Model year guide

2004 Buick Regal

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Buick Regal is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 14 on record.

2004 Buick Regal — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Buick Regal at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints66
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$2,457

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Buick Regal recalls 4

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #15V701000 · 26/10/2015

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.

Fix: 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 engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the ori…

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #15V201000 · 06/04/2015

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23, 2003. On May 18, 2015, GM expanded the recall to cover an additional 49,751 2004 P…

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Pontiac c…

Steering NHTSA Campaign #08E063000 · 17/10/2008

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WEL…

Fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

Steering NHTSA Campaign #09E005000 · 17/02/2009

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Buick Regal common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2004 Buick Regal MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,375

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Buick Regal worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$2,457
High
$4,400

From 14 comparable 2004 Buick Regal listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Buick Regal costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,875
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,300
Total$18,175
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,457) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,175), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Buick Regal trims & engines on record

Trims
LS
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl

2004 Buick Regal vehicles on record

Other Buick Regal model years

2004 Buick Regal — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Buick Regal have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2004 Buick Regal. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Buick Regal?

Based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Buick Regal get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Buick Regal at about 21 mpg combined (17 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2004 Buick Regal worth?

Comparable 2004 Buick Regal listings run roughly $700–$4,400, typically around $2,457 (from 14 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.