1997 Buick Regal Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 8%of 136 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 144,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Buick Regal, 8% of the 136 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 144,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“The low coolant light sensor flashes on and off, if the car is idol the temperature gauge moves up rapidly. I have had the coolant and thermostat check, both are fine. My mechanic advised to check this website for engine cooling recall and there is one. I need to know where to take my car to get this issue fixed under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10565816, filed 2014-02, 106,000 miles“Fire started in the engine, resulting in the car exploding in about 10 minutes total. Total loss. Caught fire to my friends garage. The car was parked and running while we ran inside to pay for some stuff. Heard an explosion and went to investigate, and saw the hood and dash and the engine on fire. My friend jumped on his tractor and pushed it away from the garage, and started dumping snow on it. Fire dept came and put it out.”
NHTSA complaint #10837552, filed 2016-02, 150,000 miles“The contact owned a 1997 Buick Regal. While parked, the vehicle caught fire under the hood. The fire was extinguished by the contact. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10864465, filed 2016-05, 107,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Buick Regal. While driving approximately 35 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle suddenly shut off. Approximately ten minutes later, the vehicle was able to be restarted and operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000. The VIN was invalid. Consumer stated dealership is now closed and will be taking it to a repair shop. Updated 12/20/18”
NHTSA complaint #11142930, filed 2018-10, 138,000 miles“The contact owned a 1997 Buick Regal. While parked, the vehicle burst into flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure recurred two weeks after the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10839006, filed 2016-02, 195,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 15% |
| 2018 | 5 | 26% |
| 2016 | 5 | 12% |
| 2015 | 9 | 27% |
| 2014 | 9 | 24% |
| 2013 | 9 | 10% |
| 2012 | 21 | 23% |
| 2011 | 108 | 39% |
| 2004 | 18 | 27% |
| 2003 | 26 | 26% |
| 2002 | 33 | 28% |
| 2001 | 52 | 28% |
| 2000 | 28 | 15% |
| 1999 | 49 | 20% |
| 1998 | 29 | 10% |
| 1997 | 11 | 8% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Buick Regal
37 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Buick Regal
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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