Buick Regal years to avoid and best years
Newer Buick Regal years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2012 has the most complaints per year, at 4 (92 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2017 at 0 (from 20 complaints), 2020 at 0 (from 2 complaints), and 2019 at 2 (from 19 complaints). On the 2012 Buick Regal, 25 of 92 complaints name Exterior lighting.
Data as of .
Buick Regal reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Buick Regal. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Fewest | 0 | 2 | 2 | Electrical system | 24 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 2 | 19 | 3 | Powertrain | 24 |
| 2018 → | 3 | 19 | 3 | Service brakes | 24 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 0 | 20 | 0 | Hydraulic brakes | 23 |
| 2016 → | 4 | 41 | 1 | Steering | 24.2 |
| 2015 → | 3 | 33 | 0 | Engine | 24.2 |
| 2014 → | 4 | 38 | 2 | Engine | 24.2 |
| 2013 → | 4 | 91 | 6 | Exterior lighting | 23.4 |
| 2012 → Most | 4 | 92 | 7 | Exterior lighting | 23.3 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-30 (all temps); 0W-30 below −29 °C · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/50R18 (base/Premium), 245/40R19 (GS)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V764000 covers certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal vehicles (with 2013 Malibu and 2010-2013 LaCrosse) sold or ever registered in salt-belt states whose rear toe links may have received excessive electrocoating that can lead to corrosion; dealers replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners. Recall 26V113000 covers certain 2012-2013 Regal Turbo and GS vehicles in the same salt-belt states for improper corrosion protection on the rear suspension toe links, with the same replacement remedy. Recall 12V484000 covers certain 2012-2013 Regal vehicles (with 2013 Malibu) whose body control module software may not detect a burned-out front turn-signal bulb when only one of two bulbs fails; dealers update BCM software. Recall 13V173000 covers certain 2012-2013 Regal vehicles equipped with eAssist (with LaCrosse and Malibu Eco) whose Generator Control Module may not function properly, which can gradually lose battery charge; dealers test and replace the GCM as needed.
- Body styles
- Sedan, Wagon
- Oil
- 0W-30 (2.0L turbo) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/45R18 (common)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 22V465000 covers certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles where, if vacuum power brake assist fails, an electronic brake control module (EBCM) software error may also lose power brake assist (FMVSS 135); dealers update EBCM software. Recall 18V576000 covers certain 2018-2019 Regal vehicles (with Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt, Bolt EV, Terrain, LaCrosse, XTS, and Malibu) whose rear brake caliper pistons may have insufficient coating that can form gas pockets and reduce rear brake performance; dealers bleed the brake system. Recall 19V762000 covers certain 2019-2020 Regal vehicles whose driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded; dealers inspect the welds and replace the seat back frame as needed.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Regal years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2017 at 0 (from 20 complaints), 2020 at 0 (from 2 complaints), and 2019 at 2 (from 19 complaints).
Which Buick Regal year has the most owner complaints?
2012 has the most complaints per year, at 4 (92 complaints). On the 2012 Buick Regal, 25 of 92 complaints name Exterior lighting.
How do Buick Regal owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Buick Regal years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
What oil does a fifth-generation Buick Regal take?
0W-30 for the 2.0L turbo; capacity about 6 qt—confirm in the owner’s manual.
Is there a rear suspension recall on 2012-2013 Regals?
Recalls 20V764000 and 26V113000 cover certain 2012-2013 Regals in salt-belt states for rear toe links with inadequate corrosion protection; dealers replace the toe links.