The 2000 Buick Regal has 3 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from engine oil dripping onto a hot exhaust manifold, and a brake defect where rear spindle rod bolts can break and cause sudden loss of steering control.
On the brake side, bolt heads on the rear spindle rod can separate, and if the remaining bolt breaks completely, the rear wheel shifts out of position and steers the car unexpectedly, giving the driver no warning before losing control. The oil leak recall stems from oil reaching the exhaust manifold surface, where it can ignite. The third recall is a compliance issue with no direct safety consequence: a software calibration error in the onboard diagnostics system can trigger a false evaporative emissions fault code, causing the check engine light to illuminate even when nothing is functionally wrong with the emissions system.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt head on the rear spindle rod may come loose or separate. If the bolt breaks completely, the rear wheel can shift position, causing unexpected rear-wheel steering and potential loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear spindle rod bolts with new ones.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The diagnostic system may incorrectly trigger a check-engine light for an emissions system problem that doesn't actually exist.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine computer software to fix the false warning system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
