Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Buick Regal owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While merging onto the freeway, I was taking my car to be smogged. At speed, I noticed a little white puff of smoke emit from the right side of the engine bay. As I proceeded to start moving to the shoulder, this puff had turned into a gray plume. As I finally reached the shoulder, the entire front of the engine bay was billowing black smoke. As I tried to stop, the brake pedal went to the floor, so it seemed the fire had burnt through a brake line. I managed to engage the emergency brake slowly and managed to stop on the shoulder. Opening the hood, I found a small fire burning at the rear of the engine, but in front of the firewall. I had nothing with me, so I called the fire department and it was extinguished. However, by the time they got there, the entire engine compartment was totaled beyond extensive repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the brake and ABS warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent facility for diagnostic testing and failure codes: c1265 (rear ABS motor circuit shorted to ground) and c1286 (ebcm/ebtcm failed to illuminate the red brake warning indicator) were located. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (don brown Chevrolet, 2244 s kings highway blvd, st. Louis, mo 63110, [phone]) where it was determined that the codes indicated that there was a rear motor short to the ground and the electric brake control module activated the brake warning indicators. Further diagnostic testing would be performed by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
While coasting at 10mph to signal light, applied the brakes and they failed to work. Had to pump brakes at least 3 times before they worked. On 19 jan 99, was going 30-35 MPH when vehicle in front stopped suddenly. Consumer rearended vehicle in front due to lack of braking power. Took to dealer & waiting for parts.
While driving applied brakes and pedal went to the floor. It felt like they were going to respond, but vehicle kept rolling into an intersection, the consumer had to avoid an oncoming vehicle an d ran into an fence. The dealer has been contacted.
ABS lights flickered on/off intermittently. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the rear disc brakes. After repairs were done the rear disc brakes were replaced again. Also power steering fluid leak.
The consumer was having a problem with his vehicle making a dragging/spinning type noise. He stated it sounded as if it was not connecting with something in the drive line. He also stated he went to the computer and looked his type vehicle up and read that this year vehicle has a problem with the brake line and the left wheel, which can cause wear and tear on the brake line. He says also that when he takes off he hears a whining noise and it gets louder with increased speed. He took his vehicle to the dealer and they were not sure what the problem was. But says it will cost approx. $85.00 per hour for them to check it out. He says this is too costly. Then he says he is told that it could cost him $2300.00 not including labor.
Other - oil leak - have been told by independent repair shops that it is either the cam shaft timing sencer or manifold with the cost ranging from $700.00 to $1200.00. Also the motor mounts need to be replaced. Tape player does not eject tape properly, been a problem since I got the car. Brakes - have had complete brakes replaced. Have been told Buick regals are bad on brakes. Air conditionung cooling coil in front of raditor has developed a leak. Estimated cost to repair is $400.00. Have not taken it to dealer. I got the car used in 1997 with about 72500 miles on it.
Extremely loud noise from the brakes when backing out from a parked position while applying the brakes. Windshield leaks at the location of the rear mirror light wires, and drips on the gear shift area. The passenger side mirror and the driver side mirror are two different colors, which might indicate the vehicle was in a wreck. I was given no history of repairs on this automobile . An "alamo" sticker was attached to the inside of the trunk lid.
Consumer tried to stop vehicle, she couldn't because the brake pedal went all the way to floor, vehicle did not stop on time and brakes fluid was all over. Also, there was a recall before regarding ABS brakes, recall performed by installing clip to prevent rubbing, new location of shifted brakeline path resulted in rubbing two inches from original location, request manufacturer to reevaluate recall repair.
Consumer expriencing ongoing problem with braking system. Whenever driving a winding noise appears to be coming from the wheel, and when the brakes are applied the vehicle would jerk intermittently. Aslo, learned from an independent dealer that the vehicle's front end was shot, and needed major repairs. Dealer notifed, but no correction was made at this time. Brakes continue to give consumer problems.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The left front brake line can contact the transaxle mounting bracket or attachment bolt.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper brake line clearance and reposition those brake lines found to have less than minimal clearance.
Brake complaints in other Regal years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Buick Regal?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Buick Regal, 21% of the model year's 204 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Buick Regal brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-069 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Apr 19, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Buick Regal brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 17,000 miles, and 67% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.