Buick · Known Issues

2011-2020 Buick Regal Problems: 9 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2011-2020 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated June 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011-2020 Buick Regal has 9 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall), Loss of Power Brake Assist — EBCM Software Defect (Recall), Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder ($150-$5,500 repair), Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch ($1,800-$3,500 repair), Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist (Recall), Excessive Oil Consumption on 2.4L Ecotec ($1,500-$4,000 repair) and Timing Chain / Tensioner Failure on 2.0T Turbo (LHU/LNF) ($2,000-$5,600 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $5,600. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 9 Known Issues

On the 2011-2017 Buick Regal, 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.

This issue also affects: Buick Cascada, Buick Enclave, Buick Encore

Common Symptoms

cold start rattle
misfire
check engine light
reduced power

How to Fix

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.

Typical repair cost:$1,800 - $3,500

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On the 2011-2013 Buick Regal, 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.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $4,000

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On the 2011-2013 Buick Regal, 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).

This issue also affects: Buick Cascada, Buick Enclave, Buick Encore

Common Symptoms

Rattling or whine from front of engine
Check engine light
Rough running / misfire
No-start after chain jumps
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.

Typical repair cost:$2,000 - $5,600

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On the 2011-2017 Buick Regal, 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.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Cascada

Common Symptoms

Cold-start misfire / stumble
Rough idle
Hesitation on acceleration
Reduced power and fuel economy
Misfire codes

How to Fix

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.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $900

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On the 2011-2017 Buick Regal, 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.

This issue also affects: Buick Enclave, Buick Encore GX, Cadillac Escalade

Common Symptoms

harsh shifts
torque converter shudder
delayed engagement
flare on upshift

How to Fix

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).

Typical repair cost:$150 - $5,500

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On the 2011-2017 Buick Regal, 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.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $2,500

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On the 2011-2013 Buick Regal, 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.

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On the 2018-2020 Buick Regal, 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.

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On the 2016 Buick Regal, 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.

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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 2011-2020 Buick Regal has 9 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), Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder. Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick Regal reliable?

The 2011-2020 Buick Regal has 9 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 7 issues are rated critical: Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall) and Loss of Power Brake Assist — EBCM Software Defect (Recall) and Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder and Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch and Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist (Recall) and Excessive Oil Consumption on 2.4L Ecotec 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 2011-2020 Buick Regal with 9 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.

All 9 Known Issues

2011-2017 Buick Regal: Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2013 Buick Regal: Excessive Oil Consumption on 2.4L Ecotec#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2013 Buick Regal: Timing Chain / Tensioner Failure on 2.0T Turbo (LHU/LNF)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2017 Buick Regal: Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2017 Buick Regal: 6T70/6T40 Automatic Transmission Shudder, Slipping & Hard Shifts#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2013 Buick Regal: Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2018-2020 Buick Regal: Loss of Power Brake Assist — EBCM Software Defect (Recall)#

Common Symptoms

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2016 Buick Regal: Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist (Recall)#

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick Regal problems?

Is the Buick Regal reliable?

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

What year Buick Regal is the most reliable?

What is the 2011-2013 Buick Regal Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall)?

What is the 2018-2020 Buick Regal Loss of Power Brake Assist — EBCM Software Defect (Recall)?

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

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

What is the 2016 Buick Regal Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist (Recall)?

What is the 2011-2013 Buick Regal Excessive Oil Consumption on 2.4L Ecotec?

What is the 2011-2013 Buick Regal Timing Chain / Tensioner Failure on 2.0T Turbo (LHU/LNF)?

What is the 2011-2017 Buick Regal Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)?

What is the 2011-2017 Buick Regal 6T70/6T40 Automatic Transmission Shudder, Slipping & Hard Shifts?