Airbag complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 11% | — |
| 2015 | 3 | 9% | 98,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% | 44,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 3% | 46,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% | 11,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% | 135,000 miles |
| 2001 | 8 | 4% | 115,000 miles |
| 2000 | 21 | 11% | 50,000 miles |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% | 120,000 miles |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% | 208,000 miles |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% | 101,000 miles |
| 1996 | 21 | 10% | 98,000 miles |
| 1995 | 49 | 28% | 114,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Service airbag was displayed on the dashboard when I started my vehicle. Took it in to a Buick dealership and it was the airbag module. My concern is that it went out at all in a vehicle that had less than 100,000 miles on it and if it would happen again.
The two systems that failed are the airbag release on the front passenger side and the stabilitrak system. Both systems show error lights on the dash. The front seat passenger does not have airbag protection. The stabilitrak system error light appears intermittently and when the traction system goes off the car brakes almost stop the car while driving. We go to Royal Buick in Tucson, Arizona. We worked with Germaine Kendrick. I've attached the dealer service invoice dated April 14, 2023. The invoice summarized the problem and stated that 1) a new seatbelt assesmbly is needed and 2) the service technician states that they can not replicate or repair the traction problems. Today is June 11, 2023. We are still waiting for the seatbelt assembly to "arrive". There is no solution for the traction system. We have phoned and texted 4 times. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Buick Regal. While driving 5 MPH, the brakes malfunctioned and another vehicle struck the passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the back, the entire right side of the body, the foot, and the neck. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown. Updated 11/29/16 updated 12/13/16.
While traveling at 25 MPH in traffic driver applied the brakes and the brake pedal was very hard. As a result, the driver hit another vehicle. The air bag failed to deploy during the accident. The vehicle sustained $9700 damage but the other vehicle sustained no damage.
Had a front tire blow out car went across the road down into small ditch and stopped to hit a mailbox resulting in the airbags deploying the passenger side airbag came out so hard that it broke the windshield driver side airbag came out and resulted in it breaking my spine I've had to have one surgery since then and maybe more
Was in fatal accident on May 8 2009 in des moines, ia. It was light rain that night and I made an attempt to turn a corner and slide right through and fence and dropped down a hill about and estimated 20 feet. The anti-brake system failed as well as the airbag not deploying is my concern. This was not the first incident. The one took place in December of 2009. A deer ran out in front of the car and the same thing happened I was they conducted an investigation, but was not informed to where I could understand. Now the case is with their lawyers who won't answer the phone.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Buick Regal. The contact observed a small amount of oil leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated each time he moved the driver seat. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V701000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Updated 03/10/16 updated 05/14/18
Air bag light is on I see others have a electrical contact problem with module. Mercedes now has a recall for the same problem. Gas line had to be replaced. The Chevy impala a w-car are identical fuel lines have been recalled I expected all GM w-cars would have followed. The check engine light shows up as a fuel evaporative system on tech. Reader. Note: all the conditions shown above are on all the time after starting.
Related recalls (2)
Air bags › Side/window
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles exhibit a condition in which the driver side impact air bag inflator separates from the air bag module during deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the side impact air bag module.
Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Corrosion of the air bag inflator's internal wiring, which can occur over time, could cause the inadvertent deployment of the driver's air bag. This deployment could occur during vehicle start-up, while the vehicle is parked or idling, or while in operation.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inflators on these air bags.
NHTSA investigations
Inadvertent air bag deployment
There is no summary currently available
Inappropriate air bag deployment
The failure rate (1.25/100K) on this issue is low.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constiture a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to closely monitor this issue.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the…
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Regal years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (49), 1996 (21), 2000 (21), 2001 (8) and 2011 (8) model years. Airbag complaints make up 28% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Buick Regal airbag problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 00V-371 (side/window, Nov 13, 2000); 00V-171 (frontal, Jul 3, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Buick Regal airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (63 mentions), followed by the side/window (6).
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.