2011 Buick Regal

Above average

Owners filed 280 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 4 times.

Avoid One of the Buick Regal years to avoid: 2.4× the complaints of a typical Regal year. Which Buick Regal years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
66,900 milesMedian miles at failure

205 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2011 Buick Regal problems

78 of the 280 complaints (28%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine76
011
Electrical System46
053
Service Brakes · brakes29
000
Exterior Lighting · headlights24
001
Power Train · transmission22
100
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control15
000
Seats9
000
Unknown or Other6
000
Air Bags · airbags6
100
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration5
200

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust16V517000
Filed Jul 7, 201642,984 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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.

Risk. Chafed harness wires may cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, and repair any chafed wires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 30710.

Electrical System › Ignition16V502000
Filed Jul 5, 20168,367 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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."

Risk. If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust14V447000
Filed Jul 23, 2014414,333 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal12V484000
Filed Oct 4, 2012120,426 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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."

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.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Sep 28, 2026125,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. While the contact's daughter was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked and was uncontrollable. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear driver's side toe link was fractured. The contact stated that the rear driver's side toe link was fractured in half and the rear driver's side wheel was leaning. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact's uncle, who was a retired independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle with a fractured rear driver’s side toe ring and a rear passenger's side fractured toe link. The contact was informed that the rear driver's and passenger's toe links needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Power Train
Filed May 13, 2026TX

While driving on the highway at 60 mph, warning on dash came on saying “engine power reduced” and drop down speed to around 25 mph and I could not accelerate more than 25 mph on the highway which could have caused an accident because of the traffic flow behind me. I put a code scanner under the dash and it read code P2138, Throttle pedal position sensor switch.

Engine
Filed Oct 8, 2025140,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 16, 2024KS

The cars mileage was altered due to car being wrecked prior and the other car that was used to replace wrecked parts was hidden and vin number was altered. Copart Inc and ICT Sharp Rides are party's involved, I bought car on 12/28/2023 mileage was listed as 132525

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 2, 2024OH

I hit a deer going 60 mph and the airbag didn’t deploy, the service airbag light came on after I hit it. I’d assume that means the airbag tried to deploy but ran into an issue

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 28, 2023IL

Driver side headlamp draws moisture, keeps blowing bulbs at 104.99 a pop. Water gets in the headlight assembly and shorts out the ballast. This happens even when driving down the road at random. It could be pitch black and suddenly you have no headlights and are forced to drive with only fog lamps

Fuel/Propulsion SystemCrash
Filed Oct 28, 2023MA

I was parking in marked space. I had turned into space, my foot was off the gas pedal. The car was 3/4 into the space when it malfunctioned and rapidly accelerated into a hardened snow bank. i instantly braked but there was not enough space to avoid collision.

Power Train
Filed Oct 28, 2023MA

When pulling into parking space the car rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into the car in the next parking space. I did not have my foot on the gas, the car was simply idling. The acceleration was so rapid that applying the brake was useless.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Oct 28, 2023MA

Preparing to park into a parking space in an off street parking lot the vehicle forcefully and rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into a fence. I was not accelerating. I attempted to stop the car using the brakes but they did not engage quickly enough to stop the rapid, forceful, and without warning acceleration. Buick has been contacted about the defect. Buick ran extensive diagnostics on the car and denies there is a defect. Police came to the scene and advised that given the 2 other incidents that I have experienced, the car is unsafe to drive given potential damage to others. A police report was filed.

Suspension
Filed Oct 24, 2023IN

The subframe rotted into rusted into

Air Bags
Filed Jun 11, 2023AZ

The two systems that failed are the airbag release on the front passenger side and the stabilitrak system. Both systems show error lights on the dash. The front seat passenger does not have airbag protection. The stabilitrak system error light appears intermittently and when the traction system goes off the car brakes almost stop the car while driving. We go to Royal Buick in Tucson, Arizona. We worked with Germaine Kendrick. I've attached the dealer service invoice dated April 14, 2023. The invoice summarized the problem and stated that 1) a new seatbelt assesmbly is needed and 2) the service technician states that they can not replicate or repair the traction problems. Today is June 11, 2023. We are still waiting for the seatbelt assembly to "arrive". There is no solution for the traction system. We have phoned and texted 4 times. The most recent conversation on June 5th with "Chris" was interesting; Chris stated that the seatbelt part was NEVER ORDERED and furthermore, is not needed to repair the airbag warning light problem.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 28, 2023MO

