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.
1996 Buick Regal: brake failure
8 of the 204 complaints about the 1996 Buick Regal describe brake failure.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 1
Brake failure by model year
What owners say
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)
While driving applied brakes and pedal went to the floor. It felt like they were going to respond, but vehicle kept rolling into an intersection, the consumer had to avoid an oncoming vehicle an d ran into an fence. The dealer has been contacted.
Anti lock brakes failed resulting in vehicle collision.
Brakes failed, avoided three cars, hit a car in the intersection and then hit a pole. Vehicle was totaled.
Anti lock brakes failed.
Anti-lock brakes failed, causing vehicle to accelerate instead of brake, resulting in an accident.
Multiple brake failure.
Service bulletins that may apply
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
Questions about the 1996 Buick Regal brake failure
Is brake failure a common problem on the 1996 Buick Regal?
8 of 204 owner complaints about the 1996 Buick Regal (4%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1991.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Buick Regal?
There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Buick Regal
VIN decoder
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