2003 Buick Regal Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 10%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 157,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Buick Regal, 10% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 157,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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 antifreeze intake gasket is leaking...is there something wrong with the antifreeze dex- cool that I'm using... I did some online research and a lot of Buick owners has to replace the intake gasket multiple times and it was recommended to use green antifreeze instead of dex-cool and there was no problems since..should I consider using the other antifreeze because I can't afford to pay 800.00 every time.”
NHTSA complaint #10353916, filed 2010-09“The contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. After driving the vehicle and parking, the driver noticed a burning odor. The driver lifted the hood and discovered flames coming from the engine compartment. The driver used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames. The fire department was called to the home. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 194,000. The consumer received a recall notice, regarding the possibility of an engine fire. Updated 01/19/16.”
NHTSA complaint #10818925, filed 2016-01, 194,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. The contact stated that he smelled something burning in his vehicle. He noticed that the engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. He received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 09v116000 and GM recall number 90047, which was repaired by the dealer on may 27, 2009. The dealer informed the contact of another issue with his vehicle and stated that he had to pay $88, but the contact refused. The dealer believed that the other issue had nothing to do with the recall failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10270070, filed 2009-05, 120,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 08v118000, NHTSA action number ea07008 (engine and engine cooling). The failure occurred before the vehicle could be taken to the dealer. While driving 35 MPH, the driver noticed smoke coming out of the dashboard. She pulled the vehicle over and it burst into flames seconds later. The fire department extinguished the fire, but they stated that the vehicle should not have caught fire so easily. The dealer stated that they were not responsible for the repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10280193, filed 2009-08, 120,000 miles“2003 Buick Regal. Consumer writes in regards to drops of engine oil on exhaust manifold could cause an engine compartment fire recall notice. The consumer was informed the parts were not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10838236, filed 2016-02Related recalls
- 15V701000Oct 26, 2015General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix…Covers: Buick Regal 1997–2004, Pontiac Grand Prix 1997–2004, Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1998–2004 +3 more
- 09V116000Apr 8, 2009General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my…Covers: Buick Regal 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand Prix 1997–2003, Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1998–2003 +3 more
- 08V118000Mar 12, 2008Gm is recalling 207,542 my 1997-2003 buick regal and pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l supercharged v-6 engine. These vehicles have higher…Covers: Buick Regal 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand Prix 1997–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 12% |
| 2003 | 10 | 10% |
| 2002 | 17 | 15% |
| 2001 | 34 | 18% |
| 2000 | 35 | 19% |
| 1999 | 43 | 17% |
| 1998 | 55 | 18% |
| 1997 | 30 | 22% |
| 1996 | 36 | 18% |
| 1995 | 19 | 11% |
| 1994 | 12 | 11% |
| 1993 | 7 | 8% |
| 1992 | 8 | 6% |
| 1991 | 15 | 8% |
| 1990 | 6 | 8% |
| 1989 | 11 | 10% |
| 1988 | 9 | 7% |
| 1987 | 2 | 8% |
| 1986 | 2 | 17% |
| 1985 | 3 | 33% |
| 1984 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 Buick Regal
35 complaintsEngine
26 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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