2002 Buick Regal

Introduction

The 2002 Buick Regal is a midsize sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 3.8L V6 that produced 200 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. A supercharged version of the 3.8L V6 was also available, producing 240 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

People who like the 2002 Buick Regal praise its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine options. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s reliability.

Engine

3.8L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold gasket, engine overheating, rough idle, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the head gasket, engine overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L Supercharged V6

• Supercharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining or grinding noise from the supercharger, loss of power, reduced boost pressure
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Shifting problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, hard shifting, delayed shifting
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, reduced handling and stability
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control arm failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, reduced handling and stability
  • Solution: Replace the control arms
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after sitting for a period of time, electrical components not working properly
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, flickering electrical components, battery not charging properly
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door lock actuator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks not working properly, doors not locking or unlocking
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working properly, windows not going up or down
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof drain tube clogs
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the vehicle through the sunroof, headliner getting wet
  • Solution: Clean out the sunroof drain tubes
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Free - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC blower motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor not working properly, no air flow from the vents
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Buick Regal is a comfortable and powerful midsize sedan, but it has been known to have some reliability issues. The most common problems include engine leaks, transmission problems, and electrical issues. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the age and condition of the vehicle.