Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
After turning the ignition to start the vehicle there was an explosion, the engine was on fire. The fire department was called, and the fire was extinguished. This vehicle was not included in the intake manifold NHTSA recall 96V116000. The EGR valve was inoperative and on another occasion the vehicle had to be jump started.
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.
Burning smell, and smoke comes from under the hood of the car when ever the heat is being used. Or I have traveled over 50 miles. A rattling sound comes from the steering wheel or steering column when ever I make a turn. The sun roof just hums when ever the switch is pushed to open or close it, it doesn't work at all. (cannot open sun roof).
While driving at any speed, the vehicle would intermittently stall. Just before the vehicle stalled, the check engine and battery light had come on. The vehicle had been to the dealer three times for this problem, but the dealer was unable to resolve the problem. The stalling would also occur when making left turns.
Vehicle caught on fire. Rear end of vehicle was incinerated. Cause unknown. The automotive specialists have determined the origion of the fire was electrical or electric trunk release or trank light assembly failure.
Failure of both brake lights and turn signals. Emergency flashers operate so bulbs and wiring are OK. Fuses checked. Not repaired yet but was told it probably is a switch/component in the steering column.
While driving on the highway vehicle lost power and the lights went out. Then, vehicle will continued to drive without being restarted. Dealer attempted to repair the problem ,but the problem recurred.
When trying to start the vehicle, there was an explosion and the vehicle caught fire. The fire was put out by the consumer, however, it was nearly destroyed.
The vehicle caught on fire while parked, the fire department stated the fire was caused by an electrical short.
Driver's power seat burned, including bottom and back due to a fire. Dealer contacted, and stated the wiring harness was at fault. No repairs have been made, warranty still effective.
Electrical complaints in other Regal years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1996 Buick Regal?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Buick Regal, 12% of the model year's 204 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Buick Regal electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1996 Buick Regal, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Buick Regal electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.