Buick

Regal (5th)

2011-2017 · Midsize Sedan · 3 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.7)
876 NHTSA Complaints
13 Recalls
18 Fire Reports
28 Crash Reports
Includes data from: REGALREGAL EASSIST
View all 2 generations of the Buick Regal → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

LTG

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo
⚠️ Caution (2.7)
219 complaints 51.8 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
44
electrical
42
other
36
exterior
32
brakes
30

Known Issues

Engine Issues (44 complaints)
Typical onset: 50,000–97,341 mi Est. repair: $101–$4,901 (6 reports)
Electrical System Issues (42 complaints)
Exterior Issues (32 complaints)
Est. repair: $1,450–$2,275 (6 reports)

LHU

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo
Avoid (1.9)
307 complaints 102.3 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
134
electrical
99
engine
48
brakes
39
transmission
25

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (134 complaints)
Typical onset: 34,000–81,000 mi Est. repair: $650–$1,600 (43 reports)
Electrical System Issues (99 complaints)
Typical onset: 10,500–78,750 mi Est. repair: $1,100–$2,000 (20 reports)
Engine Issues (48 complaints)
Typical onset: 73,396–92,586 mi Est. repair: $1,600–$2,000 (7 reports)

Same engine used in

LAF

2.4L 4-cyl
Avoid (1.4)
307 complaints 59.3 per year Gasoline
13 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
114
electrical
97
exterior
46
transmission
37
brakes
25

Known Issues

Engine Issues (114 complaints)
Typical onset: 64,000–107,000 mi Est. repair: $2,350–$3,425 (10 reports)
Electrical System Issues (97 complaints)
Typical onset: 50,000–98,774 mi Est. repair: $590–$3,750 (7 reports)
Exterior Issues (46 complaints)

1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Buick Regal regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (240 complaints)
electrical critical
Exterior Issues (214 complaints)
exterior critical
Engine Issues (206 complaints)
engine critical
Brakes Issues (94 complaints)
brakes critical
Transmission Issues (62 complaints)
transmission critical

Recalls (13)

26V113000Feb 25, 2026serious
Suspension

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear suspension toe links may have received improper corrosion protection, which can result in rear toe link fracture.

21V00F000Dec 21, 2021serious
Suspension

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

21V633000Dec 7, 2021serious
Suspension

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

20V764000Dec 20, 2020serious
Suspension

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.

16V108000Feb 23, 2016serious
Steering

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.

16V517000Jul 6, 2016serious
Electrical System

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured November 3, 2009, to March 25, 2011, equipped with 8-way power adjustable front seats. The power seat wiring harness may contact the seat frame, causing the wires to chafe.

16V502000May 6, 2016serious
Electrical System

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

14V447000Jul 22, 2014serious
Seats

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

14V092000Feb 20, 2014serious
Powertrain

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

14V409000Feb 6, 2014serious
Steering

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Improperly torqued fasteners may cause the steering intermediate shaft and the steering gear and/or the lower control arm and the lower ball joint to separate.

13V173000Jun 4, 2013serious
Electrical System

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

12V093000Jul 2, 2012serious
Exterior Lighting

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.

12V484000Apr 9, 2012serious
Exterior Lighting

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2011-2017 Buick Regal problems?

The 2011-2017 Buick Regal has accumulated 876 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Exterior, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Buick Regal engine is most reliable?

The 2011-2017 Buick Regal was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2011-2017 Buick Regal a good used car?

The 2011-2017 Buick Regal can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 876 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2017 Buick Regal have?

The 2011-2017 Buick Regal has 876 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2011-2017 Buick Regal?

There are 13 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2011-2017 Buick Regal vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Buick Regal?

Before buying a used Buick Regal, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Exterior, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Regal?

The 2017 Buick Regal received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 876 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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