Most common 2004 Buick Regal problems
Share of the 66 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Buick Regal complaints by model year
Best Regal years: 2020, 2017, 2018. Years to avoid: 2011, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1999. Compare all years →
2004 Buick Regal recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine's front valve cover and gasket.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge.
What 2004 Buick Regal owners say
Electrical system all 35 →
The ignition switch has failed eventually it will start after about 30 minutes of trying the car will run but shuts down while driving its dangerous to drive I am not safe nor my grandkids in this vehicle I cant buy a new car nor can I afford to have this fixed myself since im on a fixed income I read several others have the same complaint my vehicle is identical to their complaints I think they should have to replace these mine just left me stranded at the doctors office with my little grand-daughter its only 23 degrees outside I eventually got it started after about 30 minutes but I could not stop anywhere before I had to come straight home.
The first time the car stalled was as I was approaching the stop sign.it stalled and the dash light all came on. I was able to re-start it after putting it in park. It then happened again the same as before I got home. The next day it drove normal for awhile then as I was starting it up again it started with a noise and the lights on the dash a lit up again. It seemed to run normal again. But a bit later as I was slowing down to make a turn into a parking lot it stalled again. I brought it into an independent automotive garage and they hooked up to their tester and could not find anything abnormal with the car.
Engine & cooling all 25 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle caught fire while parked. The contact saw smoke escape from underneath the hood of the vehicle as it entered into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact's friends attempted to extinguish the fire, but were unsuccessful. There were no injuries. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report and a fire report were not filed. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the fire. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 15V701000 (engine and engine cooling) as a potential cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
My 2004 Buick Regal always had oil dripping from the engine since I bought it. The car ran beautifully for the 1st year with regular maintence. During a snow storm I noticed oil was leaking worse and starting to smell and smoke. Immediately I took it to get repaired. At this service the oil sending unit was replaced along with someother maintence on the fuel injectors I was also informed that oil was dripping from my engine gaskets and causing the smell. He informed me that it wasnt a problem for now and ill be OK. Months later I noticed the car running and idling rough while parked and accelerating. After inspection I noticed oil again from oil sending unit leaking and antifreeze leaking from the radiator. When I went to drive off the temp gauge was at hot after maybe 5 miles most. I called a tow truck and brought it for repairs. At this time I was informed I had serious problems. …
Steering
Engine stalls after first startup, then after restart all warning lights blink for long period. Vehicle stalls when stopping for a traffic signal or slowing down to turn. Then, when ignition switch was turned to off position, could not remove key, and could not turn engine off. Mechanic replaced ignition electrical switch, replaced ignition tumbler assembly, made new keys. We spent $1,171.01 for these repairs. Wrote a long letter to Buick customer assistance center on July 1, 2014, and explained all the details of this ignition-related problem. Found 21 similar complaints at safercar.gov. GMC never issued a recall notice on these ignition-related problems, and said our vehicle did not have certain defective manufacturer parts installed as original equipment. Who the hell installed these defective ignition-related parts?
1st time vehicle wheels and steering completely locked up when making a right turn blocking traffic and had to be towed after police and no one could release it. After having towed the vehicle to my home. I was able to release the lock and tested it before I decided to drive it to a gas station for gas. As I pulled out of the gas station the vehicle locked up again blocking two lanes of traffic coming at me on a 4 lane county road. I sent a letter to GM reporting the problem and the repair that was done, but I am very concerned that there May be other vehicles on the road that could end up with many deaths. And I am not confident that my problem has been solved.
2004 Buick Regal engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Buick Regal a good car?
Based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Regal rates better than average: 83% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Regal at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Buick Regal?
The electrical system — 35 complaints, 53% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the engine & cooling (25) and steering (6).
How many recalls does the 2004 Buick Regal have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2004 Buick Regal, the most recent from October 26, 2015 (manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Buick Regal?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2017 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 1998, 1996, 1995 and 1999. See the full Buick Regal years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Buick Regal problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 91,000 miles; 13% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.