Buick

Regal (TourX)

2018-2020 · Midsize Sedan ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.6)
56 NHTSA Complaints
4 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports
Includes data from: REGALREGAL TOURX
View all 2 generations of the Buick Regal → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

LTG - Spark ignited Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, E85 MAX

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo
โœ… Recommended (3.6)
51 complaints 17.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
14
electrical
13
engine
12
transmission
9
interior
6

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (14 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)
Engine Issues (12 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Buick Regal Unidentified Engine

โœ… Recommended (4.9)
3 complaints 1.5 per year
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Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
2
safety systems
1

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (2 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

LGX - Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, ALUM, GEN2

3.6L 6-cyl
โœ… Recommended (5.0)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1
wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Buick Regal regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (14 complaints)
brakes critical
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (12 complaints)
engine critical

Recalls (4)

22V465000Jun 29, 2022serious
Service Brakes

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."

19V762000Oct 23, 2019serious
Seats

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.

18V576000Aug 29, 2018serious
Service Brakes

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

18V230000Dec 3, 2018serious
Seat Belts

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Buick Regal vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the rear seat belts may have been improperly routed around the bolster bracket on the rear outboard seats, which can cause inadequate restraint of the passengers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2018-2020 Buick Regal problems?

The 2018-2020 Buick Regal has accumulated 56 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Buick Regal engine is most reliable?

The 2018-2020 Buick Regal was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2018-2020 Buick Regal a good used car?

The 2018-2020 Buick Regal can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 56 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 2018-2020 Buick Regal have?

The 2018-2020 Buick Regal has 56 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 2018-2020 Buick Regal?

There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” 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 Brakes, Electrical System, 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.

Does the Regal have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2018-2020 Buick Regal. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 56 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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