2004 Buick Regal

Introduction

The 2004 Buick Regal is a mid-size sedan that was available with three engine and transmission options: a 2.4L four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, a 3.8L V6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.8L V6 engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The 2.4L engine produces 144 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.8L engine produces 200 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The Regal is known for its comfortable interior, spacious trunk, and powerful V6 engine. However, it is also known for having some reliability issues.

Engine

2.4L Four-Cylinder

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak and decreased engine performance. Symptoms include rough idling, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and damage the engine. Symptoms include rattling noises from the engine, decreased engine performance, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $800+
• Valve cover gasket leak: The valve cover gasket can leak oil, causing a burning oil smell and decreased engine performance. Symptoms include smoke from the engine, oil in the spark plug wells, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200

3.8L V6 (Four-Speed Automatic Transmission)

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak and decreased engine performance. Symptoms include rough idling, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Water pump failure: The water pump can fail, causing the engine to overheat. Symptoms include a high coolant temperature gauge reading, steam from the engine, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the water pump. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500
• Power steering pump failure: The power steering pump can fail, causing the steering to become difficult. Symptoms include a squealing noise when turning the steering wheel, a stiff steering wheel, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the power steering pump. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $300

3.8L V6 (Five-Speed Manual Transmission)

• Clutch failure: The clutch can fail, causing the transmission to slip and lose power. Symptoms include a burning smell when shifting gears, difficulty shifting gears, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $800+
• Transmission fluid leak: The transmission can leak fluid, causing a loss of power and decreased fuel economy. Symptoms include a low transmission fluid level, a whining noise when driving, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the leaking seal or component. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+

Transmission

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip and lose power. Symptoms include a shuddering sensation when shifting gears, decreased acceleration, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $800 - $1,200+
• Transmission control module (TCM) failure: The TCM can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. Symptoms include erratic shifting, delayed shifts, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the TCM. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600+

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• No issues found

Suspension

• Strut failure: The struts can fail, causing the car to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include a clunking noise when driving over bumps, decreased stability, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the struts. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600+
• Control arm bushing failure: The control arm bushings can fail, causing the car to handle poorly and pull to one side. Symptoms include a clunking noise when turning, decreased stability, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the control arm bushings. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not be charged. Symptoms include a dim dashboard, a battery warning light, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, causing the car to not start. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the car, no sound when trying to start the car, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior

• Headlight failure: The headlights can fail, causing reduced visibility at night. Symptoms include dim headlights, flickering headlights, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the headlight bulbs or assembly. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• Climate control failure: The climate control system can fail, causing the car to not heat or cool properly. Symptoms include no heat or air conditioning, erratic temperature control, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the climate control module or other components. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Window regulator failure: The window regulators can fail, causing the windows to not roll up or down properly. Symptoms include a window that is stuck, a window that rolls up or down slowly, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the window regulator motor or other components. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Summary

The 2004 Buick Regal is a comfortable and spacious sedan with a powerful V6 engine. However, it is known for having some reliability issues, particularly with the engine and transmission. The cost of these repairs can be significant, so it is important to factor this in when considering purchasing a used Regal.