Regal (2002)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
L36
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Buick Regal Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
L67
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
LA1
3.4L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Buick Regal, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2002 Buick Regal
On a used 2002 Buick Regal, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (49), the electrical system (36) and the cooling system (17). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 49 owner complaints on the 2002 Buick Regal about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on the 2002 Buick Regal about the electrical system.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 17 owner complaints on the 2002 Buick Regal about the cooling system, all engines combined.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 3 owner complaints on the 2002 Buick Regal about the wheels and tires.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 2 owner complaints on the 2002 Buick Regal about the suspension.
Recalls (5)
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. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
GM IS RECALLING 207,542 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L SUPERCHARGED V-6 ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES HAVE HIGHER FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET TEMPERATURES, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR EARLIER DEGRADATION OF THE FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET AND EVENTUAL OIL SEEPAGE.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2002 Buick Regal complaints?
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2002 Buick Regal. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the cooling system.
Is the 2002-2002 Buick Regal a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2002 Buick Regal. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Buick Regal have?
NHTSA has 116 owner complaints on file for the 2002-2002 Buick Regal as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Buick Regal?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2002-2002 Buick Regal vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Buick Regal?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the cooling system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Regal have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002 Buick Regal. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 116 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.