VehicleVerdict

2004 Buick Regal problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 94 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Regal year — the 2004 model ranks #20 of 46 Regal years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 44% of all reports (41 of 94), far ahead of engine at 26.

94

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Regal years?

See all Regal years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Buick Regal problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4144%
Engine2628%
Steering66%
Brakes44%
Other33%
Transmission33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Speed Control22%
Suspension22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Airbags11%
Lighting11%
Fuel System11%

Does the 2004 Buick Regal have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V701000EngineOctober 26, 2015 · 1,003,556 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

15V201000EngineApril 6, 2015 · 330,742 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23, 2003. On May 18, 2015, GM expanded the recall to cover an additional 49,751 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2003, to June 25, 2004. In the affected vehicles, the valve cover gasket may leak.

Consequence

The leaking engine oil can drip onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14574.

09E005000SteeringFebruary 17, 2009 · 979 units

Defect

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

08E063000SteeringOctober 17, 2008 · 3,855 units

Defect

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Consequence

IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

COMPLAINT REGARDING AIR BAG LIGHT & LOW TIRE LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICE AND ONCE OFF THE SERVICE LOT ALL DASH LIGHTS CAME ON. *TS THE TRUN SIGNAL AND WIPER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE HUB ASSEMBLT HARNESS HAD TO BE REPALCED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALONG…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 14, 2005

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWED THAT THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 24, 2015 · fire

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 30 MPH WITHOUT NOTICE THE CAR TURNED OFF WITH NO APPARENT REASON. CAUSING THE CAR TO LOOSE POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, AND RAPID LOSS OF SPEED IN A BUSY DOWNTOWN SETTING. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 OTHER TIMES SINCE THEN. WE HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS ON FORUMS RECENTLY AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 20, 2014

COMPLAINT REGARDING AIR BAG LIGHT & LOW TIRE LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICE AND ONCE OFF THE SERVICE LOT ALL DASH LIGHTS CAME ON. *TS THE TRUN SIGNAL AND WIPER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE HUB ASSEMBLT HARNESS HAD TO BE REPALCED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALONG…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 14, 2005

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 68 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING DUE TO A SHORT IN THE IGNITION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SWITCH GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 10, 2015

2004 Buick Regal — common questions

Is the 2004 Buick Regal reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 94 complaints put the 2004 model at #20 of 46 Regal years. It is one of the Regal years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Regal problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (41 complaints), engine (26 complaints), steering (6 complaints).

Does the 2004 Buick Regal have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Buick Regal. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Buick Regal years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Regal years to avoid are 2011, 1998, 1991, 1999, 1996, 2000, 2001, 1995, 1992, 1988, 1997, 1989, 2002, 1994, 2003, 2013, 2012, 1993, 1990, 2004, 2018. The cleanest record among Regal years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.