1996 Buick Regal Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 204 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,090miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Buick Regal, 4% of the 204 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,090 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Automatic transmission has a lot of plastic parts inside, they melted down due to vehicle overheating. This transmission should be made like that of the old ones, with metal parts to make it last longer.”
NHTSA complaint #10041286, filed 2003-10, 80,000 miles“While driving at 60mph, and in the process of passing another vehicle, transmission slipped out of gear and went into neutral, and engine accelerated. Contacted dealer, and was told that they couldn't find the cause.”
NHTSA complaint #850739, filed 1999-11“Safety recall--brakes. Adjust side door for proper closing. 231 flash e-prom and install label ma-96-v9943. Safety recall--backfire. Replaced torque converter switch.”
NHTSA complaint #508907, filed 1996-09Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | 30% |
| 2018 | 2 | 11% |
| 2017 | 2 | 10% |
| 2016 | 5 | 12% |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% |
| 2014 | 6 | 16% |
| 2013 | 9 | 10% |
| 2012 | 7 | 8% |
| 2011 | 39 | 14% |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 7% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 11 | 6% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 12 | 4% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 6 | 5% |
| 1992 | 19 | 13% |
| 1991 | 7 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
| 1989 | 5 | 5% |
| 1988 | 10 | 8% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1996 Buick Regal
42 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsOther or unknown
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 31, 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