2013 Buick Regal: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Buick Regal? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 88 complaints, with Headlight/Taillight Failures as the top reported area.
2013 Buick Regal Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2013 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.
2013 Buick Regal Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial 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 2013 Buick Regal has 88 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Headlight/Taillight Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Regal
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 88
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- 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 2013 Buick Regal Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Headlight/Taillight Failures, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Buick Regal?
The 2013 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 2013 Buick Regal
Inspection Focus
- Inspect headlights and taillights for proper operation and signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect headlights and taillights for proper operation and signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 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
Complaints for the 2013 Buick Regal are concentrated in headlight/taillight failures and electrical faults, which together account for the majority of reports. A smaller number of complaints involve engine, transmission, and brake issues. Crash-related complaints are few, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to the limited sample size.
- Headlight/Taillight failures are the most reported component, with 37 complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most common issue, with 34 complaints.
- Engine problems account for 10 complaints, and transmission/drivetrain issues for 9.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
All 2013 Buick Regal Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Buick Regal. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 37 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 34 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 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 2013 Buick Regal. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I have a continuous problem where the vehicle goes into limp mode/reduce power mode it studders and stalls out. The check engine and stabilitrak light comes on. It is extreamly dangerous at it happens on the road and in traffic. I have thousands of dollars, a new thortle body sen…
Second time, the car has basically shut down. Brake assist, ABS and traction control lights on. Stabilitrak Service light. Had to slow down to 25 miles an hour because it was shaking so bad and limped it home. Last time they said it was a bearing in one of the tires. Also states …
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front driver's side headlight was replaced by the dealer six years ago. The contact stated that the front passenger's side front headlight was inoperable and replaced three years ago; however, the contact stated tha…
Projector lights in headlamp assembly go out and moisture gets into headlamp causing poor visibility after sundown or poor weather. General Motors Case Number: 9-10416199921
While driving the vehicle, I received an alert message on the instrument panel that stated “Remote Not Detected,” then the vehicle immediately shutdown in the middle of the road. I lost all power to the vehicle, I couldn’t put the vehicle in gear, neutral or anything to get it ou…
There is condensation and moisture present inside the high definition front headlight assemblies, which causes the headlight illumination to be diminished and created a visibility hazard while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the Ganley Chevrolet dealership who diagno…
Condensation is getting in the High Def headlamps, and causing headlights to blow. It's a known issue and the assembly is between $1,200 and $1,500 dollars
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. While inspecting under the hood of the vehicle, it was discovered that the tensioner pully was very loose. The vehicle was taken to t…
Left Headlamp Assembly and Driver’s Window Regulator were replaced under Warranty and now need replacing again! Trim Strips were replaced under Warranty because they were rusting and now they are all rusty again! Electrical System now blows fuses. 2103 Buick Regal Turbo just reac…
Left Headlamp Assembly and Driver’s Window Regulator were replaced under Warranty and now have reoccurred and both need replacing again. My car just reach 60K miles. This began 6 months ago so I haven’t been able to drive at night or during storms nor crack my window to talk to…
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving around curves, the vehicle felt wobbly and unstable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that she received notifi…
I made a right hand turn on a 25 mph street in my vehicle and the butt end of my vehicle kicked out and i temporarily lost control of my vehicle. I then heard a high pitch squealing and a thud. I was able to gain control of my vehicle and safely pull into a parking lot where m…
My Buick Regal 2013 ( VIN = 2G4GS5EV6D9229705 ) has needed (3) out of the (4) wheel bearings replaced. It only has 55,000 miles. I am not clear whether a wheel bearing is a safety issue, but I believe it could be.
Both headlights have condensation and are not working.
Condensation in drivers headlight caused headlight malfunction. I have seen multiple posts regarding this issue that have not been addressed. Serious safety issue. No warning lights or indicators tell you light has malfunctioned either.
The car runs fine right up until it doesn't. You can be driving down the highway and all of a sudden lights start flashing on and off and it dies completely and slams on the breaks all at once! It's dangerous especially in the dark! You have no flashers or breaklights to warn oth…
I HAVE ATTACHED A DOCUMENT TO THIS INCIDENT REPORT EXPLAINING THE ISSUES WE ARE FACING WITH OUR BUICK REGAL!! THE 2013 BUICK REGAL ALL MODELS NEED TO BE IMMEDIATELY RECALLED BECORE MORE PEOPLE BECOME SERIOUSLY INJURED BY THE CARELESSNESS OF GENERAL MOTORS
CONDENSATION IN DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT NOW HEADLIGHT WILL NOT WORK BOUGHT A NEW 112.00 BULD AND STILL DOESNT WORK. LOOKED ISSUE UP ON INTERNET AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle would not immediately start. Additionally, while driving the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Also, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accele…
AFTER USING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT DOES NOT COME ALL THE WAY IN THE UP POSITION WHEN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR IS HOT. I HAVE TO LIFT THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH MY OTHER FOOT, OR BRAKE WILL BE PARTIALLY ENGAGED AND BRAKE LIGHTS WILL BE ON. BRAKE PEDAL WORKS FINE WHEN THE INTERIOR OF THE C…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Buick Regal.
2013 Buick Regal Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Buick Regal. 6 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.
2013 Buick Regal Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Buick Regal reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 88 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 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 2013 Buick Regal?▾
#1: Headlight/Taillight Failures (37 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (34 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (10 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Buick Regal?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Buick Regal?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Buick Regal, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 88 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Buick Regal have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Buick Regal. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL. 6 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 2013 Buick Regal?▾
The 2013 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 2013 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.