Buick Regal Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Buick Regal options? We analyzed 10 model years (2011–2020) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Free VIN check
Found a Buick Regal? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Buick Regal has 635 owner complaints and 28 safety recalls across model years 2011–2020. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2011 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Regal
- Model years analyzed
- 2011–2020 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 635
- Safety recall campaigns
- 28
- Crash-related complaints
- 24
- Fire-related complaints
- 13
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2011 (280 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2020 (2 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Buick Regal: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe BUICK REGAL has 635 NHTSA complaints and 28 recalls on record. 24 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 635 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 28 federal recall campaigns
- 24 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
28 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SUSPENSION:REAR
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
STEERING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
SEATS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
SEATS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SUSPENSION:REAR
SUSPENSION:REAR
SUSPENSION:REAR
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2011–2020. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 635 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
635 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Proximity door unlock system rarely works goes in and out even with key fob in pocket and within Proximity. I've reported the problem to buick/Chevrolet many times, changed fob batteries and etc with no fix
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Regal GS equipped with Continental ProContact TX Tires, Tire Size: 245/40/R19, DOT Number: 6Y66WBR71819. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the TPMS warning light indicated that the rear driver’s side tire air pressure was low. The tire lost air pressure and became flat. Also, later the front passenger’s side tire developed bubbles and had to be replaced. Within the first 200 miles of driving the vehicle, a dealer employee experienced a blowout of the front passenger’s side tire. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with the tires when it was purchased new. The contact stated that three of the four tires had experienced a failure. The contact was informed that the tire size was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21T001000 (Tires). The failure mileage was 200.
Noticed a recall regarding Buick Regal concerning break issues causing the valve to not operate correctly. Possibly the electronic break module not working properly and an update needed along with some parts. Recently the break valve was replaced because the break assist failed. Now, after running the vehicle for more than an hour or sometimes two, the same thing happens. My thoughts are that this affecting more vehicles than just the ones that were recalled.
When i turn the car off the key will not allow me to remove it from ignition to the proper position to remove the key. This is a safety hazzard. I have to mess with the brakes, steering wheel and parking console and keep starting and turning off the car to get key removed. The dealer said they could not locate the problem however several of your other GM vehicles are having this issue. Please assist. I am being stranded in the dark in the cold with a car i cannot leave the key in or someone could steal the car, the doors will not lock with key in ignition.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the braking system suddenly malfunctioned and the brake pedal was firm while depressed, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred, and the vacuum pump was replaced by the dealer; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 80-85 MPH downhill and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was rigid, failed to lower as needed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The Brake Assist warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal harder, the brake pedal slightly travelled down and bounced back. Additionally, the steering wheel shuddered, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact allowed the vehicle to gradually decelerate independently. The contact was able to drive to her destination at slower speeds. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V465000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a fee was charged for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Read 14 more owner reports
I was driving on the interstate going up the mountain and my 2017 Regal started to choke going up the incline. I was pressing my gas to the floor and nothing when this happened I quickly pulled off to the side when I tapped my brakes they felt as if I was pressing on a concrete block. I was able to stop but it was pretty scary. I had no cell phone reception going up this mountain in the dark late at night, I had to slowly drive the car home which was a good 20 minutes to go. Turns out according to my dad my brake vacuum pump busted apart so he replaced the part, he bought a GM certified part. This happened again just this past week it’s been a month and a half since the first incident. I had to spend $600 on the same part and I took it to the dealership this time. The mechanic said the part I had gotten must’ve been a faulty part he couldn’t see what the issue was and why it again for the 2nd time going up the same mountain pretty much at the same spot it happened the first time. The only difference was this time I had no other issues happening I was using cruise control hardly used my brakes the entire trip when I pulled off the exit I tapped my brakes and again it was like I was pressing on concrete. Seems odd that this happened so close together. I’ve had a lot of issues with this car once it hit 100k in miles. Electrical issues, just weird random things happen briefly and then it’s fine.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact stated he used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the brake assist warning light was illuminated after the failure had occurred. The contact continued driving the vehicle at 5 MPH to a nearby gas station and continued to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the brake vacuum pump to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,528.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard as the vehicle rear-ended another vehicle. It was unknown if any warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision repair facility. The contact stated he was unaware of the cause of the brake failure as well as what was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred in August of 2022 while driving at 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard as the vehicle rolled to a stop. The contact was once again unaware of any warning lights. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vacuum brake booster and sensor were replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred for a third time in April of 2023 while driving at 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed once again and traveled to the floor as the failed message " Vacuum Pump Brake Booster" was displayed. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contact's residence as he was awaiting a tow to the dealer for diagnosis and repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall and opened a case. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V465000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the vehicle year, make, and model was not included. The failure mileage was 70,509.
