2018 Buick Regal: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Buick Regal? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 19 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2018 Buick Regal Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2018 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. 4 trims analysed.
2018 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
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: 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 2018 Buick Regal has 19 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Regal
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 19
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 29
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Buick Regal Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Buick Regal?
The 2018 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 2018 Buick Regal
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and master cylinder.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and master cylinder.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 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 19 NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Buick Regal, the data suggests potential issues with the brake system and engine. However, with low confidence and a small sample size, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Brake system complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Engine problems are the second most common complaint category.
- There are 5 crash-related complaints, though causation is not established.
- Brake System
- Engine Problems
- Uncategorized Issues
All 2018 Buick Regal Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Buick Regal. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 8 | 4 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 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 2018 Buick Regal. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My car was part of recall number 22V465, which was supposed to fix a problem with the electronic brake assist system. The recall repair was done in 2023, but after my battery recently died, the same problem has come back — my brakes are very firm, and I have to press hard to stop…
This issue is related to the gear shifter on the vehicle. When stopping the car and putting it into park the dashboard shows the message "Shift to Park." this vehicle has only 50,000 miles on it and this issue cause safety issues as the battery on the vehicle will drain as the ca…
Was driving home from work and my brakes suddenly stopped working, if I press all the way down on the brakes they somewhat work. Checked brake fluid and brake lines and everything seems fine. Could this be from vacuum power brake assist fail?
Increased stopping distance during certain brake vacuum loss events. My check engine light goes on and off periodically. When I’m at a red light my whole car shuts off and goes into a neutral mode then once I press the brake it starts back up.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal equipped with General Tires, Tire Line: Unknown, Tire Size: 245/45R18, and DOT Number: Unknown. The contact stated that after traveling over 3,000 miles and driving at an undisclosed speed, upon reaching his destination, he became aware that an…
On Monday, August 14th, at approximately 5 pm, my wife and I were traveling in our 2018 Buick Regal towards a red streetlight. I began applying my brakes to come to a stop. I was several car lengths behind a vehicle that was up ahead. My car's engine then revved up and our vehic…
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat failed to move forward or backward. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver's seat metal frame to be replaced. The vehicle was …
September 10, 2022 I was backing out of my driveway, but the car would not slow down, and I hit a tree on my neighbor's easement across the street. After a minute, I decided to move the car, put the car in drive, and again the car would not slow down, and wound up hitting the p…
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V465000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for …
The check engine light is always on and has not been diagnosed (as of yet) by Circle Buick - Highland, IN. There is an auto-engine-shutoff feature when the vehicle stops at traffic lights, and when you resume driving there can be a lengthy delay and/or an engine & transmission j…
STEERING WHEEL JERKS BACK ON AUTO START AFTER AUTO STOP. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS THE ISSUES HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND AT RANDOM. REPORTED THE ISSUE EARLY FEBRUARY 2020 AGAIN IN EARLY MAY 2020 AFTER FAILURE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT.REPORTED THE ISSUE AGAIN EAR…
WHILE BEING DRIVEN THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT GEARS WHILE RPMS ARE REGISTERED THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO RESPOND AND LACKS POWER. I WAS FORCED TO SHIFT MANUALLY TO TRY AND GET THE GEARS TO SHIFT WITH NO LUCK AFTER QUICKLY MAKING THE SWITCH BETWEEN AUTOMATIC TO MANU…
DURING THE COLD WEATHER WHILE BEING DRIVEN THE AC UNIT OR HEATER THROWS MOISTURE INTO THE CABIN RESULTING IN COMPLETE VISION IMPAIRMENT. THIS HAPPENED FIRST WHILE GOING UP A MOUNTAIN ROAD AND THE CAR HAD TO BE COMPLETELY STOPPED HOPING NOT TO GET HIT. THE DEFROST WAS MAXED AND …
WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY I CAME TO A STOP DUE TO AN ACCIDENT. ONCE I GOT THROUGH THE ACCIDENT I TRIED TO SPEED UP AND THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO SPEED UP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE ACCELERATION IS NECESSARY TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC.
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION: 'DRIVING THROUGH AN EMPTY PARKING LOT. 'FOLLOWED ROAD AROUND THE BUILDING. 'BLINDED BY SUNLIGHT. 'HIT STATIONARY POLE HEAD ' ON. WEATHER CONDITIONS : HEAVY RAIN : PRIOR TO 2:00PM LIGHT RAIN AND SUNSHINE BETWEEN : 2:45PM AND 3:04…
REVERSING CAMERA CAMERA IS INSTALLED AND EQUIPPED WITH GUIDE LINES SHOWING DIRECTION OF TRAVEL AND WHEEL POSITION. THESE GUIDELINES INTERMITENTLY DISAPPEAR FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IF THE CAR IS PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO REVERSE LINES REAPPEAR. SINCE THE LINES ARE A…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BUICK REGAL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE WAS DESIGNED TO SHUT DOWN TO PRESERVE FUEL. INSTEAD, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD REV AND INCREASE TO 3,000 AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL TO PREVEN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY OF 2018, BUT DID NOT OBTAIN IT UNTIL JUNE 15, 2018. WHILE IN A DRIVE-THRU LINE, THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE FR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A DRIVE'THRU, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, INSPECTED THE DAMAGE, AND CONCLUDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Buick Regal.
2018 Buick Regal Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Buick Regal. 3 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.
2018 Buick Regal Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Buick Regal reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 19 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 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 2018 Buick Regal?▾
#1: Brake System (8 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (5 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Buick Regal?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Buick Regal?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Buick Regal, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 19 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Buick Regal have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Buick Regal. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER. 3 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 2018 Buick Regal?▾
The 2018 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 Brake System 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 2018 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.