2016 Buick Regal: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Buick Regal? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 41 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2016 Buick Regal Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2016 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. 5 trims analysed.
2016 Buick Regal Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 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 2016 Buick Regal has 41 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Regal
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 41
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 29
- 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 2016 Buick Regal Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Engine Problems, Headlight/Taillight Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Buick Regal?
The 2016 Buick Regal looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
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 2016 Buick Regal
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering system for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, lighting, and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering system for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, lighting, and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 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 41 NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Buick Regal, the data suggests potential issues with steering, engine, lighting, and electrical systems. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the confidence level is low due to the limited sample size.
- Steering Defects account for the highest number of complaints (10 out of 41).
- Engine Problems, Headlight/Taillight Failures, and Electrical Faults each have 6 complaints.
- Unintended Acceleration and Transmission/Drivetrain issues each have 5 complaints.
- Steering Defects
- Engine Problems
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
All 2016 Buick Regal Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Buick Regal. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 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 2016 Buick Regal. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My Buick stops when driving unknown when it’s a surprise lights and dash go off almost got hit took to mechanics it’s the 2016-17 “throw away motor” ad they call it does not last and gets”metal pieces” to ruin motor and turbo as I have noticed speed issues and dying unexpectedly …
My steering failed and started pulling left into traffic. It was hard to keep it in my lane. Had to have it towed by AAA. Took to my mechanic and he said it was the electric belt drive rack &pinion steering. He told me there was a recall on it. When I checked I was told that my v…
My tires were Black when I bought them at Wittlins in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin in 2020. They have been continualy turning brown on the outside of tire. Now they are a beige color on the outside of tire. It seems the tires are aging terribly. I complained to Wittlins a few t…
I purchased the 2016 Buick Regal used in 2021 with 40,000 miles., it now has close to 70,000 miles. It’s still in well cared for mint condition, except for the driver side headlight. Condensation appeared and has been getting worse, dealership says the only option is buying anoth…
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed …
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started sputtering. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle for 5-10 minutes. The contact stated that upon re…
My head lamps have water in them, and is making my lights too dim to
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed during rainy weather, and making a left or right turn, the steering wheel intermittently made a grinding and clicking sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified o…
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that condensation and moisture was present inside the front headlight assemblies, which caused the headlight illumination to be diminished and created a visibility hazard while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the …
Condensation on passenger headlight. (80%) Just noticed condensation on driver side (15%)
While driving down the highway at 60 mph with myself my husband and my 7 year old son my steering wheel locked up and then jolted very hard to the left. Got the car pulled to side of the road the power assist warning started flashing this all happened Saturday October 22, 2022. …
Driving on the highway and abs, stabltrack and steering lights came on. This is the third time in 2 years that a wheel bearing failed on this vehicle. A magnet ring in the wheel bearing that sensors wheel speed failed and fractured causing a loss of power steering, abs, and tract…
I was driving down the highway at 75 mph with my kids in the car and the vacuum pump for the brakes went out which caused my brake pedal to seize up and car brakes would not work while in traffic. I was barely able to get off the highway and get the car to stop. This issue with…
My car continues to run on battery. I’ve had the battery and alternator replaced
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized while turning the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mech…
The steering wheel locks up during turning making it difficult to control the vehicle during turn-this presented a major safety risk. The vehicle was taken to a Buick dealer service on two occasions. The dealer was not able to duplicate the issue. On the first occasion an error …
When using adaptive cruise control, this vehicle will allow you to get close to the vehicle in front of you and aggressively apply brakes which throws you forward. The dealer has looked at this vehicle several times for this issue, changed several sensors but the problem still st…
Interior Chrome Driver Door Handle: The chrome film splits which caused a sharp edge on the edge of the chrome film of the door handle. I cut the edge of my finger on this sharp edge. When I took my vehicle in to have this handle replaced, I had to purchase the entire Driver's…
Water leaking into both front headlights results in dimming of headlights making it hard to see during nighttime driving and a real concern that the HID ballast wiring will short out causing complete loss of headlight operational function. There are many reports online of custome…
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that moisture had entered the vehicle's headlight module which caused the headlights to dim while in operation. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was given three options on how to repair the vehicle, all…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Buick Regal.
2016 Buick Regal Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Buick Regal. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Buick Regal Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Buick Regal reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 41 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2016 Buick Regal looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 2016 Buick Regal?▾
#1: Steering Defects (10 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (6 complaints). #3: Headlight/Taillight Failures (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Buick Regal?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Buick Regal?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Buick Regal, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 41 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Buick Regal have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2016 Buick Regal. A major recall area is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Buick Regal?▾
The 2016 Buick Regal looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 Steering Defects 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 2016 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.