2003 Buick Regal recalls and problems
The 2003 Buick Regal has 3 safety recalls and 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buick dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Buick Regal vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Buick Regal recalls
Recall 15V-701: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Fix: 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 engineÂs 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 09V-116: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engineâs front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engineâs 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 08V-118: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engineâs front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engineâs 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> .
2003 Buick Regal problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 37 | |
| Engine | 26 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 11 | |
| Steering | 10 | |
| Power Train | 7 | |
| Service Brakes | 7 | |
| Wheels | 6 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | |
| Visibility | 5 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | |
| Air Bags | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 8
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
- Electrical System › Ignition — 3
- Wheels › Rim — 2
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
- Vehicle Speed Control › Springs — 1
- Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 97,987 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Buick Regal complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Buick Regal years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Buick Regal have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Buick Regal: 15V-701 (engine and engine cooling), 09V-116 (engine and engine cooling), 08V-118 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Buick Regal?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (37 reports), followed by engine (26). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 97,987 miles.
Are Buick recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buick dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.