2004 Buick Regal

2004 Buick Regal

Overview

The 2004 Buick Regal, a mid-size sedan, offered a blend of comfort and performance for its era. While generally considered a solid vehicle, like any car, it has specific areas where owners have reported issues. This analysis focuses on common mechanical and electrical problems, excluding routine maintenance. Understanding these potential pitfalls can help current and prospective owners make informed decisions regarding upkeep and repairs. The Regal’s reliability can vary depending on the specific powertrain and how well it has been maintained over the years.

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Engine

3.8L V6 (Naturally Aspirated)

Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks

• Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, sweet smell from coolant, white smoke from exhaust.
• Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold gaskets.
• Cost: $400 - $700

EGR Valve Clogging

• Symptoms: Rough idle, stalling, check engine light, poor acceleration.
• Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the EGR valve.
• Cost: $150 - $300

3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)

Supercharger Belt Slippage

• Symptoms: Loss of power, whining noise from the engine bay, check engine light.
• Solution: Replacement of the supercharger belt and tensioner.
• Cost: $100 - $250

Head Gasket Failure

• Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, engine overheating, milky oil.
• Solution: Replacement of head gaskets.
• Cost: $1000 - $1800

Transmission

4T65E Automatic

Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Issues

• Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds, slipping, delayed engagement, check engine light.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of the torque converter.
• Cost: $600 - $1200

Transmission Fluid Leaks

• Symptoms: Leaking fluid under the vehicle, shifting problems, overheating.
• Solution: Inspection and repair of seals, lines, or transmission case.
• Cost: $200 - $600

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Worn Struts/Shocks

• Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, clunking noises over bumps, uneven tire wear.
• Solution: Replacement of struts and/or shocks.
• Cost: $400 - $800

Ball Joint Wear

• Symptoms: Clunking noises, steering looseness, uneven tire wear.
• Solution: Replacement of worn ball joints.
• Cost: $300 - $600

Electrical

Body Control Module (BCM)

BCM Malfunctions

• Symptoms: Intermittent power windows, door locks, interior lights, dashboard warning lights, keyless entry issues.
• Solution: Reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
• Cost: $500 - $1000

Alternator

Alternator Failure

• Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light, dead battery, electrical system malfunctions.
• Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
• Cost: $300 - $600

Exterior

Body Panels & Trim

Clear Coat Peeling

• Symptoms: Fading paint, peeling clear coat, especially on the roof and hood.
• Solution: Repainting affected areas.
• Cost: $500 - $2000+

Interior

HVAC System

Blend Door Actuator Failure

• Symptoms: Inability to control temperature or airflow direction, clicking noises behind the dashboard.
• Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator.
• Cost: $200 - $500

Dashboard Illumination

Dim or Flickering Dashboard Lights

• Symptoms: Instrument cluster lights dimming or flickering, especially at night.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster or related wiring/modules.
• Cost: $300 - $700

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Summary Verdict

The 2004 Buick Regal is a generally reliable vehicle, particularly with the robust 3.8L V6 engines. However, common issues to be aware of include intake manifold gasket leaks and EGR valve problems on the naturally aspirated V6, and potential head gasket issues on the supercharged variant. Transmission problems, especially with the torque converter clutch on the 4T65E, can arise. Suspension components like struts and ball joints may require attention due to age and mileage. Electrical gremlins, such as BCM malfunctions and alternator failures, are also reported. Interior comfort features like the HVAC blend door actuators can fail. Exterior paint issues like clear coat peeling are cosmetic but common for vehicles of this age. Overall, with diligent maintenance and addressing these known issues, the Regal can remain a dependable car.