Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 010601007A | 07/01/2001 | 010601007 | 620835 | Experiencing excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold. *tt | 08/31/2001 |
| 010601007 | 09/01/2007 | 010601007C | 619176 | Engine coolant consumption or coolant leak (inspect for material degradation/replace intake manifolds) *tt updated 11/02/07 *nj | 05/17/2001 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 040601021 | 06/01/2004 | 10012148 | New rear main seal and special tool for installation. *tt | 02/15/2005 | |
| 010601002A | 12/01/2002 | 010601002 | 10000782 | Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure. *tt | 03/31/2003 |
| 010601008A | 05/01/2002 | 010601008 | 634813 | Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak. *tt | 10/09/2002 |
| 010601008 | 02/01/2001 | 619177 | Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak. *tt | 05/17/2001 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 020601014 | 04/01/2002 | 634708 | Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation. *tt | 10/07/2002 | |
| 010601010A | 06/01/2001 | 0106010101 | 620810 | Subject regarding polymer service pistons. *tt | 08/30/2001 |
| 990604005A | 04/01/2001 | 990604005 | 619360 | Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors. *tt | 05/24/2001 |
| 876002A | 07/01/1998 | 876002 | 615073 | Some v6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that is generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not re | 12/26/2000 |
| 990604005 | 02/01/1999 | 776304A | 604343 | Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire. *tt | 04/26/1999 |
| 9709016116A | 09/01/1997 | 54327 | Comments of an engine oil leak that appears to originate toward the driver's side of the vehicle; rear of engine. *yc | 03/30/1998 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||||
| 040601017 | 06/01/2004 | 10008471 | New upper intake manifold and gasket kits. *tt | 08/02/2004 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ||||||
| PE02050 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 06/13/2002 | 10/22/2002 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | ||
| Alleged engine compartment fire during startup.loud pops or backfires before the fire started | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 11/10/2008 | 90000 | 1 | |
| Vehicle back fire through the intake and smoke rolls out from under the hood when trying to start the vehicle, normally start good after sitting over night, but go to start it again it will back fire or the engine idle is very erratic before it will smooth out. i replace spark plug, spark plug wires, cam sensor, pcv valve, fuel filter check battery connection. *tr | |||
| 11/26/2008 | 78117 | 1 | 01/18/1997 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick regal. the contact noticed that the vehicle sporadically experienced a no-start condition. there was also a backfire that occurred when the vehicle was started. the upper intake manifold failed prior to the upper intake manifold. the dealer stated that his vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). the contact would not assume responsibility for the repair. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 78,117. updated 02/05/09. *lj coolant was found in the oil when repairs were made on the manifold. updated 02/10/09. *jb | |||
| 12/03/2006 | 87000 | 2 | 11/23/2006 |
| I bought a used car in boardman, ohio area and i now have a 1490.00 repair bill after salesman told me it was checked out. they replaced a burned out bulb with another burned out bulb which i can prove. i need help to stop this practice. *jb | |||
| 11/17/2001 | 105310 | 3 | |
| Anti freeze leaked inside the engine due to faulty intake manifold gaskets which were made of plastic. this happened frequently, even after antifreeze was refilled. *ak fumes from the antifreeze oil mixture were entering the cabin of the vehicle from the engine. *nm | |||
| 08/01/2002 | 99000 | 1 | 05/14/2001 |
| While driving 35 mph white smoke emitted from under the hood. the consumer was informed that coolant was in the engine oil and blew out a head gasket. the engine was not cover under the manufacturers recall. please provide any further information. *jb | |||
| 06/15/2003 | 0 | ||
| Other - oil leak - have been told by independent repair shops that it is either the cam shaft timing sencer or manifold with the cost ranging from $700.00 to $1200.00. also the motor mounts need to be replaced. tape player does not eject tape properly, been a problem since i got the car. brakes - have had complete brakes replaced. have been told buick regals are bad on brakes. air conditionung cooling coil in front of raditor has developed a leak. estimated cost to repair is $400.00. have not taken it to dealer. i got the car used in 1997 with about 72500 miles on it. | |||
| 09/15/2003 | 0 | ||
