1996 Buick Regal Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 12%of 204 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Buick Regal, 12% of the 204 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After turning the ignition to start the vehicle there was an explosion, the engine was on fire. The fire department was called, and the fire was extinguished. This vehicle was not included in the intake manifold NHTSA recall 96v116000. The EGR valve was inoperative and on another occasion the vehicle had to be jump started.”
NHTSA complaint #10112868, filed 2005-03, 29,050 miles“While driving at any speed, the vehicle would intermittently stall. Just before the vehicle stalled, the check engine and battery light had come on. The vehicle had been to the dealer three times for this problem, but the dealer was unable to resolve the problem. The stalling would also occur when making left turns.”
NHTSA complaint #10050122, filed 2004-02, 15,000 miles“Failure of both brake lights and turn signals. Emergency flashers operate so bulbs and wiring are ok. Fuses checked. Not repaired yet but was told it probably is a switch/component in the steering column.”
NHTSA complaint #10141120, filed 2005-10, 38,000 miles“While driving on the highway vehicle lost power and the lights went out. Then, vehicle will continued to drive without being restarted. Dealer attempted to repair the problem ,but the problem recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10053953, filed 2004-01, 30,000 miles“When trying to start the vehicle, there was an explosion and the vehicle caught fire. The fire was put out by the consumer, however, it was nearly destroyed.”
NHTSA complaint #10105436, filed 2004-12, 163,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 7 | 35% |
| 2018 | 3 | 16% |
| 2017 | 3 | 15% |
| 2016 | 6 | 15% |
| 2015 | 5 | 15% |
| 2014 | 6 | 16% |
| 2013 | 36 | 40% |
| 2012 | 18 | 20% |
| 2011 | 75 | 27% |
| 2004 | 35 | 53% |
| 2003 | 35 | 35% |
| 2002 | 36 | 31% |
| 2001 | 32 | 17% |
| 2000 | 42 | 23% |
| 1999 | 42 | 17% |
| 1998 | 51 | 17% |
| 1997 | 18 | 13% |
| 1996 | 24 | 12% |
| 1995 | 10 | 6% |
| 1994 | 17 | 15% |
| 1993 | 8 | 9% |
| 1992 | 13 | 9% |
| 1991 | 12 | 6% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
| 1989 | 14 | 13% |
| 1988 | 5 | 4% |
| 1985 | 1 | 11% |
| 1984 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1996 Buick Regal
42 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Buick Regal
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology