Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 5% | 30,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 11% | 22,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 7% | 11,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 6% | 25,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 8% | 15,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% | 24,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% | 105,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% | 95,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 5% | 76,000 miles |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% | 27,000 miles |
| 2000 | 10 | 5% | 68,000 miles |
| 1999 | 17 | 7% | 89,000 miles |
| 1998 | 25 | 8% | 90,000 miles |
| 1997 | 9 | 7% | 90,000 miles |
| 1996 | 6 | 3% | — |
| 1995 | 10 | 6% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
When backing out of a dark area (such as a garage) into bright light, or when leaving a dark tunnel into bright light, the backup display or forward navigation display become unusable due to contrast ("washout") issues. The system in the Buick is a single sensor system (it also controls the automatic head lights) that requires 20-30 seconds to adjust contrast after a transition from dark to light. This 20-30 second delay is critical when backing up because you lose the view offered by the review camera unless you stop while the system adjusts. There are many situations where you can't stop backing (especially for 30 seconds) once you have started. The "washout" of the display when using the navigation map is also a potential safety issue. …
2016 Buick Regal with 11K mikes. The windshield recently developed a crack in the left lower corner. The crack started at the bottom edge (below the dash) about 8 inches from the lower left corner. Over several days, the crack slowly spread up and to the left, ending at the left edge of the windshield about 6 inches from the lower left corner. The crack is in the inner laminated glass only. Vehicle was taken to a Buick dealer to see if the windshield can be replaced under warranty. The service advisor claimed it was a stress crack, but wanted to check with the GM zone rep. Before proceeding. GM zone rep. Denied the warranty claim because he felt something hit the windshield causing the crack. The windshield has no signs of any impact on it. The GM zone rep. Never actually inspected the car. Vehicle was also taken a glass shop for their opinion. …
Vehicle was left unattended securely in our home garage. Upon seeing vehicle in the morning we noticed the sunroof was shattered. There was no falling debris to have caused this, no abnormal weather conditions, and no one around the vehicle the entire time. Vehicle was taken to dealer who refused warranty repair. Upon further investigation the 2015 model year Buick regals have a recall for this exact issue but not the 2014s.
Vehicle was left unattended securely in our home garage. Upon seeing vehicle in the morning we notice the sunroof was shattered. There was no falling debris to have caused this. Upon further inspection the 2015 model year Buick regals have a recall for this exact issue but not the 2014s.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating and would lose power without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where he was informed that the catalytic converter, idle air control valve and the manifold absolute pressure were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. Updated 12/12/11 the consumer stated the exhaust manifold front and rear glowed reed hot. The engine temperature gauge was in the red. Coolant leaked from a hose near the engine and the engine began to emit blue smoke. The vehicle burned one quart of oil excessively. The battery, thermostat, front brakes, transmission oil filter and gasket were all replaced. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Regal. While driving at an unknown speed, the instrument panel lighting dimmed, the windows failed to close and open, and the air conditioning system failed to cool. The dealer performed diagnostic testing, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 94,528. Updated 10/24/14 updated 08/28/2017
Driver's side mirror has started to 'bubble' and become foggy. Car is equipped with heated electrochromatic power mirrors. Hard to use the mirror to see traffic behind vehicle. Have talked with some area dealers and repair garages and they indicated this happens quite often.
Bright sun caused significant impairment of visibility caused by glare from dash reflected into the windshield. Design problem involving the angle of the windshield relative to the reflective surface of the dash.
Related recalls (2)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The windshield wipers May stop working due to a separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm and install a water deflector.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Some of these vehicles have a strained or separated washer/wiper switch power feed wire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the old designed washer/wiper switches with a newly designed switch.
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper
Incidents of wiper failure (owner reports and warranty) are very high, and many of the reports indicate that the failures are still occurring in 1999.
Windshield wiper
By letter dated December 12, 1999, GM notified NHTSA of its plans to conduct a safety related defect campaign to remedy 155,149 of the subject vehicles.the vehicle population for the campaign includes the 1997 Buick regal/century and Pontiac gran prix models built during the period from the start of production through May 1, 1997.GM determined that the wipers installed prior to this date could stop working, usually…
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Regal years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (25), 1999 (17), 1995 (10), 2000 (10) and 1997 (9) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Buick Regal window & wiper problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 99V-348 (linkages, Dec 16, 1999); 97V-017 (switch/wiring, Feb 11, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Buick Regal window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the power window devices and controls (42 mentions), followed by the windshield wiper/washer (20).
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.