What are the most common Buick Regal problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016-2016 Buick Regal has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder, Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch, Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist (Recall). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick Regal reliable?
The 2016-2016 Buick Regal has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 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). 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 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 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 2011-2017 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.
