According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997-2004, 2011-2020 Buick Regal has 13 documented known issues, with 11 rated critical. The most serious are Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall), Loss of Power Brake Assist — EBCM Software Defect (Recall), Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak Onto Exhaust Manifold — Fire Risk (NHTSA 15V201000), 3.8L V6 Valve Cover Oil Leak onto Exhaust Manifold — Fire Recall 09V116000, eAssist Generator Control Module Failure — Battery Drain, Stalling and Trunk Fire Risk (Recall 13V173000), Front Rocker Cover Gasket Oil Seepage Can Ignite on the Exhaust Manifold (Recall 08V118000), Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch ($1,800-$3,500 repair), Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder ($150-$5,500 repair), . at .
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Campaign #18V57600030/08/2018
SEATS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
Campaign #19V76200024/10/2019
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997-2004, 2011-2020 Buick Regal has 13 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall), Loss of Power Brake Assist — EBCM Software Defect (Recall), Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak Onto Exhaust Manifold — Fire Risk (NHTSA 15V201000). Of these, 11 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick Regal reliable?
The 1997-2004, 2011-2020 Buick Regal has 13 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 11 issues are rated critical: Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall) and Loss of Power Brake Assist — EBCM Software Defect (Recall) and Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak Onto Exhaust Manifold — Fire Risk (NHTSA 15V201000) and 3.8L V6 Valve Cover Oil Leak onto Exhaust Manifold — Fire Recall 09V116000 and eAssist Generator Control Module Failure — Battery Drain, Stalling and Trunk Fire Risk (Recall 13V173000) and Front Rocker Cover Gasket Oil Seepage Can Ignite on the Exhaust Manifold (Recall 08V118000) and Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch and Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder and Excessive Oil Consumption on 2.4L Ecotec and Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist (Recall) and Timing Chain / Tensioner Failure on 2.0T Turbo (LHU/LNF). 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 $5,600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional 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 1997-2004, 2011-2020 Buick Regal with 13 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
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GM notified NHTSA on April 2, 2015 that certain 2004 Buick Regal sedans built in a narrow window — April 9, 2003 through June 1, 2003 — can develop a leaking valve cover gasket. Because of where the leak sits, escaping engine oil can drip down onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, which GM says increases the risk of an under-hood fire. Only Regals assembled in that spring-2003 date range are named, so two 2004 Regals sitting side by side may not both be covered — build date, not model year alone, decides it. The campaign as a whole (GM number 14574) covers 330,742 vehicles across the several GM models included in it; that figure is campaign-wide and says nothing about how many Regals are involved. GM expanded the campaign on May 18, 2015 to add other vehicles.
Common Symptoms
Engine oil leaking from the valve cover area
Smell of burning oil while driving or after shutdown
Smoke from the engine bay where oil contacts the hot exhaust manifold
How to Fix
The repair is free at any Buick dealer. The dealer removes the plastic engine cover and the plastic oil fill tube extension, then replaces the front valve cover and its gasket. Owner notification began April 24, 2015, so a car bought used may already have been fixed — or may have been missed if a previous owner never responded. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether campaign 15V201000 is still open on your Regal, and call Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 with questions. Reference GM recall number 14574.
Buick Regals from 1997 through 2003 equipped with the 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 fall under GM recall 09V116000. The defect is an oil leak path that lets drops of engine oil land on the exhaust manifold when the car is braked hard. Should the manifold be hot enough and the oil run underneath the heat shield, the oil can ignite into a small flame. From there the fire can travel to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond, which is what makes an otherwise ordinary oil weep a fire hazard rather than just a mess. This is one of the longest year spans in the campaign — nearly every 3.8L naturally aspirated Regal of that generation is in scope. Supercharged Regal GS models are not covered by this campaign, which is specific to the naturally aspirated 3.8L. NHTSA lists 1,497,516 vehicles for the campaign as a whole, spanning all the GM models involved.
Common Symptoms
Burning oil odor, often noticed after hard braking
Smoke rising from the engine bay
Oil residue on or around the front valve cover and exhaust manifold area
How to Fix
Correction is free at a Buick/GM dealer. The dealer fits a redesigned front valve cover and front valve cover gasket, and takes off the engine's plastic cover and the plastic oil fill tube extension — removing both the leak source and the nearby plastic that could carry a flame. Given the age of these cars, verify the recall's status by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before booking, since a prior owner may have already had it done.
