The 1997 Buick Regal has 5 recalls, the most serious being a brake line that can wear through where it contacts the power steering assembly, causing brake fluid loss and partial brake failure with no warning. Note that the brake line recall specifically affects the Gran Sport model. The 3.8L naturally aspirated engine has a separate concern: the front valve cover gasket can degrade and seep oil, which under hard braking can drip onto the hot exhaust manifold and start a fire. The windshield wiper crank arm assembly can also fail, causing the wipers to stop mid-operation during heavy snow or ice and leaving the driver without visibility in adverse weather.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine oil may leak onto the hot exhaust manifold through the front valve cover gasket, creating a fire risk. Previous repair attempts did not fully eliminate this problem.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front valve cover and gasket to stop the oil leak and eliminate the fire risk.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The front rocker cover gasket can wear out and leak engine oil. During hard braking, oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold and ignite, potentially spreading fire to nearby plastic components and the engine compartment.
What the fix does
The dealer will remove the spark plug wire retention channel and install two new spark plug wire retainers.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper motor's crank arm can separate internally, causing wipers to stop working, particularly after clearing snow or ice. This can reduce visibility and increase crash risk in bad weather.
What the fix does
Dealer will replace the crank arm, add reinforcements to the park mechanism, install a water deflector, and apply additional sealing to prevent water damage.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On Regal Gran Sport models, the right front brake pipe may rub against the power steering assembly, wearing through and leaking brake fluid, which could cause partial brake system failure.
What the fix does
Brake lines will be inspected for clearance, repositioned and secured. Damaged lines will be replaced and properly routed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front brake pipe may contact the power steering assembly, causing the brake line to wear through.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect clearance between the brake line and power steering assembly, reposition out-of-place assemblies, secure them properly, and replace any damaged brake lines.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