Condensation gets into headlight assembly and shorts out HID headlight. Issue occurred with drivers and passenger headlights. Car will not have headlights because of short. Thus causing a safety issue.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 13, 2023MI

Front subframe rotted out where my control arm connects. Cannot safetly drive. There should be a recall on this part. There isnt one so now im stuck paying to fix it. Rear coil spring cracked, cannot fix due to recall of all gm coil spring. Cannot buy new part to fix it.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 10, 2022TN

Moisture has been collecting in both headlight assemblies for the past 3 years, whenever the car is outside or driven in the rain. Recently, this caused both high/low beam headlights to burn out. Replacing the bulbs is not enough, as the bulbs immediately burn out/smoke and blow out because of the water accumulation. On the driver side headlight, there was actually standing water in the headlight assembly that came pouring out when the cover was removed to replace the bulb. Dealership says both headlight assemblies must be replaced entirely to resolve the issue, due to corrosion. The vehicle has never been in an accident (there are NO cracks from collision, etc.). This appears to be a manufacturing defect or an issue with seal. This is a crazy expensive repair, to have to have the entire headlights replaced on the vehicle, on both sides, because they are not properly sealed/allow condensation and accumulation of water to take place. Can GM please cover the cost of this? Otherwise, this might be the last GM car I ever buy... This is also a major safety issue, as one must have working headlamps. Without an entirely new headlight assembly on each side, the lightbulbs, when replaced, burn out unexpectedly almost immediately, within weeks of replacement.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 25, 2022MA

After heavy rain in mid-September 2022, both headlights just stopped working. The dashboard will usually display a warning or pop up symbol that something is not working, but I had no warning and got pulled over driving at dusk with no headlights. There has been been other issues with this vehicle too! The other issues include: Bluetooth connection not working at all, the transmission has “jerking” issues while changing gears and the engine revving too high while only going 30mph while driving in suburban Massachusetts. The car has less than 70k miles, these issues should not be happening. The main issue is the headlights, considering they cost around $200/ea and just stopped working with no notice.

Suspension
Filed Aug 15, 2022NY

Driving 50km per hr, went over railway crossing, then the car became unstable, rear felt loose as if it was drifting. Stopped the car had a look under the cars driver side rear end, and noticed the bar connecting tire the rest of vehicle was fractured, don't know the exact name of it. The car only has a out 145000 km on it. I live in Canada. The consumer has stated that the rear tow link was the part that was broken.

Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Jul 11, 2022GA

I was driving on a back road when my car started smoking and blazed up on passenger side headlights an I see were people have been saying this was seriously fire issue now I'm out of work no car and I was only owner fa 5 months

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 1, 2022NY

Headlight assembly case on both passenger and driver side fills with condensation and then causes headlight bulb and/or ballast to burnout ,this also could cause a fire

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 1, 2022FL

MIL Lamp is illuminated and cannot be turned off or reset. The code displayed on the scanner is for P2138 "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation." There is also a "Reduced Engine Power" message on the dashboard. Available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk before the vehicle was serviced because the car shut down in the middle of the street with cars behind me. I called a certified mechanic to successfully service the vehicle and he cleared the code. My safety was put at risk again after the car was serviced because the code came back on as I was driving on the highway. Car lost power and speed and as I tried to get the car pulled over with emergency lights on, I was almost hit from behind by 2 other drivers. Problem can be reproduced within 10 minutes. Per the mechanic's request, I am taking my car to a Buick Century GMC dealership on 7/16 @ 12 PM to be serviced. Warning symptoms before code came on happened especially during times of rainfall. Car hesitated to pick up speed. Overconsumption of gas resulting in decreased mileage.

