2001 Buick Regal

The 2001 Buick Regal is a mid-size sedan known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. Two engine options were available: a 3.8L V6 (L36) producing 200 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, and a supercharged 3.8L V6 (L67) generating 240 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with the 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the Regal for its reliability and smooth ride, while common complaints revolved around issues related to aging components and general maintenance costs.

Engine

3.8L V6 (L36)

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, loss of coolant without any visible external leaks, milky oil.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor idling, stalling, reduced fuel efficiency, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, poor acceleration, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ (depending on the number of injectors replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L Supercharged V6 (L67)

• Supercharger Coupler Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the supercharger, loss of boost.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger coupler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
• Supercharger Intercooler Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss, reduced supercharger performance, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil.
  • Solution: Replace or repair the intercooler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, poor acceleration, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ (depending on the number of injectors replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E (Both Engines)

• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, hard shifting, failure to shift, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (depending on the solenoid and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling when coming to a stop, shuddering at highway speeds, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Pressure Control Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, hard shifting, slippage, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the pressure control solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when going over bumps, reduced ride quality, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 (for both front or rear)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise when going over bumps, loose handling.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 (per side)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, slow window operation, grinding noise.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly, dim or non-functional display.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on repair vs. replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Bulb Socket Corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlight not working or flickering.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the headlight bulb socket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200

Exterior

• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaks easily.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 per door
• Side Mirror Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Side mirror no longer moves.
  • Solution: Replace the side mirror.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor only works on certain settings (usually high), or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
• Driver Information Center (DIC) Pixel Loss
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing or faded on the DIC display.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the DIC unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Sun Visor Sagging/Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Sun visor will not stay up.
  • Solution: Replace the Sun Visor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$200

Summary

The 2001 Buick Regal, while generally reliable, exhibits several common issues related to its age. Engine issues like intake manifold gasket failure and supercharger problems on the L67 can be costly. Transmission problems, particularly with the 4T65-E, can also be significant. Suspension and electrical issues are generally less expensive to address. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential maintenance items and factor them into their purchase decision. The severity of the issues ranges from minor annoyances to potentially major repairs. The cost to fix these issues can range from as little as $50 to upwards of $1200+, depending on the specific problem and the extent of the repair.