1997 Buick Regal Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 136 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 167,735miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Buick Regal, 5% of the 136 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 167,735 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.
“The service vehicle soon/ABS warning light/and trac off light lit and the car lurched as if the brakes were applied at the left front wheel. The error code was c1225, which is too much speed at the left front wheel. The bearing and sensor was replaced 3 times and the problem still occurred. The mechanic also replaced the ABS pump module (the electronic part of the ABS unit) and then had to upgrade the left front wheel bearing and sensor to another brand that was 2x as expensive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10649789, filed 2014-10, 140,359 miles“Tranmission was replaced while car under warranty w/remanufactured transmission which is now needing to be replaced...dealership did not advise it was being replaced w/remanufac. Part. Contacted Buick only to be advised car was not under warranty and they could not help. Steering/rack & penion: steering locks, pops, etc when driving ...I don't have much info on this right now as we are having checked by mechanic now. Have been advised that this appears to be the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #736605, filed 2000-11“The contact owns a 1997 Buick Regal. The contact stated that he smelled oil coming from the front end of the vehicle while parking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. The dealer did not diagnose a failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they stated that they were not responsible for the failure. The failure mileage was 195,111 and the current mileage was 195,115.”
NHTSA complaint #10466506, filed 2012-07, 195,111 miles“Consumer has taken vehicle in for service more than 15 times for vibration issues, attempts to cure the problem have included swapping the car's axles and multiple individual tire replacements and the installation of 3 complete sets of 4 tires, at all times the tires were firestone brand. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #553901, filed 2000-08“While vehicle was on a medium incline , ignition on and the shift indicator in the drive position, driver took foot off brake pedal and vehicle drifted backwards down incline until driver applied the brakes again. Also, when driver is going forward on anincline with transmission is in reverse, vehicle rolls forward. When taking vehicle to dealer, he stated that it was just a characteristic of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #812315, filed 1997-06Related service bulletins
- 10135203Apr 15, 2014This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
Transmission 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 1997 Buick Regal
37 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsAir bags
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 29, 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