What Buick Regal years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Buick Regal years rank worst, with 2011 having the highest complaint index of 100 among all model years.

What is the best Buick Regal year?

The 2019 Buick Regal ranks best based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 20 and just 19 complaints, the lowest relative to other years.

What is the most common problem with the Buick Regal?

Electrical System issues are the most reported problem across all Regal model years, accounting for 258 complaints, or 41% of the total 635 complaints filed with NHTSA.

Does the 2011 Buick Regal have recalls?

Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2011 Buick Regal, covering issues including power seat wiring harness chafing and power height adjuster shoulder bolts.

Is the 2013 Buick Regal reliable?

The 2013 Regal ranks among the worst Regal years based on NHTSA complaints, with a complaint index of 90 and Electrical System problems making up 69% of its complaints.

Buick Regal Best and Worst Years (2010–2020)

The 2011, 2012, and 2013 Buick Regal years rank worst, led by 2011 with a complaint index of 100, 279 complaints, and 4 recalls. The 2019 Regal ranks best with a complaint index of 20 and only 19 complaints. Electrical System and Engine issues dominate across all years, at 41% and 31% of total complaints.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2012 Avoid 2013 Best 2019

Model years: 11; 2010–2020
NHTSA complaints: 635
Recall campaigns: 17
Crashes reported: 24
Fires reported: 13
Top problem area: Electrical System

Regal Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Buick Regal problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Engine	—	—
2011	Avoid	100	279	7	7	4	Engine	23	—
2012	Avoid	80	92	3	2	7	Electrical System	22.5	5★
2013	Avoid	90	91	6	2	6	Electrical System	22.5	5★
2014	Good	40	38	1	0	2	Engine	24	5★
2015	Caution	60	33	1	1	0	Electrical System	24	5★
2016	Caution	50	41	0	0	1	Electrical System	24	5★
2017	Good	30	20	1	1	0	Brakes	23	5★
2018	Caution	70	19	5	0	3	Brakes	24	—
2019	Best	20	19	0	0	3	Electrical System	24	—
2020	No verdict	10	2	0	0	2	Electrical System	24	—

Regal years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 Buick Regal Index 100 · 279 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2011 Regal has the highest complaint index (100) of any year, with 279 complaints, 7 crashes, 7 fires, and 7 injuries. Engine problems make up 43% of complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 69,579 miles, and Electrical System issues follow at 37%, failing near 70,500 miles. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this year, including a power seat wiring harness recall and a power height adjuster bolt recall. Owners describe unintended acceleration at low speeds and sudden loss of power or power steering.

2011 engine problems →2011 electrical system problems →2011 brakes problems →

2013 Buick Regal Index 90 · 91 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2013 Regal has a complaint index of 90 with 91 complaints, 6 crashes, and 2 fires. Electrical System problems dominate this year at 69% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 60,600 miles. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this year, including multiple rear suspension toe link replacement campaigns. Owners describe headlight wiring that melted and required connector replacement, unintended high-speed acceleration during low-speed parking maneuvers, and airbags that failed to deploy in a crash.

2013 electrical system problems →2013 engine problems →

2012 Buick Regal Index 80 · 92 complaints · 7 recalls

The 2012 Regal carries a complaint index of 80 with 92 complaints, 3 crashes, and 2 fires. Electrical System complaints lead at 49% of the year's total, failing at a median of 68,000 miles, while Engine issues follow at 27%, failing near 71,500 miles. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this year, several tied to rear suspension toe link and adjuster fastener replacement. Owners describe seat fires while idling, sudden power and brake loss while driving, and unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers.

2012 electrical system problems →2012 engine problems →2012 brakes problems →

Most common Buick Regal problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System258 (41%)
Engine200 (31%)
Brakes110 (17%)
Transmission & Powertrain77 (12%)
Other66 (10%)
Structure & Body59 (9%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires41 (6%)
Steering38 (6%)
Fuel System32 (5%)
Airbags14 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What Buick Regal years should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Buick Regal years rank worst, with 2011 having the highest complaint index of 100 among all model years.
What is the best Buick Regal year?: The 2019 Buick Regal ranks best based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 20 and just 19 complaints, the lowest relative to other years.
What is the most common problem with the Buick Regal?: Electrical System issues are the most reported problem across all Regal model years, accounting for 258 complaints, or 41% of the total 635 complaints filed with NHTSA.
Does the 2011 Buick Regal have recalls?: Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2011 Buick Regal, covering issues including power seat wiring harness chafing and power height adjuster shoulder bolts.
Is the 2013 Buick Regal reliable?: The 2013 Regal ranks among the worst Regal years based on NHTSA complaints, with a complaint index of 90 and Electrical System problems making up 69% of its complaints.