Table 1 shows two common steering related problems of the 2002 Buick Regal.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems | |
| Steering Rack And Pinion problems |
2002 Buick Regal - purchased new 11/02. Power steering gear rack assembly failed 1/27/04 (19,030 miles) - gm replaced under warranty. 3/10/04 (19,943 miles). New part failed - gm replaced under warranty. 1/6/05 (34,388 miles)reported same "symptoms" to gm dealer - gm resealed power steering pump under warranty. 10/30/06 (57,650 miles) reported same "symptoms" - power steering pump seal replaced at my expense. 12/16/06 (58,892 miles) reported same "symptoms" - gm says new steering rack again needed - this is fourth rack for this same car, including original one!!!!! I also think the work 1/6/05 and 10/30/06 regarding power steering pump may have just masked the underlying rack problem. Obviously, gm has a part failure on this power steering rack. This certainly seems like it could be a safety issue, but gm does not care. I was referred to gm/Buick assistance 12/13/06. Assistance refuses to repair this defect. They have offered me a $200 "maintenance letter", but as of my conversation with assistance today, this letter is at least 4-6 weeks away from being received by me.
Rattle transmitted through the steering column at 22,000 miles. Dealer replaced lower steering shaft under warranty. Rattle came back at 57,000 miles and I needed the same part replaced again plus I needed a new rack. Car is not under warranty and I felt these parts should not fail at 57,000 miles, especially one of the parts for a second time. Cost to fix was $1400 of which gm picked up 40%.