Three problems related to brake hoses, lines/piping, and fittings have been reported for the 1996 Buick Regal. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
The metal brake line is rubbing against the bolt in the engine compartment, causing the vehicle to lose brake fluid. Also, the brake goes down to the floor of the vehicle. Took vehicle to the repair shop.