1996 Buick Regal: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Buick Regal: 3 recalls, 204 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #96V069000 · 1996 · 43,213 vehicles
What's wrong: The left front brake line can contact the transaxle mounting bracket or attachment bolt.
Why it matters: This condition can cause the brake line to wear through, resulting in loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of one-half of the vehicle's brake system, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper brake line clearance and reposition those brake lines found to have less than minimal clearance. Additionally, those brake lines found to have an indentation caused by the contact will be replaced and properly routed.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #96V116000 · 1996 · 275,811 vehicles
What's wrong: A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Why it matters: This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
Steering Vehicle recall #03V527000 · 2003 · 750,283 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.…
The fix: 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 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 16 mention a fire, 21 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (39): the most common themes are noise or vibration (9), brake failure / soft pedal (8), rust / corrosion (5).
- Engine & cooling (36): the most common themes are fire / smoke (7), noise or vibration (6), stalls / loses power (6).
- Electrical (24): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), fire / smoke (8), stalls / loses power (4).
- Airbags (21): the most common themes are fails to deploy (7), deploys unexpectedly / inflator (2).
The 1996 Buick Regal has 204 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 29 Regal model years for complaints (2.0× the average Regal year). Complaints peaked in 1997 (28 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 87,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (173 complaints, 8 recalls), 1997 (136 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Buick Regal.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Buick Regal have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Buick Regal, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Buick Regal problems?
Owners have filed 204 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (39), engine & cooling (36), electrical (24).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Buick Regal get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Buick Regal repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.