Buick Regal years to avoid (and the best years)
632 NHTSA owner complaints and 17 recalls across 9 model years, 2011 to 2019. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 632complaints
- 17recalls
- 24reported crashes
- 13reported fires
- 26reported injuries
Which Buick Regal years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Buick Regal year to avoid is 2011. The typical Buick Regal year has 38 complaints on file.
- 2011: 279 complaints, 7.3 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (40% of complaints) and the electrical system (27% of complaints).
What are the best Buick Regal years?
The Buick Regal years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2019 (19), 2018 (19) and 2017 (20). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 19 | 0.5× | 3 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2018 | 19 | 0.5× | 3 | 5 | 4 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2017 | 20 | 0.5× | 0 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2016 | 41 | 1.1× | 1 | 0 | 1 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2015 | 33 | 0.9× | 0 | 1 | 3 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2014 | 38 | 1.0× | 2 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2013 | 91 | 2.4× | 6 | 6 | 5 | Some concerns to check | Exterior lighting |
| 2012 | 92 | 2.4× | 7 | 3 | 4 | Some concerns to check | Exterior lighting |
| 2011 | 279 | 7.3× | 4 | 7 | 7 | Approach with caution | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 279 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain138 (49%)
- Electrical & infotainment79 (28%)
- Brakes28 (10%)
- Steering, suspension & tires11 (4%)
- Other systems9 (3%)
Recalls (17)
Suspension · 26V113000 · Feb 2026 · model years 2012, 2013
Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 22V465000 · Jun 2022 · model years 2018, 2019
A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 21V00F000 · Dec 2021 · model years 2012, 2013
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 21V633000 · Aug 2021 · model year 2013
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 20V764000 · Dec 2020 · model years 2012, 2013
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 19V762000 · Oct 2019 · model year 2019
Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
Brakes · 18V576000 · Aug 2018 · model years 2018, 2019
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 18V230000 · Apr 2018 · model year 2018
If the seat belt fails to adequately restrain the passengers in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Electrical system · 16V517000 · Jul 2016 · model year 2011
Chafed harness wires may cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Electrical system · 16V502000 · Jul 2016 · model year 2011
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Steering · 16V108000 · Feb 2016 · model year 2016
A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 14V447000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2011, 2012
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.
Steering · 14V409000 · Jul 2014 · model year 2014
If any of the components separate, the vehicle may have a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 14V092000 · Feb 2014 · model year 2014
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.
Electrical system · 13V173000 · May 2013 · model years 2012, 2013
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.
Exterior lighting · 12V484000 · Oct 2012 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
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.
Exterior lighting · 12V093000 · Mar 2012 · model year 2012
INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.