1996 Buick Regal vs 1998 Buick Regal
Complaints, recalls, TSBs, investigations and safety ratings side by side, from official federal data. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
| Metric | 1996 Buick Regal | 1998 Buick Regal |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA complaints | 204 | 302 |
| Recall campaigns | 1 | 4 |
| Service bulletins (TSBs) | 43 | 84 |
| Investigations | 6 | 6 |
| Crash reports | 14 | 7 |
| Fire reports | 16 | 41 |
| NCAP overall rating | — | — |
| EPA MPG (combined) | 21 | 19–21 |
| Median reported mileage | 87,500 mi | 92,100 mi |
Reported problems side by side
| Component | Buick Regal | Buick Regal |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 18 | 76 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 36 | 55 |
| Electrical System | 24 | 51 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 39 | 24 |
| Visibility | 7 | 27 |
| Engine | 2 | 29 |
| Air Bags | 21 | 5 |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 22 |
Symptoms owners describe
| Stalling | 9 | 30 |
| Rust / corrosion | 9 | 0 |
| Vibration / shaking | 0 | 12 |
| Steering problems | 0 | 8 |
| Check engine light | 0 | 5 |
1996 Buick Regal
1998 Buick Regal
Compare all Buick Regal vs Buick Regal years →
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports. A vehicle that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — use shares and read the underlying reports before drawing conclusions.