Model year report

2003 Buick Regal: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2003 Buick Regal

On the 2003 Buick Regal, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, and the reports cluster around 130,000 miles. The earliest to appear is ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure, reported by a median of 85,000 miles. Overall it scores 67 out of 100, high risk for a 2003.

High risk for a 2003 — 207th riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. 139 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

The failures owners actually file about

Owners have reported 34 named failure modes on the 2003 Buick Regal, and the three most-reported carry 39% of everything filed.

Other engine problem leads with 24 reports, about 0.6 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 110k to 165,000 miles.

Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure follows with 22 reports, usually reported between 46k to 105,000 miles.

Other electrical problem follows with 8 reports, median 150,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.

By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (35), electrical (31) and lighting (13).

When these failures get reported

95 of the reports on the 2003 Buick Regal came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 97,500 miles.

Cumulatively, 24% by 50,000 miles, 51% by 100,000 miles and 69% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 8 filed above the top of the chart.

The busiest stretch is between 90,000 and 100,000 miles, which alone holds 9% of the dated reports.

16% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.

Median

Other engine problem

128k
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure

86k
Other electrical problem

149k
Overheating

196k
Tail light, brake light or signal failure

171k
Other brake problem

80k
Other body or interior problem

15k
Other powertrain problem

26k
Other wheel or tire problem

55k
Engine bay fire

194k
Oil leak

258k
Stalling while driving

100k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 34. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 98k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 8 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

How bad it is when it goes

Across the named modes, 5 mention a crash, 17 a fire and 5 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 5.07, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure at $250–$1,500, other electrical problem at $250–$2,000 and overheating at $400–$3,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

34% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
Other engine problem	engine	24	12	110k	128k	163k	0.6	$300–$4,000	High
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure	electrical	22	20	46k	86k	106k	0.6	$250–$1,500	High
Other electrical problem	electrical	8	6	—	149k	—	0.2	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Overheating	cooling	7	7	—	196k	—	0.2	$400–$3,500	High
Tail light, brake light or signal failure	lighting	7	4	—	171k	—	0.2	$100–$900	Moderate
Other brake problem	brakes	6	5	—	80k	—	0.2	$300–$1,800	High
Other body or interior problem	body	5	1	—	15k	—	0.1	$200–$2,000	Moderate
Other powertrain problem	transmission	4	2	—	26k	—	0.1	$400–$4,500	High
Other wheel or tire problem	wheels	4	3	—	55k	—	0.1	$200–$1,500	High
Engine bay fire	engine	3	1	—	194k	—	0.1	$4,000–$20,000	Critical
Oil leak	engine	3	1	—	258k	—	0.1	$250–$2,200	Moderate
Stalling while driving	engine	3	3	—	100k	—	0.1	$300–$2,500	Critical
Headlight failure or clouding	lighting	3	3	—	45k	—	0.1	$150–$1,800	Moderate
Other steering problem	steering	3	1	—	6k	—	0.1	$350–$2,400	High
Other lighting problem	lighting	3	3	—	29k	—	0.1	$120–$1,200	Moderate
Fuel pump failure	fuel	2	2	—	98k	—	0.1	$600–$2,600	High
Brake line, hose or caliper failure	brakes	2	2	—	110k	—	0.1	$250–$1,600	Critical
Parking brake failure	brakes	2	2	—	5k	—	0.1	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash	airbag	2	0	—	—	—	0.1	$1,000–$5,000	Critical
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure	steering	2	2	—	17k	—	0.1	$700–$2,600	High
Steering column or shaft failure	steering	2	2	—	92k	—	0.1	$600–$2,500	Critical
Rust or structural corrosion	body	2	1	—	124k	—	0.1	$500–$6,000	High
Air conditioning failure	hvac	2	2	—	95k	—	0.1	$400–$2,800	Moderate
Other fuel system problem	fuel	2	1	—	180k	—	0.1	$300–$2,200	High
No-start or intermittent start failure	engine	1	1	—	70k	—	0.0	$200–$1,800	Moderate
Misfire or rough idle	engine	1	1	—	175k	—	0.0	$250–$1,600	Moderate
CV axle or driveshaft failure	drivetrain	1	1	—	32k	—	0.0	$450–$2,200	High
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure	electrical	1	1	—	82k	—	0.0	$700–$3,000	High
Instrument cluster or gauge failure	infotainment	1	1	—	95k	—	0.0	$350–$1,400	Moderate
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault	airbag	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$300–$1,600	High
Seat belt or retractor failure	airbag	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$200–$900	High
Window regulator or power window failure	body	1	1	—	50k	—	0.0	$250–$900	Moderate
Wiper or washer failure	glass	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$120–$800	Moderate
Other speed control problem	adas	1	1	—	91k	—	0.0	$250–$2,000	Critical
Unclassified problem	other	6	2	—	46k	—	0.2	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2003 Buick Regal draws about 3.7 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 79th percentile of complaint rates among 2003 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 37,437 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2003 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure

