1998 Buick Regal

Introduction

The 1998 Buick Regal LS is a mid-size sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. It was powered by a 3.8L V6 engine that produced 205 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. The Regal LS was available with either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission. The vehicle was known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and powerful engine. However, it also had some reliability issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

3.8L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, decreased engine performance, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating engine
  • Solution: Replace water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Steering Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise, difficulty steering
  • Solution: Replace power steering pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping out of gear
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise, loose steering
  • Solution: Replace control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, flickering dashboard gauges, dead battery
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after sitting overnight
  • Solution: Test and replace faulty electrical components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Clear Coat Peeling
  • Description/Symptoms: Peeling and bubbling clear coat on paint
  • Solution: Repair or repaint affected areas
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rust Prone
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust on body panels, especially around wheel wells
  • Solution: Treat rust and apply protective coating
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing windows
  • Solution: Replace window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heater Core Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Sweet smell in cabin, coolant loss, foggy windows
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 Buick Regal LS is a reliable vehicle overall, but it does have some potential issues that owners should be aware of. The most common problems include engine intake manifold gasket failure, transmission slipping, suspension control arm bushing failure, alternator failure, clear coat peeling, rust, and power window failure. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the condition of the vehicle.