1998 Buick Regal Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 1998 Buick Regal?
The 1998 Buick Regal offers a comfortable, robust driving experience, but requires diligent attention to its well-documented intake manifold gasket and transmission vulnerabilities. While the core 3800 V6 engine is stellar, these common failure points elevate its risk profile, demanding a careful inspection from any prospective buyer. With proper proactive maintenance, this sedan can still be a dependable, smooth ride, but ignoring its known weak spots will lead to costly repairs.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust 3.8L V6 engine core (Series II L36/L67)
- Comfortable, quiet ride quality
- Widely available and affordable replacement parts
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 1998 Buick Regal. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
7 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
What breaks on the 1998 Buick Regal?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Buick Regal by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Buick Regal. Click any year for its full report.
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Relevant Products for Your 1998 Buick Regal
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Frequently Asked Questions
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