1996 Buick Regal
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 204
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 204 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 12 |
| 1987 | 25 |
| 1988 | 125 |
| 1989 | 107 |
| 1990 | 77 |
| 1991 | 201 |
| 1992 | 145 |
| 1993 | 86 |
| 1994 | 119 |
| 1995 | 174 |
| 1996 | 204 |
| 1997 | 136 |
| 1998 | 302 |
| 1999 | 246 |
| 2000 | 184 |
| 2001 | 187 |
| 2002 | 117 |
| 2003 | 101 |
| 2004 | 66 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 280 |
| 2012 | 92 |
| 2013 | 91 |
| 2014 | 38 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 41 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 19 |
| 2020 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
24% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the brake and ABS warning indicators illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-18
Also filed under Electrical system
Engine and engine cooling
18% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Electrical system
13% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle caught on fire while parked, the fire department stated the fire was caused by an electrical short.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-27
When at a stop and without warning vehicle caught fire under the hood.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-27
Air bags
11% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-02
The air bag deployed without impact while driving at 35 MPH. The dealer notified. *ak prior to the incident, the air bag light had come on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-15
Dual airbags did not deploy upon front end impact, driver lost control, hit telephone pole, speed 25 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-08-02
Steering
10% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing rack and pinion and steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-02-03
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1996Complaint volume 204 complaints filed for this model year.
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1996-04-22Service brakes, hydraulic96V069000 The left front brake line can contact the transaxle mounting bracket or attachment bolt.
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…
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1996-07-08Fuel system, gasoline96V116000 A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
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.
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1996-09-27Engineering analysisClosed 1998-02-13 Inappropriate air bag deployment
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1999-08-31Engineering analysisClosed 2001-12-28 Inadvertent air bag deployment
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2002-06-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-10-22 Engine compartment fires
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2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires
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2003-01-02Recall queryClosed 2003-09-15 Power rack and pinion steering failure
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2003-09-15Engineering analysisClosed 2003-12-18 Power rack and pinion steering failure
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2004-02-05Steering03V527000 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…
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.
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R
2007-04-27Fuel system, other07E021000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Buick Regal — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 48 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 27 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V069000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 96V116000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 03V527000 · Steering
- Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Buick Regal reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Buick Regal is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Buick Regal?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Buick Regal have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.