2018 Buick Regal Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Buick Regal has a complaint index of 77, ranking 4th worst out of 14 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. It has 19 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and the top problem area is brakes, which made up 42% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 77/100
- #4 of 14 Regal years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 19
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2018 Buick Regal problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes8 (42%)
- Engine7 (37%)
- Other4 (21%)
- Electrical System3 (16%)
- Airbags2 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (11%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (11%)
- Fuel System1 (5%)
- Seat Belts1 (5%)
- Steering1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake pedal loses effectiveness or the vehicle fails to slow down, leading to low-speed crashes into poles, trees, or a porch.
- A software error in the brake control module can trigger a loss of power brake assist.
- Engine idles roughly or revs unexpectedly to 3,000 rpm at stops when the auto stop-start system engages.
- Vehicle hesitates or lacks power when accelerating from a stop, including after merging situations.
- Automatic transmission fails to shift gears, sometimes producing a loud clank when switched between automatic and manual modes.
- Heater or AC system throws moisture into the cabin in cold weather, fogging the windshield and impairing visibility while driving.
2018 Buick Regal recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V465000Jun 30, 2022Brakes23,734 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:electric:control module:software
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the EBCM software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Buick's customer service at 1-800-521-7300.
- NHTSA 18V576000Aug 30, 2018Brakes210,628 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
- NHTSA 18V230000Apr 12, 2018Seat Belts8,738 vehicles
Seat belts:rear/other
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Buick Regal vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the rear seat belts may have been improperly routed around the bolster bracket on the rear outboard seats, which can cause inadequate restraint of the passengers.
Risk: If the seat belt fails to adequately restrain the passengers in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear outboard seat belts, correcting the routing of the seat belts as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 14, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 18117.
2018 Buick Regal fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- 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.
2018 compared with other Regal years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Buick Regal reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Regal ranks 4th worst among 14 model years with a complaint index of 77 and an Avoid verdict. Brakes account for 42% of its complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Buick Regal?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 42% of complaints and including 4 crashes, with a median failure mileage of 169 miles.
- Does the 2018 Buick Regal have a brake recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 22V465000 for a software error in the electronic brake control module that can cause loss of power brake assist, and recall 18V576000 for a brake system bleed issue.
- How does the 2018 Regal compare to other Regal years?
- The 2018 model has a complaint index of 77, higher than 2017 (46, Good) and 2019 (38, Good), but lower than 2011 (100, Avoid), the worst year in the lineup.