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 2002 Buick Regal owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Regal. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,000. Updated 09/08/15 updated 10/25/2017
On oct 15, 2006 our Buick Regal with 39,000 miles on it was driven that day approximately 25 miles on flat terrain in a temperature of 75 degrees. Car returned to home and was parked in the driveway and approximately 20-30 minutes later the car spontaneously erupted in fire from under the hood. Fortunately the car was not parked inside the garage..
Since the recall on the valve cover(s) been having ignition problems. The car 's engine stops running probably due to electrical problem or some other problem, eg ignition switch. Then it is difficult or impossible to start the car. After a start, have a hard time getting the car home. Right mow the vehicle is not drivable and in the garage.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Buick Regal. The contact was driving approximately 40 MPH at night with the headlights on and all of lights on the instrument panel shut off. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. After doing so, some of the lights on the instrument panel were illuminated and the headlights were also functioning. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the marginal for the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where the contact was informed that the tail lights had also failed. The dealer observed wires cut in the trunk and stated that could have caused the failure to occur. The dealer also repaired the tail lights but could not duplicate the failure on the instrument panel and the headlights. …
I have 2002 Buick Regal,had fixed for low coolant light sign problem several time by dealer, last repair was done 1-26-2016 by dealer and do not show any more low coolant sign of light, 20 days later my car stopped in the middle of road, I towed it to same dealer, dealer told me that transmission need to be replaced by verbal, I towed it to transmission shop and repaired and I complainted to state of ca, in feb. 2016, I had recall notice from GM, I had recall service done by another GM dealer in March 2016, investigator from the state looked through my car in May 20 2016, investigator found the sign of low coolant light was not displayed when he turned engine on, every other signs of engine light displayed except low coolant sign of light, I paid $131.00 to dealer where I had recall service donein May 27, 2016, I explained them all the service light displays but the low coolant light …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Buick Regal. While driving approximately 45 MPH, smoke appeared from the dashboard and the driver's side door. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, turned off the engine, and the smoke dissipated. The vehicle was driven to his residence, but there was no interior power. The vehicle was driven to the dealer a week later and they stated that a number of wire insulations, the fuse box, and breakers were burnt. The manufacturer stated that they were not liable for the repairs. The current and failure mileages were 87,000. Updated 02/02/09. The electrical cable bundle burned in the drivers side door under the dashboard. Terminal block and fuse burned the switch in the door. Updated 02/03/09.
Dt: consumer states that the dashboard lights and the vehicle shift lights do not work. When these do not work, the tail lights do not work either. The consumer found out when someone told him the tail lights were not working. The dealership has fixed the problem twice, but when this happens, it only works for a day. The consumer has contacted Buick. Consumer noticed the tail lights were not working on Saturday, July 9, 2005. He had been driving without the dash board lights not knowing the tail lights were not working.
Loss of lighting on instrument cluster and real tail lights. During vehicle start it was noticed that the instrument cluster was not receiving electrical power. The fuse box was inspected and the 15 amp fuse was blown. Immediate replacement resulted in repetitive blown fuses. Replaced rear running light lamp bulbs also did not solve problem. Removed two rear running lamp bulbs and instrument cluster remains powered with no recurring blown fuses. Problem affects interior and exterior lighting.
Dt: started having problems with ABS brakes on August 1, 2004. The ABS light/traction control light stayed on. Contacted the dealer, and took vehicle to them about once or twice a month. They have replaced several vbpmv module, bctmb module, and wiring on the wheel sensors, also, they have cleaned wheels speed control. When the ABS light comes on there is extended stopping distance. The consumer has another appointment to take vehicle back to the dealer on September 26, 2005.
Dt: the contact stated the driver's seat heating elements were not working properly. He had not noticed any problems with the passenger's side. When placed on high or low the seat got very hot. At times when the selector switch was set to off the seat continued to overheat. Updated 11/29/2005 - the consumer pulled the fuse for the seat prior to taking it to the dealer. The dealer determined that the heated seat module was faulty. The ignition key does not release sometimes.
Electrical complaints in other Regal years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2002 Buick Regal?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Buick Regal, 31% of the model year's 117 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Buick Regal electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2002 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 2002 Buick Regal electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 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.