2012 Buick Regal: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Buick Regal? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 91 complaints, with Headlight/Taillight Failures as the top reported area.
2012 Buick Regal Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2012 Buick Regal trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2012 Buick Regal Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Buick Regal 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Buick Regal has 91 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Headlight/Taillight Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Regal
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 91
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Buick Regal Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Headlight/Taillight Failures, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Buick Regal?
The 2012 Buick Regal shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2012 Buick Regal
Inspection Focus
- Inspect headlight and taillight functionality thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect headlight and taillight functionality thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Buick Regal, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 91 NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Buick Regal, the most frequently reported issues involve headlight/taillight failures, engine problems, and electrical faults. Crash-related complaints are few, and the data suggests potential reliability concerns in specific areas.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures account for the largest share of complaints (33 out of 91).
- Engine Problems are the second most reported component (21 complaints).
- Electrical Faults are also notable (18 complaints).
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2012 Buick Regal Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Buick Regal. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 33 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 21 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Buick Regal. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a Safety 1st Car Seat, Model Name: Disney Baby Jive 2-in-1 Convertible, Model Number: CC286-GAD, Manufactured Date: August 17, 2022. The contact stated that the forward-facing safety seat head detached from the seat with the screws still attached. The contact att…
There is a water seal leak around the driver side headlight. I have photos showing proof of standing water. It has now caused the headlight, left turn signal, and drivers side brake light to fail. My passenger side headlight is doing the same. I have no headlights, no driverside …
[XXX] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring …
Hard to be able to control the vehicle due to something going on the rear
2nd bad headlamp assembly that develops moisture and causes lamp to go out. First was passenger side now driver side
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, he became aware that the electrical system was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the body control…
The driver headlight assembly has water in it and unable to fix it without replacing whole assembly that can be as much as $1500. The light bulb and valance was replaced. The valance was filled with water. The headlight still wouldn’t work. Upon further investigation there is a …
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel went blank, and the turn signals failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that vehicle briefly lost motive power but independently restarted while making turn…
Engine used oil with no smoke or leaks. Had to change oil every 2300 miles. Motor went bad do to no oil even after oil change.
I previously reported an issue with a he condensation in the driver side headlight which every one of these models with the hid headlights has this issue. Now it is becoming a safety issue as both headlights are doing it and are randomly going off while driving I almost hit a tel…
The headlight area had condensation in it that resulted in water in the headlight. This caused the headlight to go dark. This is a safety issue as one of my headlights is not working. I can’t see that section of the road or adjacent sidelines. Very dangerous particularly at…
Car lost all electrical power while driving (moving) and fully shut down, stalling immediately. Nothing electrical worked, including 4 way flashers. The alternator was just replaced 2 weeks after this same full loss of electrical power was diagnosed when going to start the car wh…
The driver side headlamp assembly has a faulty seal which allows water to leak inside the housing under normal daily conditions. When this happens the water leaks down through the assembly where the headlight ballast is mounted, causing water to collect in the ballast, and killin…
Moisture in headlights causes light to fail while driving .
The contact owned a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated while her husband was attempting to decelerate to speed, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into an apartment building. No further information was available. The driver and the contact (front passenger) were …
The contact's uncle owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front headlights were burned out. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact did not provide further information. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an un…
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the driver’s side headlight assembly developed condensation inside causing the light bulb to blow out. The contact indicated that the entire headlight assembly needed to be replaced to fix the failure. The vehicle was n…
The contact's son-in-law owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that the part was not available. The cont…
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at night, the illumination from the headlights was very dim. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that condensation had accumulated in both headlight modules causin…
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start up, and while at a stop light the entire vehicle would shake and vibrate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failu…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Buick Regal.
2012 Buick Regal Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Buick Regal. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2012 Buick Regal Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Buick Regal reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 91 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Buick Regal shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Buick Regal?▾
#1: Headlight/Taillight Failures (33 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (21 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (18 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Buick Regal?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Buick Regal?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Buick Regal, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 91 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Buick Regal have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Buick Regal. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Buick Regal?▾
The 2012 Buick Regal shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Headlight/Taillight Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Regal reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Buick Regal based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.