1998 Buick Regal Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 7%of 302 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Buick Regal, 7% of the 302 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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“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“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 miles“I have a 1998 Buick Regal gs. I have experienced a problem when activating the turn signals. Upon activating a signal in either direction the car's electrical system shut down and stalls the engine. The car is normally in motion and power steering, headlights etc is lost.”
NHTSA complaint #10250177, filed 2008-11, 83,000 miles“I just review your complaint segment. I found no fewer than 8 complaints relative to owners of 1998 Buick regals experiencing the very same and dangerous problem with their vehicles. I.e. The car dying when the turn signal stick is actuated. Why is there no recall since this is a life threatening situation? There were other complaints about this vehicle dying while in motion. If one of your staff members were injured or killed, would this be a better reason to nudge GM to do a voluntary recall for those affected with this problem? I just want to believe that someone cares. Sincerely. …”
NHTSA complaint #10224797, filed 2008-04, 75,000 milesRelated recalls
- 99V356000Dec 17, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated…Covers: Buick Regal 1998–1999, Century 1998–1999
- 98V102000May 15, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The owner manuals do not contain the requirement information pertaining to the vehicle headlamp aiming device. This…Covers: Buick Regal 1997–1998, Century 1997–1998, Oldsmobile Intrigue 1999
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 10% |
| 2016 | 6 | 15% |
| 2015 | 8 | 24% |
| 2014 | 3 | 8% |
| 2013 | 37 | 41% |
| 2012 | 33 | 36% |
| 2011 | 38 | 14% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 6 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% |
| 2000 | 7 | 4% |
| 1999 | 7 | 3% |
| 1998 | 22 | 7% |
| 1997 | 8 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% |
| 1994 | 9 | 8% |
| 1993 | 3 | 4% |
| 1992 | 5 | 3% |
| 1991 | 8 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 4% |
| 1988 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1998 Buick Regal
76 complaintsEngine cooling
55 complaintsElectrical system
51 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsBrakes
27 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 31, 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