1996 Buick Regal Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 9%of 204 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the fuel system of the 1996 Buick Regal, 9% of the 204 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car started to not start after being driven and shortly after did not want to start in a simple idle. Somehow fuel has been getting trapped in a pressurized line and I'm having to release the fuel out. Oil leaked into the spark plugs caused a pilot flame. I have read multiple accounts of this happening to that specific make and year as well a few of the other 90 models. Every account says it is a flaw in the engine and fuel system.”
NHTSA complaint #10703743, filed 2015-04, 238,256 miles“While merging onto the freeway, I was taking my car to be smogged. At speed, I noticed a little white puff of smoke emit from the right side of the engine bay. As I proceeded to start moving to the shoulder, this puff had turned into a gray plume. As I finally reached the shoulder, the entire front of the engine bay was billowing black smoke. As I tried to stop, the brake pedal went to the floor, so it seemed the fire had burnt through a brake line. I managed to engage the emergency brake slowly and managed to stop on the shoulder. …”
NHTSA complaint #10786585, filed 2015-10, 195,000 miles“Vehicle back fire through the intake and smoke rolls out from under the hood when trying to start the vehicle, normally start good after sitting over night, but go to start it again it will back fire or the engine idle is very erratic before it will smooth out. I replace spark plug, spark plug wires, cam sensor, pcv valve, fuel filter check battery connection.”
NHTSA complaint #10269816, filed 2009-05, 90,000 miles“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“Had an electric fuel pump failure after a period of problems with difficulty starting and poor acceleration. When the fuel pump was removed, there is evidence of arcing at the connector. Seems to be a fire hazard, as the pump is inside the fuel tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10140533, filed 2005-10, 156,000 milesRelated recalls
- 96V116000Jul 1, 1996A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.Covers: Buick Regal 1996, Lesabre 1996–1997, Oldsmobile 98 1996 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 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…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 1 | 5% |
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 4 | 12% |
| 2014 | 2 | 5% |
| 2013 | 4 | 4% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 17 | 6% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
| 2000 | 7 | 4% |
| 1999 | 6 | 2% |
| 1998 | 4 | 1% |
| 1997 | 5 | 4% |
| 1996 | 19 | 9% |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
| 1993 | 4 | 5% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 6 | 3% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
| 1989 | 3 | 3% |
| 1988 | 7 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Buick Regal
42 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsAir bags
21 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 30, 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