1998 Buick Regal Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 17%of 302 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,050miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Buick Regal, 17% of the 302 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,050 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Every time I turn on my left or right turn signal it shorts out.... Took to a mechanic and he did some re wiring and it worked for a little bit then started to happen again.... I don't want to spend a bunch of money on it anymore. What should I do?”
NHTSA complaint #11384503, filed 2020-12, 230,000 miles“I used my turn signals to make a right hand turn and my car turned off. No lights, turn signals, dash lights, brakes were soft, and steering was hard. If I had been on the freeway when this happened I would have been in a car accident. This has happened two times now and I am now unable to start my car at all at this point in time. What is this all about? And why haven't anyone found a fix? Help me please.”
NHTSA complaint #10705133, filed 2015-04, 155,151 miles“Just as the current GM recall my Buick Regal suddenly loses all power while driving. The 1st time this occurred I was on the interstate going 60 MPH at night, 1st all the dash lights flashed on, then my headlights, power steering, all electronics and engine died! Luckily I was able to make it to the emergency lane! Once, I was able to pull my frightened self together, the car started right back up and I was able to get off the interstate and make it home very cautiously. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567980, filed 2014-03, 69,000 miles“The car stalls out when you put the left turn signal on to turn. All the dash board lights light up and the car stalls. Sometimes it doesn't do it but half the time it does. I'm afraid to turn left in fear of being killed because my car stalled. There are no signs of any kind that the car is stalling. It does it the most when your coming to a stop and place the left signal on. Please help find a solution to this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10258794, filed 2009-02, 138,000 miles“1. Right side cornering lamp is inoperative despite replacing bulb, socket and even entire right side headlamp housing assembly with all new wiring and bulbs in it (not the turn signal because that works and so do all headlight functions I.e. High/low beam). 2. When above issue started car suddenly started shutting off whenever turn signals where used when passing or trying to enter highway on entrance ramp regardless of if we were speeding up or slowing down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10440434, filed 2011-12, 181,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113258Sep 19, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on…
- 10016464Jul 1, 2003Wire harness may be stretched, or the pcs may not be oriented in the same position, after installing a service replacement valve body assembly. Gm tech link.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 7 | 35% |
| 2018 | 3 | 16% |
| 2017 | 3 | 15% |
| 2016 | 6 | 15% |
| 2015 | 5 | 15% |
| 2014 | 6 | 16% |
| 2013 | 36 | 40% |
| 2012 | 18 | 20% |
| 2011 | 75 | 27% |
| 2004 | 35 | 53% |
| 2003 | 35 | 35% |
| 2002 | 36 | 31% |
| 2001 | 32 | 17% |
| 2000 | 42 | 23% |
| 1999 | 42 | 17% |
| 1998 | 51 | 17% |
| 1997 | 18 | 13% |
| 1996 | 24 | 12% |
| 1995 | 10 | 6% |
| 1994 | 17 | 15% |
| 1993 | 8 | 9% |
| 1992 | 13 | 9% |
| 1991 | 12 | 6% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
| 1989 | 14 | 13% |
| 1988 | 5 | 4% |
| 1985 | 1 | 11% |
| 1984 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1998 Buick Regal
76 complaintsEngine cooling
55 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsExterior lighting
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsTires
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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