Buick Regal problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 263 owner complaints and 17 recalls on file for the Buick Regal (2011–2020). The 2011 Regal has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 263
Recalls: 17
Model years: 10
Worst year: 2011

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Buick Regal model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Buick Regal years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2011 Buick Regal — 63 complaints, 3 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
2012 Buick Regal — 46 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Lighting
2013 Buick Regal — 42 complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Lighting
2016 Buick Regal — 29 complaints; top problem: Steering

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2020 (2 complaints).

Every Buick Regal model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2020 Regal	2	0	0	0	2	Electrical System
2019 Regal	18	0	0	0	3	Electrical System
2018 Regal	13	2	0	3	3	Brakes
2017 Regal	20	1	1	1	0	Brakes
2016 Regal	29	0	0	1	1	Steering
2015 Regal	17	0	1	0	0	Engine
2014 Regal	13	0	0	0	2	Engine
2013 Regal	42	2	1	2	6	Lighting
2012 Regal	46	3	0	2	7	Lighting
2011 Regal	63	3	2	2	4	Engine

Most common Buick Regal problem areas (all years)

Lighting
70 complaints
Electrical System
61 complaints
Engine
59 complaints
Brakes
42 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
29 complaints
Suspension
23 complaints
Steering
19 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
13 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
12 complaints
Wheels & Tires
11 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Buick Regal received by NHTSA each month.

Buick Regal recalls

Recall 26V113000Feb 26, 202617,050 vehiclesModel years 2012–2013
Risk: Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V465000Jun 30, 202223,734 vehiclesModel years 2018–2020
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V00F000Dec 22, 20214,271 vehiclesModel years 2012–2013
Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V633000Aug 12, 202132,894 vehiclesModel years 2013
Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 20V764000Dec 21, 2020220,006 vehiclesModel years 2012–2013
Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V762000Oct 24, 2019341 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020
Risk: Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
Recall 18V576000Aug 30, 2018210,628 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 18V230000Apr 12, 20188,738 vehiclesModel years 2018
Risk: If the seat belt fails to adequately restrain the passengers in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Recall 16V517000Jul 7, 201642,984 vehiclesModel years 2011
Risk: Chafed harness wires may cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recall 16V502000Jul 5, 20168,367 vehiclesModel years 2011
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 16V108000Feb 24, 201674 vehiclesModel years 2016
Risk: A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 14V447000Jul 23, 2014414,333 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012
Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 14V409000Jul 2, 2014106 vehiclesModel years 2014
Risk: If any of the components separate, the vehicle may have a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 14V092000Feb 21, 2014355 vehiclesModel years 2014
Risk: If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Recall 13V173000May 6, 201342,904 vehiclesModel years 2012–2013
Risk: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
Recall 12V484000Oct 4, 2012120,426 vehiclesModel years 2011–2013
Risk: If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 12V093000Mar 7, 20123,633 vehiclesModel years 2012
Risk: Inadequate lighting could reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the potential for a crash.

Other Buick models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology