRIER DRUM, 2/1 BAND, BEARING, FILTER, AXLE SEAL, GASKETS AS NEEDED, FLUSH CASE AND RELATED COMPONENTS TO REMOVE PARTICLES" SUBSEQUENT CONTINUED PROBLEMS RESULTED IN THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS: ".....ROAD TEST -PERFORMA DIAG. ISOLATED TO VALVE BODY VALVES BINDING IN THEIR BORES. REPLACED TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY AND GASKET,...." CAR HAS FUNCTIONED WELL SINCE AND AS OF 3/5/04.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10060548

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2003
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2001 BUICK REGAL GS, WHEN FIRST PURCHASED, HAD A CLUNK IN IT AT ABOUT 42-45 MPH, AFTER LETTING GO OF THE ACCELERATOR, AND COASTING DOWN A HILL. I HAD TOLD THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT, BUT THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY THE 10TH TIME, I HAD TAKEN THE SERVICE MANAGER OUT TO THE LOCATION WHERE IT …

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THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2001 BUICK REGAL GS, WHEN FIRST PURCHASED, HAD A CLUNK IN IT AT ABOUT 42-45 MPH, AFTER LETTING GO OF THE ACCELERATOR, AND COASTING DOWN A HILL. I HAD TOLD THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT, BUT THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY THE 10TH TIME, I HAD TAKEN THE SERVICE MANAGER OUT TO THE LOCATION WHERE IT WOULD CLUNK. THEY FINALLY TOOK THE TRANSMISSION APART AND FOUND THERE WAS A SLIGHTLY STRIPPED SHAFT AND A COUPLE OTHER COMPONENTS BAD IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION HAS NOW DEVELOPED ANOTHER PROBLEM. IN THE MORNINGS ON MY WAY OUT AND THE CAR SITTING OVERNIGHT, AT ABOUT 20-35 MPH, IT WILL SHIFT RUFF, LIKE IT JERKS YOU AHEAD, LIKE I AM DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, NOT USING THE CLUTCH. HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED THESE KIND OF PROBLEMS WITH THEIR REGAL GS? *JB

NHTSA ODI #10014076

Official recalls

6

15V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Oct 26, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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 engine’s 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

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.

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

Remedy: 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 engine’s 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

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.

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

Remedy: 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 engine’s 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.

09V116000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Apr 8, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S 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.

08V118000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Mar 12, 2008

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S 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> .

01V109000 · Seat Belts

Apr 6, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH SUNVISOR LOCATED AIR BAG LABELS, FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES HAVE A MESSAGE AREA LESS THAN 30 CM WHICH DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.

Remedy: GM WILL MAIL A NEW BILINGUAL AIR BAG LABEL WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. HOWEVER, THE CUSTOMER MAY BRING THE LABEL TO THEIR DEALER FOR INSTALLATION FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537 OR BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300.

00V371000 · Air Bags:side/window

Nov 13, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE DRIVER SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG INFLATOR SEPARATES FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE DURING DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE INFLATOR SEPARATES, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY DURING A CRASH AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION WOULD BE REDUCED. IF IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT A SEPARATED INFLATOR COULD BE PROPELLED DOWNWARD AND COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO A REAR SEAT PASSENGER WHOSE FOOT IS POSITIONED APPROXIMATELY UNDER THE INFLATOR MODULE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG MODULE.

00V228003 · Seat Belts

Aug 7, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA07008 · Engine Compartment Fire

Opened Jun 12, 2007 · Closed May 1, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

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 INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, 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; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling

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 INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, 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; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Engine And Engine Cooling

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 INDICATE THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON HIGHER-MILEAGE VEHICLES SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED.TYPICALLY, THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WITHIN 5 TO 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.DURING THIS TIME WINDOW, UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY BECOME ELEVATED.SUCH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A LACK OF AIRFLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY PERMIT A SMALL PILOT FLAME TO PROPAGATE AND IGNITE OTHER FUEL SOURCES.TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT, GM WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET AND SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINER.THIS REMEDY WILL BE SUPPLIEDFREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL RECALLED VEHICLES.UNTIL SUFFICIENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: (1) THEY STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CARPORT, 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; AND (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE SUBJECT FIRE INCIDENT RATE ON THE C-, G-, AND H-PLATFORM SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline

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.