Suspension
Filed May 26, 2022180,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was a squeaking noise coming from the wheels and the vehicle was driving very loosely. The contact noticed that the lower control arm in the rear of the vehicle was fractured. The contact was a certified mechanic and diagnosed that the rear suspension needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 30, 2022UT

2011 Buick Regal 2.0 CXL. The brake pedal is sticking, causing the rotors to heat up and wear out. There are numerous complaints from others online detailing the dangerous situations this has caused. And numerous complaints about getting the brake system replaced and the same problem still existing. There should have been a recall. Unknown to me, until I received the new title in my name, this particular car was branded a "Lemon" in 2014.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 27, 2022MI

In July of 2018, the brake pedal started to stick in the "on" position. The car was not driveable once the brakes stuck. It seemed to be associated with very hot weather. I replaced the entire brake pedal assembly with a factory brake pedal assembly. Now, in January of 2022, the replacement assembly is starting to bind. This appears to be a defective part. There are many postings on the internet about this problem. It is a safety defect because it involves the vehicle's brakes and the car is not driveable when the pedal sticks.

Engine
Filed Nov 30, 2021MO

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions the headlights became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the wiring in the bumper was hot at the base. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the engine was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 13, 2021OH

Drivers side lightbulb has been changed multiple times. Noticeable condensation in light itself. Driving at night and lights went out completely. Had to drive with only fog lights on. Issue happens sporadically and without warning so it is hard to address.

Engine
Filed Sep 7, 2021140,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and accelerating to enter the highway, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the traction, stability, and engine power reduced warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated she was able to park on the side of the road for 30 minutes before continuing to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact also stated that she was unable to open the doors due to the battery not charging. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 3, 202169,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was able to be restarted but continued to experience the same symptoms. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 30, 2021FL

Broken left side rear lateral toe link causing severe vehicle stability issue. Subsequent inspection of right side shows initial crack in same area.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 14, 2021IN

When I shift the car from park to drive it does a VERY HARD jerk. And vehicle has no codes on dash or anything

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 20, 2021140,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that after a rainstorm, moisture entered the driver’s side headlight housing causing the bulb to blow. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V484000 (Exterior Lighting) which he linked to the failure however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

EngineFire
Filed Jul 20, 2021ID

While the vehicle was driving, there was a loss of power, at that moment sparks was seen emanating from under the hood, then the vehicle completely stopped running. Once pulled over smoke was bellowing out from the hood and subsequently ignited into flames. Fire department was dispatched and fire was extinguished. The vehicle was towed away and is still at the tow yard. The tow operator, based on visual inspection stated the fire did start in the engine compartment and spread to the fire wall, totaling the vehicle.

Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2021VA

The engine shuts off when I slow down to make a left turn,this has happened twice. It does start again. I am afraid to drive it know.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 1, 2021WA

ISSUE: BRAKE PEDAL WILL STIFFEN AND SLOW THE CAR DOWN. THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WILL VIOLENTLY SHAKE, AS IF THE CALIPERS ARE STUCK. ONCE PARKED, WHEELS ARE HOT AND OMITS A BURNING SMELL. NARRATIVE: After the car is sitting in the sun, while driving in slow traffic the car is running rough, steering wheel starts shaking back and forth, the brakes start making noise when you stop. When accelerated there is grinding noise and dash light comes on. I pulled to the side of the road and turned off the car for five minutes, I start the car and it runs as normal. This was happening for a few weeks. I had the brakes replaced on 05/19/21 (I paid $737.66 for the brake job). I drove the car for a couple of weeks and brakes seized. I had to have the car towed back to shop (costing me $135.63) and the shop quoted brake pedal replacement. At that point I took the car to the Everett, WA, Clyde Revord Buick Dealership and they replaced the modular for the brake (part # 22997391) and it was expenive because it required removing the dash board and a lot of labor time (costing me another $1347.31). I feel this is a safety hazaard as my brakes could have seized or a fire could have broke out while I was driving on the freeway. Fortunately, the brakes seized in a parking lot. I did some research on this topic and see that it is a common flaw for this make and model and should be covered by the manufacturer as a recall before someone gets killed.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 1, 2021WA