GM recalled Buick Regals built for the 1997-2003 model years that came with the supercharged 3.8L V-6 — in the Regal line that is the GS-style supercharged car, not the naturally aspirated version. On these engines the front rocker (valve) cover gasket runs at higher temperatures than normal, so the gasket can degrade earlier than expected and begin letting engine oil seep out. NHTSA's consequence statement is the serious part: oil that seeps or is spilled at the front of the engine can be flung onto the exhaust manifold, and hard braking is specifically called out as the motion that deposits those drops. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs down below the heat shield, it can ignite into a small flame and, in some cases, a larger underhood fire. The campaign covers 207,542 vehicles in total across every model included in the recall — that figure is campaign-wide and is not a count of Regals. GM advised owners not to wait for symptoms: until the remedy was performed, the recommendation was to have any oil seepage taken seriously rather than treated as a normal old-car leak.
Common Symptoms
Engine oil seepage from the front rocker (valve) cover area
Oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold, sometimes noticed after hard braking
Burning oil smell or smoke from under the hood
In some cases a small flame or underhood fire
How to Fix
Take the Regal to a Buick/GM dealer — the recall repair is free regardless of the car's age or mileage. The dealer replaces the front valve cover and the front valve cover gasket with redesigned parts, and also removes the engine's plastic cover, the plastic oil-fill-tube extension, and the 1-3-5 spark plug wire retainers, all of which are part of the fix rather than optional extras. Because this is a fire-risk campaign on a car that is now decades old, confirm the work was actually done: enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether recall 08V118000 is still listed as open for that specific vehicle. If it shows open, book the dealer visit and in the meantime treat any oil smell, smoke, or fresh seepage at the front of the engine as urgent.
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-start fleet use.
Full timing chain kit including chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets — $1,800-$3,000 at independent. Stick to 5,000-7,500 mile oil intervals with dexos1 full-synthetic 5W-30. Carbon-clean intake valves at the same service ($300-$500) since LHU/LTG are direct-injection.
2011-2013 Regals with the naturally-aspirated 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder are documented to burn oil at an abnormal rate, with some owners reporting a quart consumed every 1,000-2,000 miles or worse. The problem is tied to worn piston rings/PCV design on this engine family. GM issued a TSB on the condition, but dealers often deemed anything better than ~2,000 miles/quart acceptable and denied warranty repairs. A related GM oil-burn class action covered the Equinox/Terrain but not the Regal, despite the shared engine.
Common Symptoms
Frequent need to add oil between changes
Low oil pressure / oil light
Blue smoke from exhaust
Fouled spark plugs
How to Fix
GM TSB diagnostic involves an oil consumption test; remedies range from PCV/valve cover updates to piston and ring replacement. Owners commonly manage it by checking oil frequently and topping off, or rebuilding the short block in severe cases.
On 2011-2013 Regals with the 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection engine, the timing chain tensioner and the small bolts securing it into the aluminum cylinder head can loosen or shear, allowing the chain to stretch or jump time. This frequently causes catastrophic internal damage including bent valves and lost compression, often with little or no warning. Owners report failures as early as ~35,000 miles, sometimes just outside the powertrain warranty. Contributing factors include the early oil-life-monitor intervals being too long for this soot-heavy DI engine (GM later shortened recommended intervals).
Sudden engine shutdown / catastrophic failure with no prior warning
How to Fix
Replace the timing chain, tensioner, guides and any damaged valvetrain components; severe cases require partial or full engine rebuild. Preventively, change oil more frequently (~5,000 miles) and address any P0008/P0016/P0017 codes immediately before the chain jumps time.
Like other GM direct-injected engines, the Regal's 2.0T and 2.4L DI engines accumulate carbon deposits on the back of the intake valves because fuel no longer washes the valves clean. Over tens of thousands of miles this causes cold-start misfires, rough idle, hesitation, and reduced power and economy. It is a well-documented owner complaint on the turbo cars in particular.
Perform a walnut-blasting / manual intake valve cleaning (or chemical induction service in milder cases). Updated engine-management software and periodic intake cleaning help slow recurrence; catch-can installation reduces future buildup.
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 disputed by independent shops.
Drain-and-fill ATF every 50,000 miles using AC Delco / Aisin AFW+ (or JWS3309 equivalent) — about $150-$250 DIY (5-6 qt drained per service). Severe shudder may need torque converter or valve body work ($1,500-$3,500). If neglected past 120k miles, full rebuild may be required ($3,500-$5,500).
