2001 Buick Regal GS from North America - Comments

Within four months of buying a brand new 2001 Buick Regal I had to have the front rotors resurfaced. They would not replace them, only resurface them.

I had to have the entire steering rack replaced at 35,000 miles after I felt a soft clunk in the steering column (primarily when turning). You could even feel the "clunk" in the brake foot pedal. Luckily, this was under warranty.

A little over 2,000 miles later the "clunk" returned in the steering column and brake pedal. I am now being told the problem is two-fold. I have to replace both front tie rod ends and the front rotors at 37,000 miles.

I owned at 1991 Buick Regal for 10 years and replaced the rotors (front and back) twice. Additionally, the rotors (front and back) were resurfaced once and turned several times. It doesn't look like they have fixed the problem. Before buying the 2001 Buick Regal, I asked if the rotor problem had been resolved and was assured it had been. Apparently the problem has not been resolved.

It seems like the 1991 and 2001 both have rotor problems, but the 2001 has an added problem with the steering rack and tie rods.

I had a 1991 Buick Regal GS with the the 3800 Motor and I never had problems with the brakes or the steering and I just bought a 1995 Buick Regal GS. I havent had any problems with it.

I just bought a 2001 Buick Regal LS today. I love it!! It rides very smoothly and it's got very convenient features. I bought it because it is well-kept and has a good reputation. However, I've noticed that people have made references to rotors and "clunking" on this website.

I had the dealer to turn the white-wall to the inside to make the car look more sporty. Then, I noticed that when I exited the interstate, there was a vibration when the break was applied.

Is this the "clunking" that is being referred to?? My car has only 39,000 miles and I thought maybe it's because it hasn't been driven rigorously enough over the past 4 years.

I also want to know about gas mileage. Right now, it doesn't appear that the gas mileage is any good. What's the average?

Any comments??

I understand that this review was posted a number of years ago. However, I was PREVIOUSLY a GM mechanic and may be able to shed some light on this "clunk in the steering". The problem is not likely in the steering rack, and is DEFINITELY NOT in the brake rotors (warpage in the brake rotors cause a steering wheel shimmy during braking). The "clunk" is most likely caused by excessive clearance in a part of the steering column. There is a section in the column that is splined in order to collapse in a collision. Gm has had problems with clearance in these splines causing a "clunk" feeling, most noticeable when turning at speeds (i.e. a highway exit ramp). There ARE updated parts available. If a shop is installing parts that aren't required, I suggest that you find a new repair facility.