1997 Buick Regal Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 1997 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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeCovers: Buick Regal 1997–2004, Pontiac Grand Prix 1997–2004, Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1998–2004 +3 more
Reported issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Possible consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will…
- Engine and engine coolingCovers: Buick Regal 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand Prix 1997–2003, Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1998–2003 +3 more
Reported issue: General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.
Possible consequence: If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, oldsmobile…
- Engine and engine coolingCovers: Buick Regal 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand Prix 1997–2003
Reported issue: Gm is recalling 207,542 my 1997-2003 buick regal and pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l supercharged v-6 engine. These vehicles have higher front rocker cover gasket temperatures, creating the potential for earlier degradation of the front rocker cover gasket and eventual oil seepage.
Possible consequence: Certain underhood fires may be caused by drops of engine oil, from seepage or spillage, being deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, along with the 1-3-5 spark plug wire retainers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. , free of…
- Steering › Rack and pinionCovers: 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…
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › LinkagesCovers: Buick Regal 1997, Pontiac Grand Prix 1997, Buick Century 1997
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The windshield wipers may stop working due to a separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly.
Possible consequence: Driver visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm and install a water deflector. On vehicles receiving a replacement crank arm and new water deflector, dealers will also apply additional sealing material to improve water deflection…
- Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Buick Regal 1997–1998, Century 1997–1998, Oldsmobile Intrigue 1999
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The owner manuals do not contain the requirement information pertaining to the vehicle headlamp aiming device. This does not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Possible consequence: If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may not be able to properly aim the headlights.
Remedy: Owners will be mailed an owner manual's insert which contains the appropriate information.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Buick Regal 1997
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The right front brake pipe can contact the piower steering assembly causing the brake line to wear through.
Possible consequence: This condition can result in the loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of half of the vehicle brake system.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for proper clearance between the brake line and power steering assembly. Assemblies found to be out of position will be repositioned and all assemblies secured to maintain proper clearances. Additionally, those brake lines found to have been damaged will be replaced and properly routed.
NHTSA investigations
- EA03019Power rack and pinion steering failureClosed · Sep 15, 2003
← All problems reported for the 1997 Buick Regal
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.