1998 Buick Regal Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 302 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Buick Regal, 4% of the 302 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“I bought a 1998 Buick Regal used form glenn buige in lansing mi. With-in four months of owning this car the transmission started going out. It was shifting hard between the 1 and the 2 gear then it started not to shift at all if the car wasn't warmed up for fifteen min. Took it back to the dealer and they claimed that since there were no lights coming on and it tested all right there was no problem but they could put in a rebuilt transmission for 2,000. Somehow this did not make sense. …”
NHTSA complaint #10060519, filed 2004-03, 55,000 miles“Purchased vehicle w/4000 miles, I was the first titled owner, 1st transmission went out with 30705 miles & was replaced under warranty. Second transmission went out with 53582 miles. I don't feel a car should need a new transmission at 30,000 miles let alone another one at 54,000. Something else must be wrong with the engine to need two transmissions in less than 3 years.”
NHTSA complaint #754519, filed 2001-11“The contact owns a 1998 Buick Regal. While driving 1-5 MPH, the vehicle would constantly stall. In addition, the vehicle stalled while driving in reverse. The contact stated that the vehicle would shut off when the check engine light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after it stalled. The failure mileage was 92,900 and current mileage was 92,988. Updated 02/15/08. The consumer has experienced other problems with the vehicle such as steering gear failure, which the rack and pinion was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10215176, filed 2008-01, 91,000 miles“Date of purchase was sept 2000 used. Reported rotor brake warpage and transmission slippage. Rotors were turned but problem not completly gone. Mechanic dismissed transmission slippage as traction control activation. Transmission failed 7/22/2001.”
NHTSA complaint #749254, filed 2001-07“Noticed problem shortly after purchase but thought may be just the way the vehicle operated. Problem was intermittent and progressively got worse---when changing gears from reverse to drive, car would not engage and cause a jerking motion. The transmission was replaced with a rebuilt transmission (mileage 11,733) after repeated attemps failed to correct problem. Considered this a serious safety issue. Car is used daily in my profession as a public health nurse with the state of va. …”
NHTSA complaint #711743, filed 1999-09Related 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 1998 Buick Regal
76 complaintsEngine cooling
55 complaintsElectrical system
51 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsExterior lighting
22 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 30, 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