1996 Buick Regal Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 9%of 204 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,544miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Buick Regal, 9% of the 204 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,544 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“A recall was issued regarding the rack and pinion steering on our 1996 Buick. The problem was supposedly fixed by the previous owner of the car. My 17 year old son was put in serious danger because the 'fix' did not correct the problem. Now Buick is telling us that they will not stand behind the obvious problem with their vehicle. The car will not turn to the left. Bucik reps are incompetent and rude.”
NHTSA complaint #10150006, filed 2006-02, 127,000 miles“While making a turn, the steering in my 1996 Buick Regal became very stiff and would not return to neutral. It has only been two days now that this has happened, but it's dangerous, as it gives no warning. The turn almost put me into a tree! It happened today but I was more aware that it might happen and alert for it. My 1995 century had the same problem and it was that the steering rack gets tight in colder weather and after 75000 miles!”
NHTSA complaint #10176002, filed 2006-12, 78,000 miles“There is a severe problem with the steering. We brought the vehicle to a garage and we were told that there is a recall on the vehicle to correct the rack and pinion steering. We called Buick and were told that the recall is VIN specific and that our VIN was not recalled. We were advised by Buick that it was just a coincidence that our vehicle was the same year, make and model as the recall and had the same problem and that we would have to pay one of their dealers to look at it.”
NHTSA complaint #10233151, filed 2008-07, 176,000 miles“Hard to turn left in my 1996 Buick Regal, steering went tight. Caused me to hit the curb and over the sidewalk, damaging the 2 front tires, rims, radiator, body and under caridge. The police helped me with aaa to get it home, but not sure if it was reported. * cb”
NHTSA complaint #10054247, filed 2004-01, 59,087 miles“Lever that controls the 'tilt wheel' broke off at the steering column. The auto was purchased new by me and I only have 44,000 miles on it. I called livingston motors, but was told that there is no warranty on that part..I have been a regular customer there.”
NHTSA complaint #10007794, filed 2003-02, 43,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V527000Dec 11, 2003Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These…Covers: Buick Regal 1996–1998, Chevrolet Lumina 1997–1998, Monte Carlo 1997–1998 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 10013031Jan 29, 2004Power steering gear lower pinion bearing, safety recall 03062.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 5% |
| 2017 | 1 | 5% |
| 2016 | 10 | 24% |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% |
| 2014 | 3 | 8% |
| 2013 | 4 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 17 | 6% |
| 2004 | 6 | 9% |
| 2003 | 10 | 10% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 14 | 7% |
| 2000 | 30 | 16% |
| 1999 | 31 | 13% |
| 1998 | 76 | 25% |
| 1997 | 37 | 27% |
| 1996 | 18 | 9% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 2% |
| 1992 | 8 | 6% |
| 1991 | 12 | 6% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 4% |
| 1988 | 2 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 4% |
| 1985 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1996 Buick Regal
42 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsFuel system
19 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