Is the 2003 Buick Regal reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Buick Regal is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Regal?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Buick Regal have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2003 Buick Regal

● Typical for this model

2003 Buick Regal
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:55:12.307Z

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: 101
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2003: 101 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.

Electrical system

37% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE

Engine

26% · 26 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I backed the car in drive and the guages were normal. When I got out I saw a small amount of smoke coming from under car but within a minute there were flames coming from under the car and within a few minutes the flames were above the car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-08-04

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle repeatedly shut off without warning after multiple attempts.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-08-03

The car had not been drove in a month, I drove about 3MILES then parked, car then started to smoke then caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-12

Also filed under Wheels

Service brakes

11% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.

FIRE

Steering

10% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and power steering fluid.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2008-04-28Engine and engine cooling08V118000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-10-16Steering08E063000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-02-23Steering09E005000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-04-09Engine and engine cooling09V116000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-02-19Engine and engine cooling15V701000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Buick Regal — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 37 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 26 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08V118000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 08E063000 · Steering
Recall 09E005000 · Steering
Recall 09V116000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 15V701000 · Engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Buick Regal reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Buick Regal is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Regal?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Buick Regal have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.