Regals equipped with the GM 6T40/6T70 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder, slipping or flare on the 2-6 shift, and harsh/delayed shifts. The 6T40 issue is commonly debris blocking the 2-6 clutch regulator valve circuit; the 6T70 suffers wear in the accumulator/solenoid valve bores and torque-converter clutch shudder, sometimes worsened by overheated, degraded fluid.
Common Symptoms
Shudder/vibration under light acceleration
Slipping or RPM flare between gears
Hard or delayed shifts
Surge when shifting into/out of 2nd or 6th
How to Fix
Start with a full transmission fluid/filter service (fixes many shudder cases). Persistent problems require valve body cleaning/rebuild, accumulator bore repair, or torque converter replacement. Use only the correct GM spec fluid.
Certain 2011-2013 Regals (including Turbo and GS) have rear suspension toe links manufactured with inadequate e-coat corrosion protection. In road-salt states, the toe link can corrode and eventually fracture, causing a sudden loss of rear-wheel control. This has been the subject of repeated GM recalls (2021 campaign 21V423 and a third recall in 2026 covering ~17,050 additional 2012-2013 Turbo/GS vehicles), making it one of the most safety-significant Regal defects.
Common Symptoms
Clunking or looseness from rear suspension
Rear-end wandering or instability
Visible rust/corrosion on rear toe link
Sudden loss of vehicle control if link fractures
How to Fix
Under recall, dealers replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners at no cost. Out of recall scope, replace corroded toe links with new parts.
2018-2020 fifth-generation Regals (Sportback/TourX) were recalled because a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may fail to activate the hydraulic-brake boost backup if vacuum brake assist is lost. The result is a hard, high-effort brake pedal with substantially reduced braking performance and increased stopping distance. GM recalled roughly 23,734 vehicles (NHTSA 22V-xxx, July 2022).
Common Symptoms
Hard or stiff brake pedal
Increased pedal effort needed to stop
Longer stopping distances
Brake warning indicators
How to Fix
Dealers reprogram/update the EBCM software at no cost; no replacement parts required. Owners should verify the recall has been completed via VIN.
Buick Regal models from 2012 and 2013 built with the eAssist mild-hybrid system are covered by GM recall 13V173000 (GM campaign 13136), an NHTSA electrical-system recall covering 42,904 vehicles campaign-wide across all of the models included in it. On an affected Regal, the Generator Control Module (GCM) that manages the eAssist system may not function properly. According to NHTSA, this can lead to a gradual loss of battery charge along with illumination of the malfunction indicator light. If the Regal keeps being driven in that condition, the engine may stall and/or the car may fail to start afterward. NHTSA also warns that the failing module can produce a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk — which is where the eAssist hardware lives on this car. Note that this applies only to eAssist-equipped Regals; non-eAssist Regals are outside the recall population.
Common Symptoms
Malfunction indicator light illuminates
Gradual loss of battery charge / battery going flat
Engine stalls while driving
Vehicle will not start
Burning or melting odor
Smoke from the trunk area
How to Fix
The repair is free at any Buick dealer. GM notified owners beginning June 11, 2013; dealers test the Generator Control Module and replace it if the test shows a fault, at no cost to the owner. If your 2012 or 2013 Regal has eAssist and you are not sure whether the work was done, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether recall 13V173000 is still open on your specific car — recall repairs remain free regardless of the vehicle's age or how many owners it has had. Owners can also contact GM directly at 1-800-521-7300 and reference campaign 13136. Because the consequence includes smoke and possible fire in the trunk, do not put off the check if the warning light is on or the battery is repeatedly going flat.
GM recalled certain 2016 Regals (built Aug 2015 – Feb 2016) because a defective circuit board in the electric belt-drive rack-and-pinion steering gear could cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, sharply increasing steering effort and crash risk. Owners have also reported steering jolting or locking at speed. Beyond the formal recall, electric power steering faults (e.g., P3055/P3056 'Steering Assist Reduced' messages) are reported on later Regals.
