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W · Sedan

1997 Buick Regal

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1997 Buick Regal.

Recall campaigns
8
Owner complaints
141, mostly steering
Safety record

Recalls on the 1997 Buick Regal

Recall·15V701000

Engine and engine cooling: engine

The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may…

Recall·09V116000

Engine and engine cooling

8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE.

Recall·08V118000

Engine and engine cooling

8L SUPERCHARGED V-6 ENGINE.

5 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 141 owners reported

Steering37
Engine and engine cooling28
Electrical system12
Visibility11

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1997 Buick Regal at a glance

Trims
GSLS
Engine
3.8L 6-Cylinder Supercharged, 3.8L 6-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 4-spd
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
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Other Buick Regal years

202020192018201720162015201420132012201120042003200220012000199919981996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1997 Buick Regal?

Owners have filed 141 complaints about the 1997 Buick Regal with NHTSA, most often about the steering. There are 8 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1997 Buick Regal reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 8 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1997 Buick Regal?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1997 Buick Regal listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.