2013 Buick Regal Electrical System Problems
The 2013 Buick Regal has 63 electrical system complaints out of 91 total complaints for the year, 69% of all complaints filed. Median mileage at failure is 60,600 miles, and two related recalls (13V173000 and 12V484000) cover the electrical system.
- Electrical System complaints
- 63
- 69% of 91
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 60,600 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Headlights fail or go dark, sometimes traced to melted wiring, moisture inside the housing, or a shorted ballast, occasionally affecting both sides one after another.
- Vehicles stall or lose power unexpectedly while driving, with dashboard lights flickering, power steering cutting out, and the instrument panel going dark before the car coasts to a stop.
- Battery and charging system warning lights come on along with a gradual loss of charge, followed by the vehicle failing to start and needing a jump.
- The push-to-start button location caused the engine to shut off accidentally while driving because it sits too close to the steering wheel.
- The driver information center display goes dark with no warning, blocking the view of mileage, fuel level, speed, and tire status.
- Interior console and parking-light indicators malfunction, with the console losing power in heat and the parking light showing an incorrect status.
When 2013 Buick Regal electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 29, 2014, latest May 8, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Buick Regal
- NHTSA 13V173000May 6, 2013Electrical System42,904 vehicles
Electrical system
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 12V484000Oct 4, 2012Electrical System120,426 vehicles
Exterior lighting:turn signal
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."
Risk: 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.
Electrical System complaints by Regal model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems in the 2013 Buick Regal?
- NHTSA lists 63 electrical system complaints for the 2013 Regal, which is 69% of the 91 total complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do these electrical failures usually happen?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2013 Regal is 60,600 miles.
- Is there a recall for the 2013 Buick Regal electrical system?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls: campaign 13V173000 covering the Generator Control Module on eAssist models, and campaign 12V484000 covering a turn signal bulb and body control module issue.
- Did the electrical problems cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2013 Regal includes 1 crash, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the reported complaints.
- How does 2013 compare to other Regal years for electrical complaints?
- The 2013 Regal's 69% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is the highest of any model year listed, compared to 49% in 2012 and 37% in 2011.