2016 Buick Regal Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2016 Buick Regal has 41 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 50, and ranks 6th worst of 11 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Its top issue is the Electrical System (27% of complaints), and it has one steering-related recall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 62/100
- #6 of 14 Regal years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 41
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 20 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2016 Buick Regal problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System11 (27%)
- Steering10 (24%)
- Engine8 (20%)
- Other5 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (12%)
- Brakes4 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (10%)
- Structure & Body3 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Backup camera and forward navigation displays wash out and take time to adjust when moving between dark and bright light, such as leaving a garage or tunnel.
- Instrument cluster and speed gauges suddenly go blank with warning lights for engine temperature, skid, and tires appearing at once.
- Windshields develop cracks starting at the lower corner that spread across the glass over several days.
- Infotainment screen goes blank while steering-wheel audio controls still work, and the backup camera feed intermittently jumps or freezes.
- Sunroof glass has shattered while driving on the highway with no outside impact.
- Power steering assist has failed unexpectedly during turns, on residential streets, and on the highway, sometimes after multiple dealer visits for the same issue.
2016 Buick Regal recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V108000Feb 24, 2016Steering74 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21510.
2016 Buick Regal fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Regal years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Buick Regal reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 41 complaints and a Complaint Index of 50 for the 2016 Regal, giving it a Caution verdict — worse than 2014, 2017, and 2019 Regals but better than 2011-2013 models.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Buick Regal?
- Electrical System issues are the top complaint area, making up 27% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 20,850 miles.
- Does the 2016 Buick Regal have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (16V108000) covers a power-steering assist system that may fail, affecting vehicles built between August 30, 2015 and February 12, 2016.
- How does the 2016 Regal compare to other Regal years?
- It ranks 6th worst out of 11 model years with data, better than 2011-2013 (Avoid verdicts) but worse than 2014, 2017, and 2019 (Good or Best verdicts).