Power steering fails when turning to the right. Unit operates correctly when turning to the right, however there in intermittent power assist to the left. The unit failed when turning in a parking lot to the left, there was a pop followed by a complete loss of power assist to the left. The fluid level in the power steering resivoir is normal, how a slight pressure was observed when the cap was removed.
1999 Buick Regal: sudden loss of power
5 of the 246 complaints about the 1999 Buick Regal describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 10 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
Engine dies when left or right turn signal is applied. Car died as I was taking off ramp on highway causing loss of power steering and braking. This needs to be addressed as this can cause an accident.
I am the owner of a 1999 buick regal ls. I have 70,000 miles on my car. In december I noticed problems making sharp turn to the right. I would be backing out of drive ways or making 3-point turns and I would hear and feet a clink like something it stuck and then pushes through with pressure. On february 3, 2006 I drove my car as usual and there was a very strong resistance to turn to the left. The steering wheel would not make left turns without lots of force and stepping off the brake. I lose power steering assist only making left turns, the right turn is just fine. I would hear a pop when I would force the turn. I had the problem checked out right away and was said to be a steering rack and pinion problem. I did some research and found out that my same model was recalled for the exact problem in 96' 97' and 98 models, but not the 1999. I contacted gm for them to take responsibility and pay for this, but they will not!!! I was forced to take it to a gm dealership in tampa, fl to get this fixed, as the car was unable and not safe to drive at all. They installed a new rack and pinion and a tie rod, costing $1,000.00 for the total work. I am upset with the fact gm is not taking responsibility for this problem when the same car 3 years before had the exact problem and I have found many many people with the same problem and the same year and model as my car and they had to pay for it themselves as well. I have a one year or 12,000 warranty on the rack and pinion and tie road. I had the work done on friday, feburary 10, 2006.
I am the original owner of a 1999 buick regal gs (3.8l super charged) with approx. 85,000 miles. On jan. 12, 2006 I lost power assist when making a left hand turn. This failure only effected the power assist in a left hand turn; right was ok. I pulled into a parking spot after a short drive to work and noticed the steering got tight. I heard a 'pop' when I lost assist. After work I drove home with no assist to the left. The problem is only when the wheel is turned clockwise from straight on position. I haven't driven a non-power steering car in about 15 years but this seemed much worse (very difficult to steer). I checked for any type of leak or belt issue, but my initial thought is if that was the problem I would have the problem regardless of steering direction. I have since spoke to a dealer regarding the problem and they are confident a replacement of the steering rack and pinion is required. There is actually a safety recall for 1996-98 buick regals for this identical issue. This is a very serious problem that could result an accident.
When making a left turn at low speeds, the vehicle lost power steering. *ak the consumer stated there was a recall regarding the steering issue, however the recall stopped at the 1998 models.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- L67 engine oil smell or odor, leak at left or front valve cover (replace valve cover gasket, gromments and...
- Dealers may comment on a chuggle, surge, misfire condition
- New upper intake manifold and gasket kits
- New rear main seal and special tool for installation
- Engine intake manifold coolant leak
- Intermittent malfunction indicator lamp / service engine soon indicator illumination; anti-lock brake...
- Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- The remedy applied under recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, and 15V‑201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, or 15V‑201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1‑800‑442‑6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Recall number 15V701000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, and pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 or http://www.pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 09V116000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling 207,542 my 1997-2003 buick regal and pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l supercharged v-6 engine. These vehicles have higher front rocker cover gasket temperatures, creating the potential for earlier degradation of the front rocker cover gasket and eventual oil seepage.
- Risk
- Certain underhood fires may be caused by drops of engine oil, from seepage or spillage, being deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, along with the 1-3-5 spark plug wire retainers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. , free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Until the remedy is completed, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions (1) that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, car port, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle. The dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080 or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668, or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .
Recall number 08V118000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1999 Buick Regal loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 1999 Buick Regal?
5 of 246 owner complaints about the 1999 Buick Regal (2%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2011.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1999 Buick Regal?
There are 3 recalls and 10 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1999 Buick Regal
Fire or smoke 39Stalling 12Check engine light 11ABS 9Headlights 9Brake failure 8Power windows 7Power steering loss 6Ball joint 5Engine failure 5Harsh shifting 5Seat belt 5
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