Front headlamp burned out due to moisture in the assembly. There is an issue with the ballast in the headlamp assembly for the turbo model. The seal may be faulty due to the headlamp shorting out except for the daytime running lights. I realized that it had malfunctioned and there was moisture in the assembly itself. My repair shop quoted $1500.00 for the repair/replacement as the whole assebly needs to be replaced. This is definitely a safety hazard and a common one for this make and model. This should be a recall due to the faulty headlamp assembly.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 1, 2021FL

The vehicle exhibited what appeared to be sticking brakes after driving in extreme heat and humidity in Southwest Florida. I have taken the vehicle to Family Auto Service Cenber, 4570 Samuel St., Sarasota, FL 34233, Phone: (941) 925-4889. I was advised by Ray, the owner, that the brake pedal assembly was in danger of becoming unttached thereby making braking impossible and an obvious safety hazard. He stated that it was covered in TSB 5692D. Total loss of the abilibty to stop the car is possible with this defect.

Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2021CA

The car doesn’t stay on park still will move forward or backwards The gear shift locks and does not move When I turn it makes a huge clack sound

Service Brakes
Filed May 15, 2021158,000 milesOH

DURING PERIODS OF HIGH HEAT (AND ONLY HIGH HEAT) AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE SUN, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL STIFFEN AND SLOW THE CAR DOWN. THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WILL VIOLENTLY SHAKE, AS IF THE CALIPERS ARE STUCK. ONCE PARKED, ALL FOUR WHEELS ARE HOT AND OMITS A BURNING SMELL. I HAVE REPLACED TWO TIRES, 2 FRONT CALIPERS, FRONT BRAKE PADS, ALL HOSES AND FRONT ROTORS TO NO AVAIL. BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ARE NOT THE ISSUE. ALL POSSIBLE ISSUES HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED WITHIN THE LAST 8 WEEKS. FRIDAY (05/14/21) THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN. I AM AT MY WITS END TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.

Engine
Filed May 7, 2021GA

THE OIL CONSUMPTION IN THE CAR IS HORRIBLE, I HAVE TO ATLEAT ADD OIL IN MY CAR ABOUT 5 TIME IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, AND MY OIL CHANGES ARE DONE REGULARLY, IVE ALSO HAVE THE ISSUE OF MY OIL AND GAS MIXING, I DID TAKE IT TO THE SHOP ONCE AND THEY FIXED A RECALL THAT WAS INVOLVED WITH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, BUT IM GUESSING THEY DIDNT FIX THE ISSUE ONCE THAT REPAIR WAS DONE LIKE THEY SAID IT WOULD.

Service Brakes
Filed May 5, 2021128,880 milesFL

I AM HAVING A BRAKING PROBLEM WITH MY 2011 REGAL CLX TURBO. MY BRAKES DO NOT SEEM TO BE RELEASING WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING OUTSIDE AND THE TEMPERATURE IS HIGH. STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AND EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES ARE RELEASED. THE BRAKE PEDAL AND OR PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT DISENGAGING ON THE BUICK REGAL 2011.

Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2021OH

BURNING OIL ON A 2.4L EQUINOX ENGINE

Engine
Filed Jan 3, 202177,000 milesIL

ENGINES STARTED TO PUTTER. THEN ENGINE POWER REDUCED CAME ON. CAR DIED THEN THE SERVICE STABILITRAK CAME ON

Electrical System
Filed Dec 28, 2020127,000 milesCA

HEADLIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES ALSO DRIVER SEAT HEATING WORKS FOR 1 MIN AND TURNS OFF

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 2, 202066,900 milesTX

FAULTY HEADLAMP ALLOWING WATER TO ACCUMULATE AND SHORT OUT BALLAST. THIS IS A $1300 PART THAT SHOULD NOT BE GOING OUT LIKE THIS.

