2011-2017 Buick Regal Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2011-2017 Buick Regal Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

⚠️NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.

Campaign #16V10800024/02/2016

SUSPENSION:REAR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

Campaign #21V63300012/08/2021

STEERING

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Improperly torqued fasteners may cause the steering intermediate shaft and the steering gear and/or the lower control arm and the lower ball joint to separate.

Campaign #14V40900002/07/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

Campaign #13V17300006/05/2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Campaign #12V48400004/10/2012

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick Regal problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011-2017 Buick Regal has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder, Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick Regal reliable?

The 2011-2017 Buick Regal has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Buick Regal problems?

Repair costs for known Buick Regal issues range from $150 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder, typically costs $150-$5,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Buick Regal is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Buick Regal. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2011-2017 Buick Regal with 2 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.

What is the 2011-2017 Buick Regal Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch?

The 2.0L Turbo LHU (2011-2014) and LTG (2014+) in Regal — and shared LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS/CTS — develops timing chain stretch around 80,000-130,000 miles. Symptoms: cold-start rattle, P0008/P0017 codes, eventual loss of cam timing. Aggravated by extended oil intervals and stop-… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,500. Severity: critical.

What is the 2011-2017 Buick Regal Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder?

The Aisin AF40 6-speed automatic in 2011-2017 Regal (and 2010-2017 LaCrosse 4-cyl, 2008-2017 Opel Insignia A) develops harsh 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, torque-converter shudder at light throttle, and delayed engagement, usually 80,000-150,000 miles. GM's "lifetime fill" claim is widely… Repairs typically run $150-$5,500. Severity: high.

2011-2017 Buick Regal Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2011-2017 Buick Regal: Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder#

Common Symptoms

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