MYRModel Year Report

2002 Buick Regal

● Typical for this model
2002 Buick Regal
RENDERED 2026-09-16T18:02:17.931Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Buick Regal Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 1982: 1 complaints 1982 1983: 4 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 9 complaints 1986: 12 complaints 1987: 25 complaints 1987 1988: 125 complaints 1989: 107 complaints 1990: 77 complaints 1991: 201 complaints 1992: 145 complaints 1992 1993: 86 complaints 1994: 119 complaints 1995: 174 complaints 1996: 204 complaints 1997: 136 complaints 1997 1998: 302 complaints 1999: 246 complaints 2000: 184 complaints 2001: 187 complaints 2002: 117 complaints 2002 2003: 101 complaints 2004: 66 complaints 2005: 4 complaints 2008: 1 complaints 2009: 1 complaints 2009 2010: 1 complaints 2011: 279 complaints 2012: 92 complaints 2013: 91 complaints 2014: 38 complaints 2014 2015: 33 complaints 2016: 41 complaints 2017: 20 complaints 2018: 19 complaints 2019: 19 complaints 2019 2020: 2 complaints 2020
2002: 117 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19821
19834
19846
19859
198612
198725
1988125
1989107
199077
1991201
1992145
199386
1994119
1995174
1996204
1997136
1998302
1999246
2000184
2001187
2002117
2003101
200466
20054
20081
20091
20101
2011279
201292
201391
201438
201533
201641
201720
201819
201919
20202

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34%

34% of complaints: electrical system — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ON OCT 15, 2006 OUR BUICK REGAL WITH 39,000 MILES ON IT WAS DRIVEN THAT DAY APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES ON FLAT TERRAIN IN A TEMPERATURE OF 75 DEGREES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20061018

Dealership sold car knowing there’s recalls and never fixed

NHTSA ODI report, 20240311

Also filed under ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES

ENGINE 28%

28% of complaints: engine — 33 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, WHEN HE DETECTED A BURNING ODOR AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210303

TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNED A 2002 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SHE SAW SMOKE EXITING THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200214

EASTBOUND FLOATING BRIDGE ROAD ST JOE COUNTY MICHIGAN SWERVED TO MISS SMALL ANIMAL EXITED RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD STRUCK A TREE DRIVER TAKEN TO HOSPITAL CDR SYSTEM INDICATED THAT THE DRIVER (ME) WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT I WAS!

NHTSA ODI report, 20140801

Also filed under STRUCTURE

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15%

15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and engine.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

HEADREST IS MADE OUT OF HARD THICK PLASTIC, AND ARE NOT POSITIONED CORRECTLY WHICH COULD CAUSE NECK INJURY, ALSO WHEN CONSUMER HITS BRAKES THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FRONT THE FRONT SUSPENSION, THE DEALER STATED THE LEFT FRONT CRADLE MOUNT WAS...

NHTSA ODI report, 20020731

Also filed under SEATS

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY STOP WITHOUT WARNING.*AK *JG

NHTSA ODI report, 20020208

SERVICE BRAKES 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Show complaint excerpts

MY CAR WAS IN DRIVING MODE ON THE ROAD IN NEWARK CALIFORNIA AND SPEED LIMIT 35 MPH ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY CAR WITHOUT WARNING WITHOUT ANY ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS JUST STOPPED LOCKED UP BRAKES LOCKED UP STEERING WHEEL CAR STILL RUNNING BUT WON'T LET ME...

NHTSA ODI report, 20181117

VISIBILITY 6%

6% of complaints: visibility — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and windshield.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20021022 — EA (closed 20040309)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 20070612 — EA (closed 20080501)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

R 20080428 — 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. THESE VEHICLES HAVE HIGHER FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET TEMPERATURES, CREAT

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

Campaign 08V118000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20081016 — steering

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOL

Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

Campaign 08E063000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090223 — steering

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEM

Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT D

Campaign 09E005000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090409 — 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 EQUIPP

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

Campaign 09V116000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20160219 — 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 vehicles.

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.

Campaign 15V701000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Buick Regal — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (40 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (33 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 08V118000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08E063000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09E005000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09V116000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V701000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2015 ▲ 2014 ▲ 2016

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ■ 2011 ■ 1999

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 Buick Regal reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Buick Regal is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Buick Regal?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Regal have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.