What are the most common Buick Regal problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012-2012 Buick Regal has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall), Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder, Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick Regal reliable?
The 2012-2012 Buick Regal has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall) and Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder and Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch 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 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 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 2011-2017 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 2011-2013 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 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 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.
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.
