2016 Buick Regal problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Buick Regal, most often about steering. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints
29
Recalls
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Median mileage
67,950 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Steering is the most-reported problem area, named in 9 of 29 complaints (31%).
  • Engine (5) and lighting (5) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 67,950 mi.
  • Owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury.
  • The 2016 Buick Regal has 1 recall on file.
  • It ranks 6th of 10 Buick Regal model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 71% more complaints than the 2015 model year (17).

2016 Buick Regal problems by category

  • Steering
    9 complaints
  • Engine
    5 complaints
  • Lighting
    5 complaints
  • Electrical System
    4 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    3 complaints
  • Brakes
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    3 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    2 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    2 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    2 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    2 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Steering9
Engine4
Electrical system4
Service brakes3
Exterior lighting3
Vehicle speed control3
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control2
Exterior lighting:headlights2

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k110k–30k330k–60k260k–100k3100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2016 Buick Regal complaints that list mileage.

2016 Buick Regal recalls (1)

  • Recall 16V108000Feb 24, 201674 vehicles
    STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.

    Risk: A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21510.

Recent 2016 Buick Regal complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Jun 18, 2025ILEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlWheels & Tires
    My Buick stops when driving unknown when it’s a surprise lights and dash go off almost got hit took to mechanics it’s the 2016-17 “throw away motor” ad they call it does not last and gets”metal pieces” to ruin motor and turbo as I have noticed speed issues and dying unexpectedly it’s the regal turbo 2.0 v-6 motor a should be recall I’ve seen online since at mechanic and a large issue why no recall and I’m reporting this ty
    NHTSA complaint #11667836 · source
  2. Filed Feb 12, 2025SCSteering
    My steering failed and started pulling left into traffic. It was hard to keep it in my lane. Had to have it towed by AAA. Took to my mechanic and he said it was the electric belt drive rack &pinion steering. He told me there was a recall on it. When I checked I was told that my vin # was not included. I think it should have been because its the same problem.it is not safe to drive.
    NHTSA complaint #11642262 · source
  3. Filed Sep 25, 2024WIWheels & Tires
    My tires were Black when I bought them at Wittlins in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin in 2020. They have been continualy turning brown on the outside of tire. Now they are a beige color on the outside of tire. It seems the tires are aging terribly. I complained to Wittlins a few times about tires discoloration and the manager keeps telling me the tires are wearing fine and said discoloration is normal. Maybe a little discoloration but not like this and I do not even live in a…
    NHTSA complaint #11616371 · source
  4. Filed May 19, 2024NCLighting
    I purchased the 2016 Buick Regal used in 2021 with 40,000 miles., it now has close to 70,000 miles. It’s still in well cared for mint condition, except for the driver side headlight. Condensation appeared and has been getting worse, dealership says the only option is buying another complete headlight assembly for $1200.00. The LED part of that headlight has stopped working., it’s inevitable that the bulbs themselves with fail also. This is a safety issue. It’s absurdly cost…
    NHTSA complaint #11589503 · source
  5. Filed May 16, 202443,000 miNYSteering
    The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11589081 · source
  6. Filed Apr 25, 202485,900 miDEEngine
    The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started sputtering. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle for 5-10 minutes. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the failure was no longer present. The contact drove to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it…
    NHTSA complaint #11585149 · source
  7. Filed Jun 8, 2023127,000 miMOSteering
    The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed during rainy weather, and making a left or right turn, the steering wheel intermittently made a grinding and clicking sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V108000 (Steering). The vehicle was then taken to another dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11525979 · source
  8. Filed Jan 30, 202390,000 miMALighting
    The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that condensation and moisture was present inside the front headlight assemblies, which caused the headlight illumination to be diminished and created a visibility hazard while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front headlight assemblies were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11504363 · source

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Other 2016 Buick models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology