2002 Buick Regal
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 12 |
| 1987 | 25 |
| 1988 | 123 |
| 1989 | 106 |
| 1990 | 77 |
| 1991 | 200 |
| 1992 | 144 |
| 1993 | 85 |
| 1994 | 110 |
| 1995 | 173 |
| 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 | 279 |
| 2012 | 91 |
| 2013 | 91 |
| 2014 | 38 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 41 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
28% of complaints: engine — 33 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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
21% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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 thereâs recalls and never fixed
NHTSA ODI report, 20240311
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY4% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
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 ENGINEÂS FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINEÂS PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, ALONG
Campaign 08V118000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
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 ENGINEÂS FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINEÂS PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE
Campaign 09V116000 — check if this car was fixed
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 engineÂs 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 engine issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 engine, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Regal have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.