2004 Buick Regal
This year had at least 30% fewer 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 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 | 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 | 279 |
| 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.
55% of complaints: electrical system — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART BY USING THE KEY FOB, BUT WOULD SHUT BACK OFF WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181218
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LOSE POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180622
1ST TIME VEHICLE WHEELS AND STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKED UP WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN BLOCKING TRAFFIC AND HAD TO BE TOWED AFTER POLICE AND NO ONE COULD RELEASE IT. AFTER HAVING TOWED THE VEHICLE TO MY HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121113
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
27% of complaints: engine — 18 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE CONTACT SAW SMOKE ESCAPE FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AS IT ENTERED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181115
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWED THAT THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151228
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
9% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE BUSHINGS, AND GREASED THE RACK AND PINION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040824
Also filed under SUSPENSION
8% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23,...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2015.
Campaign 15V201000 — 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
2004 Buick Regal — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08E063000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E005000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V201000 (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 2004 Buick Regal reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Buick Regal is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Buick Regal?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Buick Regal have?
4 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.