Power Train
Filed Nov 30, 202059,000 milesPA

WHEN DRIVING TO THE GROCERY STORE ONE DAY THE CAR WASN'T ACCELERATING PROPERLY. WHEN O LEAVE THE STORE THE CAR WON'T MOVE WHEN IN REVERSE, THE ENGINE WILL REV BUT NO MOVEMENT. GOT THE DIAGNOSTIC DONE AND WITH LESS THEN 59000 MILES MY TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Engine
Filed Oct 25, 202094,000 milesPA

ENGINE TIMING FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY CHAIN TENSIONER AT 81000 MILES (2/15/2020) ENGINE CONSUMES EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL BETWEEN CHANGES

Engine1 injured
Filed Sep 16, 202079,000 milesIL

VEHICLE HAS SERIOUS OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. WILL BURN AS MUCH AS 3 OR MORE QUARTS IN 1000 MILES OR LESS. WAS NOTIFIED BY CHEVROLET MECHANIC THAT SOME OIL CONSUMPTION WAS NORMAL, BUT THAT IF THE CONSUMPTION WAS EXCESSIVE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY UP TO $3500 OR MORE TO FIX THE CAR. THERE ISN'T A RECALL OUT ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL, BUT ALL CARS EQUIPPED WITH THIS 2.4L ECOTECH ENGINE HAD THE SAME ISSUES FROM THE RESEARCH I CONDUCTED. THE MECHANIC I TALKED TO SAID THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE PISTON RINGS ALLOWING OIL TO REACH THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. SOMETIMES EVEN THE FUMES COME INTO THE CAR AND THEY ARE PRETTY HARSH TO BREATHE IN.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 1, 202055,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY STRONG ODOR IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED JOHN HIESTER CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 3100 N MAIN ST, FUQUAY-VARINA, NC 27526, (919) 552-4944, TO NOTIFY THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF TSB 99-01-39-004G WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.*DT *AS

Electrical System
Filed Aug 18, 2020100,000 milesMS

VEHICLE DIES IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS AND CAN'T STEER OR BRAKE ONLY PRAY. ALSO, I TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND WON'T RESTART TOWER TO SERVICE CENTER THEY SAID I NEED NEW ENGINE!!!! I WAS JUST DRIVING IT NO SMOKE NO SMELL JUST WON'T START HE SAID NO OIL IN ENGINE EVEN THOUGH NOT SCHEDULED FOR A OIL CHANGE YET. RADIO WON'T KEEP DATE OR TIME OR RADIO STATIONS!

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 23, 202048,535 milesCO

I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS RESISTING ACCELERATION A LITTLE BIT, HAVE 48,545 MILES ON IT AND TOOK IT FOR OIL CHANGE WITH FUEL INJECTION CLEANER AND FULL TANK OF GOOD GAS. GOT ON HIGHWAY AND THE ACCELERATION DIED COMPLETELY AND NO GAS WAS GETTING THROUGH, LIKE FLOORING IT IN NEUTRAL. PULLED OFF THE SIDE AND IT RESTARTED BUT CONTINUED DYING ALONG THE WAY IF I TRY TO ACCELERATE.

Engine
Filed Jul 16, 202097 milesMI

TIMING CHAIN DAMAGED ENGINE

Engine
Filed Jul 16, 2020116,500 milesKY

DRIVING MY CAR AT AROUND 30MPH, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THERE IS NO SHUTTER OR SOUND. IT IS JUST SUDDENLY COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. NO BRAKES. NO POWER STEERING. NO GAS. YOU MUST PULL THE CAR OVER. COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. PUT THE CAR IN PARK. TURN THE KEY COMPLETELY OFF, AND THEN THE CAR WILL RESTART ALMOST EVERY TIME. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME 5 TIMES IN THE 9 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED IT. BUT IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 DAYS. NO MECHANIC NOR THE DEALER CAN IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. I HAVE REPLACED THE SERPENTINE BELT TWICE, AND THE THROTTLE BODY/THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR.

Complaints 1-50 of 280, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1998
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20202100Routine
201920200Routine
201819300Routine
201720010Routine
201641100Routine
201533010Routine
201438200Routine
201391620Routine
201292720Routine
2011 — this page280470Above average
20101000Routine
20091000Routine
20081000Routine
20054000Routine
200466420Routine
20031015140Routine
20021175230High concern
20011878480High concern
200018410300High concern
19992468441Fatalities reported
19983027410High concern
19971368190Routine
19962044160Above average
1995173840Routine
1994110320Routine
199385232Fatalities reported
1992144251Fatalities reported
1991200740Above average
199077911Fatalities reported

Compare every Regal year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 7, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.