Buick

Regal (2002)

2002 · Midsize Sedan · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.0)
116 NHTSA Complaints
5 Recalls
23 Fire Reports
2 Crash Reports
View all 7 generations of the Buick Regal → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Buick Regal Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (2.0)
21 complaints 21.0 per year
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
6
electrical
6
engine
3
wheels tires
2
cooling
2

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (6 complaints)
Engine Issues (3 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (2 complaints)

L36

3.8L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.3)
94 complaints 79.0 per year
21 fire reports
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Complaint Breakdown

engine
46
electrical
30
cooling
15
brakes
6
other
6

Known Issues

Engine Issues (46 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (30 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (15 complaints)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

LA1

3.4L 6-cyl
Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Buick Regal regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (49 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (36 complaints)
electrical critical
Cooling System Issues (15 complaints)
cooling critical

Recalls (5)

15V701000Oct 25, 2015serious
Engine & Cooling

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.

09E005000Feb 16, 2009serious
Steering

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.

09V116000Aug 3, 2009serious
Engine & Cooling

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.

08E063000Oct 16, 2008serious
Steering

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.

08V118000Dec 2, 2008serious
Engine & Cooling

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2002 Buick Regal problems?

The 2002-2002 Buick Regal has accumulated 116 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Cooling System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Buick Regal engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2002 Buick Regal was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.8L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2002 Buick Regal a good used car?

The 2002-2002 Buick Regal can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 116 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Buick Regal have?

The 2002-2002 Buick Regal has 116 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Buick Regal?

There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2002 Buick Regal vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Buick Regal?

Before buying a used Buick Regal, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Cooling System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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: 2026-05-23.

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