Tl* the contact owns a 1996 buick regal. The contact stated that the brake and ABS warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent facility for diagnostic testing and failure codes: c1265 (rear ABS motor circuit shorted to ground) and c1286 (ebcm/ebtcm failed to illuminate the red brake warning indicator) were located. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (don brown chevrolet, 2244 s kings highway blvd, st. Louis, mo 63110, (314) 282-7887) where it was determined that the codes indicated that there was a rear motor short to the ground and the electric brake control module activated the brake warning indicators. Further diagnostic testing would be performed by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
1996 Buick Regal brakes problems
42 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 42
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip14
- Foundation components: disc: rotor8
- Foundation components6
- Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings3
- Foundation components: disc3
- Foundation components: disc: caliper2
- Pedals and linkages1
- Foundation components: drum: drum1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Buick Regal brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Buick Regal brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The left front brake line can contact the transaxle mounting bracket or attachment bolt.
- Risk
- This condition can cause the brake line to wear through, resulting in loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of one-half of the vehicle's brake system, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper brake line clearance and reposition those brake lines found to have less than minimal clearance. Additionally, those brake lines found to have an indentation caused by the contact will be replaced and properly routed.
Recall number 96V069000 · Recall details
What 1996 Buick Regal owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While merging onto the freeway, I was taking my car to be smogged. At speed, I noticed a little white puff of smoke emit from the right side of the engine bay. As I proceeded to start moving to the shoulder, this puff had turned into a gray plume. As I finally reached the shoulder, the entire front of the engine bay was billowing black smoke. As I tried to stop, the brake pedal went to the floor, so it seemed the fire had burnt through a brake line. I managed to engage the emergency brake slowly and managed to stop on the shoulder. Opening the hood, I found a small fire burning at the rear of the engine, but in front of the firewall. I had nothing with me, so I called the fire department and it was extinguished. However, by the time they got there, the entire engine compartment was totaled beyond extensive repair.
The consumer was having a problem with his vehicle making a dragging/spinning type noise. He stated it sounded as if it was not connecting with something in the drive line. He also stated he went to the computer and looked his type vehicle up and read that this year vehicle has a problem with the brake line and the left wheel, which can cause wear and tear on the brake line. He says also that when he takes off he hears a whining noise and it gets louder with increased speed. He took his vehicle to the dealer and they were not sure what the problem was. But says it will cost approx. $85.00 per hour for them to check it out. He says this is too costly. Then he says he is told that it could cost him $2300.00 not including labor. *jb
Abs lights flickered on/off intermittently. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the rear disc brakes. After repairs were done the rear disc brakes were replaced again. Also power steering fluid leak.
Other - oil leak - have been told by independent repair shops that it is either the cam shaft timing sencer or manifold with the cost ranging from $700.00 to $1200.00. Also the motor mounts need to be replaced. Tape player does not eject tape properly, been a problem since I got the car. Brakes - have had complete brakes replaced. Have been told buick regals are bad on brakes. Air conditionung cooling coil in front of raditor has developed a leak. Estimated cost to repair is $400.00. Have not taken it to dealer. I got the car used in 1997 with about 72500 miles on it.
The brakes and rotors experienced premature failure.
Brake rotors wear in the rear with low mileage accumulation. When brakes are applied they drag, screech and perform poorly. Owner is aware of others with similar failure. Please describe details.
Brake rotors are rusting and prematurely wearing, cause unknown. Please give any further details.
Consumers has been experiencing numerous problems with the hydraulic system, the rotors, and brake pads have been turned and/or replaced due to them being out of round and noisy.
Vehicle has experienced several braking problems and failures, dealer has replaced worn brake pads, front rotors, and brake hoses, on one occasion, the hydraulic system completely failed, consumer has lost control of vehicle due to brake failure and has had property damage to vehicle due to running off the road.(daughter on behalf of mother)
Questions about the 1996 Buick Regal brakes
Does the 1996 Buick Regal have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 42 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Buick Regal, 21% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1996 Buick Regal brakes problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Buick Regal brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 96V069000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Buick Regal have bad brakes?
The Buick Regal model years with the most brakes complaints are 1991 (117 complaints), 1992 (53 complaints) and 1990 (43 complaints).
Other 1996 Buick Regal problems
Engine 38Electrical 24Airbags 21Fuel system 19Steering 18Body 10Seat belts 10Suspension 10Acceleration 9Transmission 9Visibility 7Lights 4Locks 3Seats 3Tires 3Wheels 2
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