1998 Buick Regal engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 84 complaints for the 1998 Buick Regal, 22% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 84 22% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 115,000 miles 44 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 34
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 9 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 4 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 12 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 4 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 2 |
What the data shows
Of the 44 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 115,000 miles, and 14% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 34 fires, 2 injuries.
What owners wrote
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick regal. While driving 15 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle. The contact sustained neck injuries that required medical attention. The front passenger also sustained chest injuries that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. Prior to the crash, the contact's vehicle was leaking oil. After the crash, the lights on the instrument panel failed to illuminate.
My sister bought new the 1998 buick regal; in 2002 she died and willed her car to me. It has been a great car except: in sept. 2007, after a short drive, I parked the car in open driveway, and walked to house; minutes later my husband, nearby, saw smoke coming from under the hood. He opened it and poured water to extinguish the visible fire on the manifold. It took over a month for the nearest mechanic - we live in a rural area an hour from the nearest reputable buick dealer - to repair.
Other problems reported for the 1998 Buick Regal
- Steering 78 complaints
- Electrical system 51 complaints
- Brakes 32 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 30 complaints
- Lighting 23 complaints