2004 Buick Regal Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Buick Regal.

20032005
Complaints
94
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2004 Buick Regal Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#131 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:88,500 mi
#218 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:101,244 mi
Fires:2
#36 complaints

Engine & Cooling

Avg mileage:74,483 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Buick Regal.

Electrical Faults
31
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
88,500
Engine Problems
18
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
101,244
Engine & Cooling
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
74,483
Electronic Stability Control
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
90,665
Steering Defects
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
83,667
Transmission / Drivetrain
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Airbags
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Horn
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Other
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Rack And Pinion
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front:Hub
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Buick Regal. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2004 Buick Regal

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,334,298 vehicles.

15V701000Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
~1,003,556 affected

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.

15V201000Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
~330,742 affected

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.

Other Buick Regal Years

2004 Buick Regal — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2004 Buick Regal reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2004 Buick Regal has 94 NHTSA complaints, 0 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 31 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2004 Buick Regal?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (31 complaints, avg 88,500 mi); Engine Problems (18 complaints, avg 101,244 mi); Engine & Cooling (6 complaints, avg 74,483 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Buick Regal?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 90,530 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
Does the 2004 Buick Regal have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,334,298 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2004 Buick Regal?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Buick Regal reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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