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2012 Buick Regal: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2012 Buick Regal, most recently filed February 2026. Owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the exterior lighting. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 7campaigns 3 suspension · 2 lighting · 1 seat Source: NHTSA Complaints 92filed Owner reports, 2008–2017 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 28mpg combined $2,333/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.4 L 4-cyl· AV-S6 CVT 8 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (7)

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2012 Buick Regal. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2012 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V113000 Filed Feb 26, 2026

Rear Toe Links May Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear suspension toe links may have received improper corrosion protection, which can result in rear toe link fracture.
Consequence
Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2026. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N252537580. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall numbers 20V764, 21V633, and 21V00F.
22.1% repairedof 17,050 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V113000
Listed for 2012 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V00F000 Filed Dec 22, 2021

Rear Toe Links May Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Consequence
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
57.3% repairedof 4,271 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V00F000
Listed for 2012 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V764000 Filed Dec 21, 2020

Rear Toe Links May Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Consequence
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
76.9% repairedof 220,006 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V764000
Listed for 2012 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V447000 Filed Jul 23, 2014

Seat Height Adjuster Bolt may Fall out

Seats · front assembly · power adjust
Official NHTSA text
Summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Consequence
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
75.5% repairedof 414,333 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V447000
Listed for 2012 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V173000 Filed May 6, 2013

Hybrid Charging System/Possible Fire or Stall

Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
Consequence
If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
Remedy
GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
93.8% repairedof 42,904 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V173000
Listed for 2012 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V484000 Filed Oct 4, 2012

Front Turn Signal Bulbs/FMVSS 108

Exterior lighting · turn signal
Official NHTSA text
Summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.
86.7% repairedof 120,426 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V484000
Listed for 2012 Buick Regal. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V093000 Filed Mar 7, 2012

PARKING LAMPS/FMVSS 108

Exterior lighting
Official NHTSA text
Summary
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.
Consequence
INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
Remedy
GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM AT 1-800-521-7300.
Repair progress not yet reported3,633 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V093000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Regal years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Buick RegalAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (92)

92 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The exterior lighting is mentioned most often.

3involved a crash
2involved a fire
4injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Buick Regal, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 92.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2012 compares with other Regal years

Best and worst Regal years →
1 1 1 280 92 91 38 33 41 20
2008200920102011201220132014201520162017
This year (2012)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 10.9%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2012 Buick Regal 4 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 28 mpg combined

28
mpg combined
24
city
35
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,400
CO₂ tailpipe
317 g/mi
EPA class
Midsize Cars

What it costs you to run

$2,333per year
$194per month
536gallons a year

Miles ÷ 28 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2012 Buick Regal configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.4 L 4-cyl · AV-S6 CVTFront-Wheel Drive24 / 35 / 28$2,400317
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive20 / 31 / 24$2,800370
2.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23$2,900386
2.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23$2,900386
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive18 / 29 / 22$3,050404
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22$3,050404
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive18 / 28 / 22$3,050404
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22$3,050404

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2012 Regal for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Regal years

Where to next

Which Regal years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2013 Buick Regal report91 complaints · 6 campaigns →2011 Buick Regal report280 complaints · 4 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2012 Buick Regal FAQ

How many recalls does the 2012 Buick Regal have?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 26V113000 (suspension), 21V00F000 (suspension), 20V764000 (suspension), 14V447000 (seat), 13V173000 (electrical), 12V484000 (lighting), 12V093000 (lighting). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2012 Buick Regal problems?

Owners filed 92 complaints with NHTSA. Exterior lighting (33), Engine (21), Electrical system (18) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2012 Buick Regal get?

EPA rates the 2.4 L 4-cyl · AV-S6 CVT version at 24 city, 35 highway and 28 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2012 Buick Regal get?

NHTSA rated the 2012 Buick Regal 4 dr fwd 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (10.9% rollover risk).

How does the 2012 Regal compare with other years?

Among the 2008–2017 Buick Regal model years at least five years old, the 2008 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2011 the most (280). The 2012 drew 92. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

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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