1997 Buick Regal Problems: 2 Known Issues
1997 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Buick Regal has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 3.8L V6 Valve Cover Oil Leak onto Exhaust Manifold — Fire Recall 09V116000 and Front Rocker Cover Gasket Oil Seepage Can Ignite on the Exhaust Manifold (Recall 08V118000). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 2 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls13 recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
ENGINE AND 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.
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.
ENGINE AND 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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Buick Regal problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Buick Regal has 2 documented issues. Documented issues include: 3.8L V6 Valve Cover Oil Leak onto Exhaust Manifold — Fire Recall 09V116000, Front Rocker Cover Gasket Oil Seepage Can Ignite on the Exhaust Manifold (Recall 08V118000). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick Regal reliable?
The 1997 Buick Regal has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 3.8L V6 Valve Cover Oil Leak onto Exhaust Manifold — Fire Recall 09V116000 and Front Rocker Cover Gasket Oil Seepage Can Ignite on the Exhaust Manifold (Recall 08V118000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 1997-2003 Buick Regal 3.8L V6 Valve Cover Oil Leak onto Exhaust Manifold — Fire Recall 09V116000?
Buick Regals from 1997 through 2003 equipped with the 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 fall under GM recall 09V116000. The defect is an oil leak path that lets drops of engine oil land on the exhaust manifold when the car is braked hard. Should the manifold be hot enough and the oil r… Severity: high.
What is the 1997-2003 Buick Regal Front Rocker Cover Gasket Oil Seepage Can Ignite on the Exhaust Manifold (Recall 08V118000)?
GM recalled Buick Regals built for the 1997-2003 model years that came with the supercharged 3.8L V-6 — in the Regal line that is the GS-style supercharged car, not the naturally aspirated version. On these engines the front rocker (valve) cover gasket runs at higher temperatures… Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.