Fuel System complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2018 | 1 | 5% | 22,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 2% | 18,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 12% | 12,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 5% | 80,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 4% | 38,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% | 76,000 miles |
| 2011 | 17 | 6% | 70,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% | 180,000 miles |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% | 44,000 miles |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% | 75,000 miles |
| 2000 | 7 | 4% | 137,000 miles |
| 1999 | 6 | 2% | 100,000 miles |
| 1998 | 4 | 1% | 64,000 miles |
| 1997 | 5 | 4% | 80,000 miles |
| 1996 | 19 | 9% | 113,000 miles |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% | 75,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was struck on the drivers side by another vehicle that ran a red light while I was going through an intersection. Side airbags deployed but emergency fuel shut off did not work to shut off fuel supply or fuel it got stuck. This resulted in further damage and injuries as the car spun out of control and did not stop until it hit a tree.
I started experiencing excessive oil burn at around. Since then, I have checked my oil biweekly to top off and keep at proper levels along with consistent oil changes as the oil gets dirty quickly. Dealerships before have told me that its "normal" for these engines. I discovered a bad oil leak. Vacuum pump issues. Multiple camshaft seals worn away, that were hard as rock from excessive heat including piston seals that had been affected. Thought this possibly had fixed the excessive oil burn. A few weeks later I received the oil level low notification on the car computer. I check and its very low. The oil burn is continuing with no clear signs of an oil leak with dirty oil. There is possibly more problems within the engine that aren't seen. I have checked previous complaints. I notice that this engine has many of the same problems with the turbo package on GM vehicles. …
I have a Buick power add on system that is 50 state carb legal called the stage one kit offered by GM the kit consists of an air intake and a software calibration. Among all the issues I have been having with the car their final solution was to install the OEM calibration and fuel tables but leave the the stage one kit installed. I believe this makes my car non-50 state emissions compliant. Part number for stage kit is 12653664. The isntallation manual specifically mentions not driving without the calibration update from the dealer. I have no way of putting it back in.
Console wont turn on in the heat. It disconnects. Parking light says not in park when parked and wont turn off. Lights burn out very fast. Has happened since I bought this vehicle , new! It is very sluggish when taking off from stop.
Preparing to park into a parking space in an off street parking lot the vehicle forcefully and rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into a fence. I was not accelerating. I attempted to stop the car using the brakes but they did not engage quickly enough to stop the rapid, forceful, and without warning acceleration. Buick has been contacted about the defect. Buick ran extensive diagnostics on the car and denies there is a defect. Police came to the scene and advised that given the 2 other incidents that I have experienced, the car is unsafe to drive given potential damage to others. A police report was filed.
While the vehicle was driving, there was a loss of power, at that moment sparks was seen emanating from under the hood, then the vehicle completely stopped running. Once pulled over smoke was bellowing out from the hood and subsequently ignited into flames. Fire department was dispatched and fire was extinguished. The vehicle was towed away and is still at the tow yard. The tow operator, based on visual inspection stated the fire did start in the engine compartment and spread to the fire wall, totaling the vehicle.
I backed the car in drive and the guages were normal. When I got out I saw a small amount of smoke coming from under car but within a minute there were flames coming from under the car and within a few minutes the flames were above the car. I called 911 when I saw flames and knew I wasn't going to be able to put the fire out myself. The fire dept arrived, it took them at least 30 minutes to put the fire out. A county deputy arrived and there is a police report (I tried to upload it and it failed each time). The damage has been inspected by an insurance representative from the owner of the house (upload failed.
Oil leaks,05/22/2016. I have dad several hard breaking times -highway-and I have sense noticed oil leaking and smelled oil smoke from engine.I had recall #15757 back in 02/2016.called about parts to fif problem.they say they cant get parts,-on back order- been almost 6 months,still no parts.loudacrous.no excuse.
Related recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The clamp that secures the flexible fuel fill hose to the metal fill tube May be loose and could separate.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel hose fill neck clamp and, if necessary, reposition and tighten the clamp.
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with GM?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a…
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Regal years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (19), 2011 (17), 2000 (7), 2001 (7) and 1999 (6) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Buick Regal fuel system problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 00V-160 (filler pipe and cap, Jun 16, 2000); 96V-116 (fuel injection system, Jul 1, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Buick Regal fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the delivery › fuel pump (16 mentions), followed by the fuel injection system (8).
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.