2003 Buick Regal problems
Owners have filed 139 complaints about the 2003 Buick Regal with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 26.6% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine at 18.7%.
Complaints139
Crashes7
Fires18
Injuries10
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 26.6% · 37
Engine 18.7% · 26
Engine and engine cooling 7.9% · 11
Steering 7.2% · 10
Service brakes 5.0% · 7
Power train 5.0% · 7
Exterior lighting 4.3% · 6
Wheels 4.3% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 7 describe a crash, 18 describe a fire and 10 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Buick Regal in this data, 2003 sits 13th by complaint volume. 2011 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 46 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 97,987 miles.
In owners' own words
Activated left turn signal and started to brake for the turn. All dash light flashed, gauges dropped to zero and engine died. It immediately restarted on its own. Happened twice with-in 4 blocks. Drove vehicle again 1 week later and traction control switched off even though switch was in active position. Cycled the switch and traction control came back on. Electrical system · reported at 53,000 miles
Ignition switch failure. Caused engine to die while driving. Unable to change gear out of drive. All warning lights flashing. Would not restart. Happened in a parking lot, no damage. Temp fix got it started, then same thing happened on freeway, coasted to shoulder, no damage. Towed to dealer, determined ignition switch problem and replaced. Okay since. Electrical system · reported at 62,468 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. While driving approximately 40 mph through a busy intersection, the vehicle suddenly shut off. After restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,000. Electrical system · reported at 148,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…