Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Buick Regal Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 80 recall campaigns across the Buick Regal, 1982–2020. Owners have filed 3,260 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2011 drew the most (280) and the 2008 the fewest (1).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls80campaignsCovering 1982–2020 model yearsSource: NHTSA Complaints3,260filedOwner reports across 37 model yearsSource: NHTSA ODI Crash tests5★overall★★★★★2017 model, latest ratedSource: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy26mpg combined2020 model, best configurationSource: EPA

Buick Regal complaints by model year

3,260 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

3101 266 4 1 1 1 4280 792 691 238 33 141 20 319 319 22
2003200420052008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020
2003101 200466 20054 20081 20091 20101 2011280 201292 201391 201438 201533 201641 201720 201819 201919 20202
ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2008 · 1 complaints
  • 2009 · 1 complaints
  • 2010 · 1 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2011 · 280 complaints
  • 2012 · 92 complaints
  • 2013 · 91 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2011–2020. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Buick Regal owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2011201220132014201520162017201820192020
Engine 1082199950530
Electrical system 7518366563371
Exterior lighting 3833373862000
Service brakes 329642312830
Power train 39796152260
Unknown or other 16597554420
Seats 29600000120
Steering 171431101100

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Buick Regal recalls (80)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one Regal model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Buick Regal
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
26V113000Feb 26, 2026Rear Toe Links May Fracture2012, 201322.1%
22V465000Jun 30, 2022Loss of Power Brake Assist/FMVSS 1352018, 2019, 202084.2%
21V00F000Dec 22, 2021Rear Toe Links May Fracture2012, 201357.3%
21V633000Aug 12, 2021Rear Toe Links May Fracture201365.5%
20V764000Dec 21, 2020Rear Toe Links May Fracture2012, 201376.9%
19V762000Oct 24, 2019Insufficient Welds On Front Seat Structure2019, 202098.2%
18V576000Aug 30, 2018Insufficient Coating on Rear Brake Caliper Pistons2018, 201995.9%
18V230000Apr 12, 2018Rear Outboard Seat Belts may not Restrain Properly201899.2%
16V517000Jul 7, 2016Front Seat Wiring Harness May Cause Fire201169.2%
16V502000Jul 5, 2016Key May Be Removed When Not In Park/FMVSS 114201197.9%
16V108000Feb 24, 2016Loss of Power Steering Assist201696%
15V701000Oct 26, 2015Engine Oil Dripping On Manifold may Cause Fire1997–200438.2%
15V201000Apr 6, 2015Engine Oil Dripping On Manifold may Cause Fire200430.8%
14V447000Jul 23, 2014Seat Height Adjuster Bolt may Fall out2011, 201275.5%
14V409000Jul 2, 2014Improperly Torqued Steering Component Fasteners201498.1%

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗
All 80 Buick Regal recalls by model year →

Crash-test stars by model year

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the Buick Regal (most-tested body style each year)
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRolloverTested as
2017★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2016★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2015★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2014★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2013★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2012★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd

Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Source: NHTSA NCAP, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy by model year

200120–21 mpg
200219–20 mpg
200319–20 mpg
200420–21 mpg
201121–24 mpg
201222–28 mpg
201322–29 mpg
201422–28 mpg
201522–28 mpg
201622–28 mpg
201722–24 mpg
201822–26 mpg
201922–26 mpg
202022–26 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

2020 Buick Regal report2 complaints · 2 campaigns →2019 Buick Regal report19 complaints · 3 campaigns →2018 Buick Regal report19 complaints · 3 campaigns →Every Buick modelBuick models →

Buick Regal FAQ

How many recalls has the Buick Regal had?

NHTSA lists 80 recall campaigns that cover at least one Buick Regal model year from 1982 to 2020. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Buick Regal year has the most complaints?

Among the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2011 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (280) and the 2008 the fewest (1). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Buick Regal problems?

Across the 2011–2020 model years, owners most often name the engine, electrical system, exterior lighting in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Buick Regal get?

EPA rates the 2020 Buick Regal at 22 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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