1996 Buick Regal Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1996 Buick Regal. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 03V527000Dec 11, 2003750,283 vehicles potentially affected
  Steering › Rack and pinion
  Covers: Buick Regal 1996–1998, Chevrolet Lumina 1997–1998, Monte Carlo 1997–1998 +5 more

  Reported issue: Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.

  Possible consequence: If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft…

  Remedy: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or pontiac at…

  Full campaign details →

• 96V116000Jul 1, 1996275,811 vehicles potentially affected
  Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
  Covers: Buick Regal 1996, Lesabre 1996–1997, Oldsmobile 98 1996 +4 more

  Reported issue: A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

  Possible consequence: This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.

  Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.

  Full campaign details →

• 96V069000Apr 19, 199643,213 vehicles potentially affected
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
  Covers: Buick Regal 1996, Chevrolet Lumina 1996

  Reported issue: The left front brake line can contact the transaxle mounting bracket or attachment bolt.

  Possible consequence: This condition can cause the brake line to wear through, resulting in loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of one-half of the vehicle's brake system, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper brake line clearance and reposition those brake lines found to have less than minimal clearance. Additionally, those brake lines found to have an indentation caused by the contact will be replaced and properly routed.

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• EA03019Power rack and pinion steering failureClosed · Sep 15, 2003
• EA99026Inadvertent air bag deploymentClosed · Aug 31, 1999
• EA96023Inappropriate air bag deploymentClosed · Sep 27, 1996

← All problems reported for the 1996 Buick Regal