Known Recalls

Model year record

1998 Buick Regal

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 376 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V701000

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Component
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
Vehicles affected
1,003,556
Reported to NHTSA
2015-10-26
Owners notified
2016-02-19

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Safety risk

Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V116000

Engine and engine cooling

Component
Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
1,497,516
Reported to NHTSA
2009-04-08
Owners notified
2009-04-09

Defect description

GENERAL 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 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.

Safety risk

IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Recall campaignNHTSA 08V118000

Engine and engine cooling

Component
Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
207,542
Reported to NHTSA
2008-03-12
Owners notified
2008-04-28

Defect description

GM 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 FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET TEMPERATURES, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR EARLIER DEGRADATION OF THE FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET AND EVENTUAL OIL SEEPAGE.

Safety risk

CERTAIN UNDERHOOD FIRES MAY BE CAUSED BY DROPS OF ENGINE OIL, FROM SEEPAGE OR SPILLAGE, BEING DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING. IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND, IN SOME INSTANCES, THE FIRE MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, ALONG WITH THE 1-3-5 SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINERS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. , FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. UNTIL THE REMEDY IS COMPLETED, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS (1) THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CAR PORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V527000

Steering: rack and pinion

Component
Steering: rack and pinion
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
750,283
Reported to NHTSA
2003-12-11
Owners notified
2004-02-05

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

Safety risk

IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V356000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
411,880
Reported to NHTSA
1999-12-17
Owners notified
2000-07-20

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE VERTICAL HEAD LAMP ADJUSTING DEVICE MAY NOT BE CALIBRATED PROPERLY.

Safety risk

DRIVER VISIBILITY MAY BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPTICALLY AIMING THE HEADLAMPS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V102000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
149,342
Reported to NHTSA
1998-05-15
Owners notified
1998-05-30

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OWNER MANUALS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIREMENT INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Safety risk

IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OWNER MANUAL'S INSERT WHICH CONTAINS THE APPROPRIATE INFORMATION.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Steering: rack and pinion3673,000 mi
Electrical system33104,000 mi
Engine29122,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling26106,101 mi
Steering2387,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline14166,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls1391,000 mi
Tires11—
Engine and engine cooling: engine1090,000 mi
Exterior lighting10130,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor9250 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip855,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer790,000 mi
Unknown or other61,750 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch591,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights5—
Power train: automatic transmission555,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: rack579,500 mi
Structure: body5—
Electrical system: ignition453,313 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner491,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal456,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc4—
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device466,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system414,110 mi
Suspension492,194 mi
Visibility: windshield4—
Air bags3208,104 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch375,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components3—
Structure3—
Air bags: frontal2100,141 mi
Electrical system: horn2—
Electrical system: ignition: module2—
Electrical system: wiring2—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood2188,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system2—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe235,050 mi
Power train: clutch assembly2—
Power train: manual transmission2—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2—
Seat belts: front: retractor2—
Seats2109,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler291,000 mi
Service brakes2177,000 mi
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)268,000 mi
Structure: body: door2—
Tires: tread/belt2—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys170,000 mi
Equipment1—
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1—
Exterior lighting: brake lights1115,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline133,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1—
Fuel system, other1—
Fuel/propulsion system163,839 mi
Power train11,750 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)1—
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1—
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter191,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage1—
Service brakes, electric1—
Service brakes, hydraulic1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1250 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum1—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1—
Steering: column1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1116,772 mi
Steering: linkages1—
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1—
Structure: frame and members1—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields117,554 mi
Suspension: front1—
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar1—
Vehicle speed control1—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1—
Visibility/wiper1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor118,384 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element192,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior161,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor1—

The 1997 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.