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 2003 Buick Regal owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My 03 Buick Regal ls will shutoff sometimes when turning left, or when using the turn signal. I can not find the paperwork, but I remember a recall for this about 5 to 8 years ago. We did have it addressed, but the problem has come back. Today's date is 1/9/17 and my wife had this happen again to her on 1/4/17 while making a left hand curve. She was not turning or using her turn signal. I only had it happen to me once while making a left turn using my turn signal. My mother also has an 03 Regal gs and also experienced this same problem. I contacted the dealer where I purchased the car and they told me there is no current recall nor was there ever one for this problem, but I know we had it addressed about 5 to 8 years ago.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be started without the key in the ignition. The failure recurred on several occasions. The contact also stated that it was difficult to unlock the steering wheel on several occasions. 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 made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who found no failures; however, the mechanic stated that the computer system failed intermittently. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 77,582.
Unannounced to purchasers, the Buick Regal has a redundant and defective security ignition system that prevents the vehicle from being able to start with the key after the battery is disconnected. It must now be taken to a dealership to be diagnosed and for a costly repair. It was stationary, and the battery drained down with a phone charger hooked up. Even following the factory key sequence, the battery runs down before the code can be cleared and re-established.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. While driving downhill at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off and the engine failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch was faulty. The ignition switch was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000. Updated 2/25/15 updated 03/02/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and all the warning indicators flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle eventually restarted. The vehicle stalled five times the same day. The contact stated that the failure occurred twelve times before the last failure. The dealer replaced the ignition switch. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 69,800.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. After driving the vehicle and shifting into park, the key failed to eject from the ignition switch properly. The ignition switch was in the off position and took more than twenty attempts for the key to be removed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact did not feel safe in the vehicle. The failure mileage was 39,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. While driving approximately 40 MPH through a busy intersection, the vehicle suddenly shut off. After restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,000.
Motor would shut off while going down the road took the car to classic dealer in madison ohio and they said there was no recall I had to pay over $400 to get it fixed was there a recall on this part they said they had to pull the steering column.
Electrical complaints in other Regal years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Buick Regal?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Buick Regal, 35% of the model year's 101 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Buick Regal electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2003 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 2003 Buick Regal electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 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.