| Car broke down 2 days after i bought it, it broke down on the way to the shop. they kept the car for two days to fix it and i received it back. the next morning, the engine light was on, and it continues to be on, dan nelson network refuses to take the car back, and expects full payments on a vehicle that does not run properly | |||
| 5 | |||
| Vehicle had a defective water pump, oil pan, and engine's emission control. *la the engine light had come on and there was a noise when turning corners. the consumer requested reimbursement. *sc *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 09/01/2003 | 72000 | 1 | 07/21/2003 |
| Buick regal 1996.engine and engine cooling:cooling system hortly after just 72,000 miles, a leak developed near the upper intake manifold, causing excessive coolant loss (up to 1 gallon per week).*ak i believe this to be a saftey hazard resulting from a design flaw. the owner's manual includes several warnings that coolant contains ethylene glycol that will burn if it comes in contact with hot engine parts. i am also concerned this problem may have caused engine damage that will manifest itself later. i believe gm should address this as a safety hazard before someone is killed or seiously injured by an engine fire. thank you. djs | |||
| 02/28/2003 | 58118 | 02/22/2000 | |
| The engine was not running properly which caused a crack in upper intake manifold forcing excessive coolant into the top end of the engine and upper combustion chamber. this is an on-going problem with the 1996 buick regal. this could have resulted in a fire as indicated by the previous recall notice for the same problem. as a result of this incident, the following service was required: repair electrical failure, clean excessive coolant from upper combustion chambers, remove coolant from top end of engine, replace upper intake assemble and manifold, replace spark plugs, perform injector service, replace the pcv valve, oil and oil filter. although i have an extended warranty, i was still charged $557.17 for the repair. due to the numerous service bulletins, consumer complaints, and previous recall notice for the same situation, this defect should have been detected on march 7, 2002. at that time, i had the routine 60,000 mile service performed even though the car only had 50,480 miles. the total cost for the routine service was $807.00. for these reasons, i should be entitled to a reimbursement of the $557.01 charge. if needed, i will be more than happy to forward a copy of my service records for your review. additionally, i am concerned this recent event has caused damage to the engine and will have long term effects on engine performance requiring additional maintenance. it | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 02/16/2010 | 113048 | 1 | |
| On engine start, loud explosion in engine compartment. inspection reveled engine cover broken, upper intake manifold (plenum) split in two pieces. smell of gas, broken vacuum and fuel lines. must replace upper intake manifold, fuel rail, 2 injectors, various lines. old parts are available. *tr | |||
| 05/22/2007 | 186000 | 1 | 02/02/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick regal. the contact's vehicle caught fire after being parked for approximately fifteen minutes. there are four recalls on this vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 186,000. updated 02-01-08. *kb updated 02/19/10. *lj | |||
| 11/06/2004 | 181000 | 1 | |
| Vehicle would not start, it was towed to repair shop sat for about 24 hours, when trying to start it the intake manifold exploded. | |||
| 12/03/2002 | 15000 | 3 | 05/17/1996 |
| While driving at any speed, the vehicle would intermittently stall. just before the vehicle stalled, the check engine and battery light had come on. the vehicle had been to the dealer three times for this problem, but the dealer was unable to resolve the problem. *ak the stalling would also occur when making left turns. *sc | |||
| 10/21/2003 | 59701 | 1 | |
| While driving 40 mph vehicle stalled. then, vehicle restarted without any problem.*ak | |||
| 05/29/2002 | |||
| Plastic connection hose of oil filter to manifold on motor block broke off.consumer took vehicle into dealer, and they fixed the hose.*ak | |||
| 10/15/2000 | |||
| Bolt in oil pan has stripped and separated from oil pan. entire unit has to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 08/01/2000 | 06/01/1997 | ||
| Engine failed going uphill, valve failure, repairman says normal with type of buick. buick knows engine is bad, recalled other engine model for this year. *ak | |||
| 06/01/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1999 | |
| Loud ticking noise at startup: camshaft and lifters failed. *ak | |||
| 02/04/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1996 | |
| Broken valve spring in the engine. | |||
