1997 Buick Regal Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 27%of 136 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,871miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Buick Regal, 27% of the 136 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,871 miles. 1 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.
“Was driving my 1997 Buick Regal gs 3.8 when I had my son in the car went to turn left and when in the turn all the lights start to flash and the car shut down .. Had to have it towed later to find out it is the ignition switch now car is sitting will not start all lights flash will not crank or turn over ... Before all that happened when I would make a left turn you could hear a clicking coming from the drivers side tire and the lights would come on ... …”
NHTSA complaint #10818874, filed 2016-01, 145,000 miles“Loss of power steering assist when turning to the left. Dealer says power steering rack is binding when turned to the left. Will have to replace, my cost. I see a number of similar complaints on this site. Gm had a recall (11/15/2002) for this problem on same model year for cavalier, sunfire, lumina/venture, silhouette, transport, and grand prix (Regal's sibling). What about Regal?”
NHTSA complaint #10007673, filed 2003-02, 69,879 miles“Unable to make left turn with ease. Left turns are very hard and at times does not turn left at all. Steering wheel does not automatically return to center position. I was unable to make a complete left hand turn, which caused me to over turn and drive off the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10143810, filed 2005-11, 10 miles“My wife is complaining of a hard left steer on her 1997 Buick Regal. The problem does not occur on each turn at this time, but could result in loss of steering. Buick's customer hot line is refusing to make the repair on her car. They claim that this car is not involved with the recall # 03062. Yet the recall shows this recall covers the Buick Regal model built between 08-01-96 through 07-31-97. This car was built in this time frame. This could cause my wife to have an accident with the potential of fatal injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10153807, filed 2006-03, 105,771 miles“After taking my car to the mechanic 6 times to repair the service engine soon/ABS light/trac off light coming on, he replaced the left front wheel bearing with a more expensive model and replaced the module on the ABS pump that has the circuit board and pump gears. The problem went away for approx. 1 1/2 weeks and now is back! Am going to the mechanic to see what is going on.”
NHTSA complaint #10653762, filed 2014-11, 141,072 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
- 10017515Jun 1, 2005Revised outer tie rod end nut tightening specification/tie rod end jam nut tightening specification added.
- 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 1997 Buick Regal
30 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsEngine
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