Brakes failed. This happened twice in 14 months. Vacuum Pump had to be replaced both times. The first time it happened it was sitting in a parking lot and we just started to pull out. The second time we were on a 4 lane highway in the fast lane and had to pull the car over through the lanes to the berm of the highway. No warning lights came on and no problems beforehand. The car has been well maintained and kept up to date with all maintenance.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated while her son was exiting a parking spot at 5 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled to a stop. The driver took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experienced the failure a second time on 9/17/2022. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic and was informed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the local dealer was notified of the first failure but not the second failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the brake pedal seized while depressed, preventing the vehicle from immediately stopping. The brake assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a brake vacuum pump failure. The dealer informed the contact that the exhaust camshaft needed to be replaced and the computer needed to be reset. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Vacuum Pump blew up forcing cam shaft sensor to blew out of engine and caused my brakes to fail. This happened at a stop sign. I proceed through the stop in front of a semi-tractor. Fortunately it was in front of the police station in(30mph) town zone and he was able to brake before killing me. My vehicle stopped before going through the front door of an auto shop, My Timing Cam is damaged and Shepherds is quoting $2600 to replace, plus an additional $800 already spent in replacing the vacuum pump. I’ve driven the car an additional 6 months with the cam sensor detached but the vehicle stalls when I slow or stop. This has caused additional hazardous situations. Person(s) will die if this defect is not addressed, it’s probably already happened. I have over 25 years in Automotive safety systems design and manufacture, this needs addressed immediately.
The wave plate has failed inside the transmission causing the car to not go in reverse. I have done my research and this is a common problem with Buick models and should be recalled. The part is only 8 dollars but the transmission must be dropped in order to replace the part, which the labor is over 2,000 dollars which isn’t fair to the customers. Something should be done as soon as possible.
Three years in a row starting in 2020, the vacuum pump has gone out causing the brakes to malfunction (NO BRAKES). In 2020, I was coming off the freeway when the brakes went out. In 2021, the brakes went out on my daughter. June 2022, brakes out while grandson was driving. No accidents or injuries occurred. Just frazzled nerves.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the rearview camera would fail to activate while reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the human interface module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
HID HEADLIGHTS MOISTURE ACCUMULATION INSIDE HOUSING MANUFACTURING DEFECT CAUSE IS EITHER A CRACK IN HEADLIGHT HOUSING OR SEAL COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO BULBS AND/OR BALLAST/WIRING
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake assists unexpectedly failed, and the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The contact was able to pull over and was awaiting a tow. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle had previously been serviced by an independent mechanic for a vacuum pump replacement. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,790.
air recirculation button stays open 20% all times with the air recirculation button always no Engineering has the car vents always open 20% form factory specifications. Hello good evening from Miami my name is [XXX] I enjoy my 2017 Buick Regal GS love my car but I've been back and forth with the service department at both the main Buick dealer about outside smells coming inside the car at all times especially when there's any car in front of my vehicle all smells comes into the car A/C system even when it shut off and the air recirculation button always no. My main concern I Am getting all type of smells from the outside especially for fumes from other vehicle, diesel, toxic, nature. the smells of fumes hit my face so bad that gets me lightheaded while I'm driving the vehicle also my passengers complains several times about the smells. I got the car back today from Lorenzo Buick dealer in Miami the service advisor a notify me that there's nothing they can do that Engineering has the car vents always open 20% form factory specifications. The service advisor told me to find somewhere else to get the car computer reprogrammed to keep it always shut. My complaint is that I would like to have the car air recirculation button always shut close 100% not 20% for safety reasons for my health and allergy outside smells there should be a recall to get this matter fixed. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. SERPENTINI CHEVROLET BUICK OF ORVILLE (1107 N MAIN ST, ORRVILLE, OH 44667) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THREE TIMES WITH AN OIL CHANGE WHILE TWO UNKNOWN TRANSMISSION PARTS WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO DUPLICATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CONTACTED THE DEALER AND INFORMED THEM OF THE RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,500.
Showing 20 of 635 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Buick Regal
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Buick Regal, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Buick Regal has 635 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Buick Regal has 28 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 24 of the Buick Regal's 635 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Buick Regal vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Buick Regal vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Buick Regal has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
Compare
Buyers also compare
How does the Buick Regal stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Buick Regal by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Buick Regal.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Buick Regal reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Buick Regal reliable?
Poor. The Buick Regal has 635 NHTSA owner complaints and 28 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Buick Regal years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2011 (280 complaints), 2012 (92 complaints), 2013 (91 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Buick Regal problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (169 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (160 complaints); EXTERIOR LIGHTING (127 complaints).
Does the Buick Regal have recalls?
Yes — 28 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Buick Regal. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.