| 01/28/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1996 | |
| After having reported a steady burning engine check light to the dealer, approximately two weeks prior to engine problem and upon being advised to be sure to tighten gas cap to create the proper vacuum, the light went out and the car ran like a top. upon stopping at the store and hearing a little chug, the engine then rattled, etc. and had no power on start-up and was towed to dealer. the dealer found a broken valve spring in the engine. much to our consternation when we thought we had purchased a 100,000 mile virtually maintenance free engine, there seems to be no explanation for this occurrence and we wonder if: (1) others have complained of such a problem, (2) this is a defect in the original equipment, and (3) this might be a dealer defect to be corrected by the dealer. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 05/18/2002 | 1 | 05/29/1996 | |
| The vehicle experienced an oil leak at the intake manifold, the engine also developed rod bearing and/or wrist pin noise. nlm | |||
| While driving 1100 miles almost a quart of oil will be gone. oil consumption is very high. dealer claims this is a normal characterisic. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 04/01/1999 | 1 | 07/01/1996 | |
| Engine required replacement due to acceleration problems, several repair attempts prior to final diagnosis. mjs | |||
| 5 | |||
| When applying brakes in wet conditions,the vehicle will stall. also experiences a power surge ,which could cause an accident. *ak | |||
| 07/11/1998 | 3 | 01/02/1997 | |
| When the car is driven for a long period of time, it will begin stalling and cut off while driving, and will not restart for about 20 minutes. took to the dealer 3 times for this problem, but they can't duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 03/24/1998 | |||
| While driving the vehicle stalls without prior warning which almost caused an accident. dealer cannot determine problem. *ak | |||
| 1 | 10/20/1996 | ||
| Groaning/growling noise coming from the engine. | |||
| 2 | 10/20/1996 | ||
| Vehicel stalled several times. | |||
| 1 | 10/20/1996 | ||
| Burning odor coming from the engine area. | |||
| 08/03/1997 | |||
| Vehicle stalls when driving,. once it stalls the vehicle will not restart; have to get it towed. vehicle stalls at any given speed. contacted the dealer, and they are aware of the problem. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 09/01/2002 | 05/01/2001 | ||
| Manifold makes noise. cracked. mr | |||
| 03/01/1996 | 1 | 11/30/1995 | |
| Exhaust system bushing between pipes failed. | |||
| 03/14/1996 | |||
| The exhaust system makes a loud noise. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CRANKCASE (PCV) | |||
| 5 | |||
| Vehicle had a defective water pump, oil pan, and engine's emission control. *la the engine light had come on and there was a noise when turning corners. the consumer requested reimbursement. *sc *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 02/23/2010 | 130000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1996 buick regal le. the contact stated there was an unusual loud explosion immediately after the vehicle was started. she opened the hood to further investigate and was exhumed with thick smoke emitting from the engine. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the top manifold melted. the mechanic replaced the manifold, injectors, sensor wires, pcv valves, and hoses. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000. the approximate current mileage was 130,000. | |||
| 02/05/2005 | 29050 | 3 | 09/19/2001 |
| After turning the ignition to start the vehicle there was an explosion, the engine was on fire. the fire department was called, and the fire was extinguished. this vehicle was not included in the intake manifold nhtsa recall 96v116000. *ak the egr valve was inoperative and on another occasion the vehicle had to be jump started. *sc *jb | |||
| 08/14/2004 | 51278 | 1 | 05/11/2004 |
| While attempting to start the vehicle the consumer heard an explosion. *nm a hole was discovered blown through the intake manifold and a crack was discovered a crack in the dust cover. the consumer requested reibursement. *sc | |||
| 01/11/2004 | 51750 | 2 | 06/17/1996 |
| My 1996 buick regal has had two intake manifold gasket failures--one at 52,000 miles, and the most recent, at 111,000 miles. in the first instance, the local buick dealership refunded half my money of the cost of the $607 repairs because they agreed that it was highly unusual for a gasket to fail at such low mileage. my son, who did the most recent repai andr is a materials science engineer, inspected the most recent failure and found several places on the gasket where it was deformed and had let antifreeze escape. his opinion was that it was badly designed, with inferior materials.*ak | |||