Common Symptoms
'Steering Assist Reduced' warning message
Sudden heavy/stiff steering
Steering jolting or pulling to one side
Loss of power assist at speed
How to Fix
Under recall 21510, dealers replace the electric belt-drive rack-and-pinion steering gear assembly free of charge. Non-recall failures require diagnosis of the steering rack motor/module and replacement.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Buick Regal vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the rear seat belts may have been improperly routed around the bolster bracket on the rear outboard seats, which can cause inadequate restraint of the passengers.
Campaign #18V23000012/04/2018
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
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
What is the 2011-2013 Buick Regal Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall)?
Certain 2011-2013 Regals (including Turbo and GS) have rear suspension toe links manufactured with inadequate e-coat corrosion protection. In road-salt states, the toe link can corrode and eventually fracture, causing a sudden loss of rear-wheel control. This has been the subject… Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2020 Buick Regal Loss of Power Brake Assist — EBCM Software Defect (Recall)?
2018-2020 fifth-generation Regals (Sportback/TourX) were recalled because a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may fail to activate the hydraulic-brake boost backup if vacuum brake assist is lost. The result is a hard, high-effort brake pedal with substa… Severity: high.
What is the 2004 Buick Regal Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak Onto Exhaust Manifold — Fire Risk (NHTSA 15V201000)?
GM notified NHTSA on April 2, 2015 that certain 2004 Buick Regal sedans built in a narrow window — April 9, 2003 through June 1, 2003 — can develop a leaking valve cover gasket. Because of where the leak sits, escaping engine oil can drip down onto the hot surface of the exhaust… Severity: high.
What is the 1997-2003 Buick Regal 3.8L V6 Valve Cover Oil Leak onto Exhaust Manifold — Fire Recall 09V116000?
Buick Regals from 1997 through 2003 equipped with the 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 fall under GM recall 09V116000. The defect is an oil leak path that lets drops of engine oil land on the exhaust manifold when the car is braked hard. Should the manifold be hot enough and the oil r… Severity: high.
What is the 2012-2013 Buick Regal eAssist Generator Control Module Failure — Battery Drain, Stalling and Trunk Fire Risk (Recall 13V173000)?
Buick Regal models from 2012 and 2013 built with the eAssist mild-hybrid system are covered by GM recall 13V173000 (GM campaign 13136), an NHTSA electrical-system recall covering 42,904 vehicles campaign-wide across all of the models included in it. On an affected Regal, the Gene… Severity: high.
What is the 1997-2003 Buick Regal Front Rocker Cover Gasket Oil Seepage Can Ignite on the Exhaust Manifold (Recall 08V118000)?
GM recalled Buick Regals built for the 1997-2003 model years that came with the supercharged 3.8L V-6 — in the Regal line that is the GS-style supercharged car, not the naturally aspirated version. On these engines the front rocker (valve) cover gasket runs at higher temperatures… Severity: high.
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: high.
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.
What is the 2011-2013 Buick Regal Excessive Oil Consumption on 2.4L Ecotec?
2011-2013 Regals with the naturally-aspirated 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder are documented to burn oil at an abnormal rate, with some owners reporting a quart consumed every 1,000-2,000 miles or worse. The problem is tied to worn piston rings/PCV design on this engine family. GM issu… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2016 Buick Regal Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist (Recall)?
GM recalled certain 2016 Regals (built Aug 2015 – Feb 2016) because a defective circuit board in the electric belt-drive rack-and-pinion steering gear could cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, sharply increasing steering effort and crash risk. Owners have also reported… Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2013 Buick Regal Timing Chain / Tensioner Failure on 2.0T Turbo (LHU/LNF)?
On 2011-2013 Regals with the 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection engine, the timing chain tensioner and the small bolts securing it into the aluminum cylinder head can loosen or shear, allowing the chain to stretch or jump time. This frequently causes catastrophic internal damage… Repairs typically run $2,000-$5,600. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2017 Buick Regal 6T70/6T40 Automatic Transmission Shudder, Slipping & Hard Shifts?
Regals equipped with the GM 6T40/6T70 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder, slipping or flare on the 2-6 shift, and harsh/delayed shifts. The 6T40 issue is commonly debris blocking the 2-6 clutch regulator valve circuit; the 6T70 suffers wear in the accumulato… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2017 Buick Regal Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)?
Like other GM direct-injected engines, the Regal's 2.0T and 2.4L DI engines accumulate carbon deposits on the back of the intake valves because fuel no longer washes the valves clean. Over tens of thousands of miles this causes cold-start misfires, rough idle, hesitation, and red… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.