Ignition switch failure. Caused engine to die while driving. Unable to change gear out of drive. All warning lights flashing. Would not restart. Happened in a parking lot, no damage. Temp fix got it started, then same thing happened on freeway, coasted to shoulder, no damage. Towed to dealer, determined ignition switch problem and replaced. Okay since. *tr

62,468 miles NHTSA complaint 788944 filed 2010-05-22

On multiple but intermittent occasions, when the left turn signal is engaged all dashboard warning lights flash and the vehicle stops running. I was fortunate in that it never occurred in heavy traffic, but it still represents a significant danger. On one particular occasion, it failed to restart and I had the vehicle towed to an authorized gm dealer who kept it for seven days but failed to find or fix the problem. Instead, they replaced "broken and loose connectors on the fuse box." when the problem recurred two days later, I returned to the gm dealer who, despite keeping the vehicle for another three days, still failed to find the problem. I decided to take the vehicle to an automotive electrical specialist but first searched the internet under "2003 buick electrical problems", and found that this was a fairly common problem that gm was aware of (a gm customer service representative had replied on one of the forums - edmunds.com? - that gm reads these forums). Having learned from the forums that the most probable cause was the ignition switch, I took it to an automotive electrical specialist who found a defective ignition switch…

47,104 miles NHTSA complaint 851780 filed 2011-04-15

Recalls on the 2003 model year

NHTSA has issued 5 recall campaigns covering the 2003 Buick Regal, affecting an estimated 74,144 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover engine and engine cooling:engine, engine and engine cooling and steering. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.

15V701000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

1,003,556 vehicles 2015-10-26

Defect: 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.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537…

09V116000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1,497,516 vehicles 2009-04-08

Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com.

09E005000

STEERING

979 vehicles 2009-02-17

Defect: 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.
Consequence: A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on february 23, 2009. Owners may contact dorman's toll-free hotline at 1-800-523-2492 and press 5.

08E063000

STEERING

3,855 vehicles 2008-10-17

Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. The recall began on october 16, 2008. Owners may contact dorman toll free at 1-800-523-2492.

08V118000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

207,542 vehicles 2008-03-12

Defect: 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.
Consequence: Certain underhood fires may be caused by drops of engine oil, from seepage or spillage, being deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, along with the 1-3-5 spark plug wire retainers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. , free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Until the remedy is completed, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions (1) that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, car port, or other structure; (2) if…

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2003 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2003 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

Better and worse years of the same car

High risk for a 2003 — 207th riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.

Across the 18 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2004 comes out best at 57 and 2018 worst at 79, with 2003 itself at 67.

If the model year is negotiable, 2004 and 2017 score lower than 2003 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.

Within the 2000–2005 generation specifically, 2004 is the strongest year at 57 and 2001 the weakest at 71.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 2000-2005 generation, 2004 Buick Regal scores best at 57 and 2001 Buick Regal worst at 71.

What to look at before buying one

The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure from about 46k and other engine problem from about 110k.

On a 2003 Buick Regal with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.

None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.

What this page cannot tell you

139 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 139 reports, 95 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 68% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Regal?

The most-reported failures are other engine problem (24 reports, median 130,000 miles), ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure (22 reports, median 85,000 miles) and other electrical problem (8 reports, median 150,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

At what mileage do 2003 Buick Regal problems start?

Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 85,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 45,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 97,500 miles.

Is the 2003 Buick Regal reliable?

It scores 67 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 207th riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2003 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the Buick Regal is best?

Within the 2000–2005 generation, 2004 scores best at 57 out of 100 and 2001 worst at 71. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 20 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed