Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Buick Regal owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
August 2017', the steering began to pull very slightly left and right at all speeds but more noticeable at low speeds or when turning the wheels at a stop with a very slight clunk noise that got louder over the year. Visible inspection at my repair shop during a flat rear tire repair did not find anything worn out or damaged but suggested maybe a ball joint could be getting old enough to need replaced as it did have about 158,000 or so miles on it but they couldn't indicate if it was a ball joint specifically as there was no unusual movement or noise from one. I also checked and found no issues with any component underneath. No leaks and power steering fluid was good.then September 7, 2018', while driving around town the steering made a loud clunk steering left and really began to pull especially left. …
I am the original owner of a 1999 Buick Regal gs (3.8l super charged) with approx. 85,000 miles. On jan. 12, 2006 I lost power assist when making a left hand turn. This failure only effected the power assist in a left hand turn; right was OK. I pulled into a parking spot after a short drive to work and noticed the steering got tight. I heard a 'pop' when I lost assist. After work I drove home with no assist to the left. The problem is only when the wheel is turned clockwise from straight on position. I haven't driven a non-power steering car in about 15 years but this seemed much worse (very difficult to steer). I checked for any type of leak or belt issue, but my initial thought is if that was the problem I would have the problem regardless of steering direction. …
In the waterloo courier of 9/23/03 it was reported that the federal government is investigating a possible steering defect in GM vehicles. The problem described involved difficulty in steering when making left turns. This happened to me and my daughter (who was driving my car at the time) on Saturday, September 13, in cedar falls, iowa. We were able to drive the vehicle (1999 Buick Regal) back to waverly to jerry roling's dealership. On Monday, September 15, I was informed that the rack and pinion (sp?) had gone out and needed to be repaired. Because the GM dealership was going to charge approx. $400 more than my regular mechanic, I had the car transfered to garry's tire in waverly where the work was done. I picked up my car on Tuesday, September 16. I thought I should report this incident to you even though the 1999 Regal was not one of those listed in the article.
My 1999 Buick Regal ls continues to demonstrate an occasional power steering failure. The failure occurs with a first start/cold start or after the vehicle has been sitting for a period of time after being operated. The problem is a lack of "power steering" when turning to the left, I.e. When pulling out of a parking space in a parking lot and a hard left turn is required. The situation is negated after the steering wheel is returned to a straight position or full right position. This occasional failure has been ongoing for more than 40,000 miles but has been more frequent with this winter's extreme cold weather. My vehicle currently has 99,000+ miles. The recent recall by GM of 1996-1998 regals for this same problem has prompted my reporting of this failure with my vehicle.
One owner car, well maintained and safely driven. 70000 miles. While driging car, steering locked up during left and right turns. Steering popped"out of position several times. Very hazardous to drive. Mechanic was a short distance away, however ty the time I got there, the steering wheel was positioned at the 4 o'clock position wihile drigin straight ahead. Mechanic stated the only other car that he had seen a rack fail on so early was a '97 Buick Regal. Understand there was a recall that eneded in 1998. Repair to replace rack, $800. Additional cost of $350 at dealer to fix airbag warning light. Dealer maintains incorrect repair to rack caused this problem in the steering wheel. Old part is not available. This was a serioius hazard!
The vehicle swayed left to right while driving, and the steering wheel was hard to control. There was a clunk in the steering wheel which caused by the undertorqued steering gear bolts. The steering shaft was loose and was replaced by the dealer.(see annotation - m. Jordan) also the engine failed to turn over, the dealer replaced the alternator and found the no voltage on the battery, the transmission jumped when it was put into gear, the dealer found the shaft for the 4th gear worn, the vehicle pulled to the side, the rack and pinion was replaced, the oil pan and front motor mount was replaced
While driving at approx 40 MPH or more the engine suddenly cuts out and the steering locks up and the car violently stops, which could cause a fatal accident. This is very much like the ignition switch problem in the other recalls. After a few tries the car does start again but this is not acceptable. Also there has been smoke pouring from the engine on more than one occasion when the vehicle was not even operating for more than ten minutes, and often the smell of gas permeates the inside of the vehicle.
Steering assembly needed to be replaced at 67,000 miles on 1999 Buick Regal which has been well cared for. Single owner virtually all highway use vehicle 3.5 years old. Steering became sluggish when car was first started, then responded normally. Was told some internal seals were worn. This could have been major safety problem, but fortunately not. I have never had a vehicle where the steering assembly from wheel to wheel had to be replaced and have driven 6 vehicle's to over 100,000 miles, one 130,000.
Was driveing down the highway going 65 and went to turn on my turn signal and my engine stoped. I nearly crashed the car. I tried to restart the car and everytime I used the blinkers the car would either turn off restarts the computer like I just started the car. The ABS light and check engine light comes on now and the driver side headlight wont come on. I had a friend drive 3 hours to come and tow my car. I almost got hit by a semi truck because of this. Someone needs to get this issue fixed.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Buick Regal. While driving 25 MPH, the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel to the right. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact of NHTSA campaign id number: steering ( steering); however, the contacts vehicle was not included. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 01/23/12
Steering complaints in other Regal years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Buick Regal?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Buick Regal, 13% of the model year's 246 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Buick Regal steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1999 Buick Regal, though it has 6 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 1999 Buick Regal steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
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.