2020 Buick Regal Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2020 Buick Regal has a complaint index of 23, ranking 11th out of 14 model years, with only 2 complaints and 2 recalls filed. That places it among the lower-complaint years, though it lacks an assigned verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 23/100
- #11 of 14 Regal years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 2
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2020 Buick Regal problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System1 (50%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (50%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Tire pressure drops suddenly at highway speed near 70 MPH, with the rear tire going flat and a front tire later developing a sidewall bubble, reported around 200 miles.
- The proximity door-unlock system intermittently fails to sense the key fob even when it is in the driver's pocket.
- Owners report replacing key fob batteries without resolving the proximity unlock issue.
2020 Buick Regal recalls
2 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 19V762000Oct 24, 2019Structure & Body341 vehicles
Seats
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
Risk: Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crossbar welds on the front seats. If the crossbar is improperly welded, the seat back frame will be replaced, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 26, 2019. Owners received a second notice and the recall began February 20, 2020. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N192278300.
2020 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.
2020 compared with other Regal years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Buick Regal reliable?
- NHTSA data shows only 2 complaints for the 2020 Regal, giving it a complaint index of 23, which ranks 11th out of 14 model years. This is a relatively low complaint count compared to years like 2011 and 2012.
- What recalls affect the 2020 Buick Regal?
- The 2020 Regal has two recalls: one for a brake control module software error that can cause loss of power brake assist, and one for improperly welded front seat crossbars affecting 2019-2020 models. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What is the most common problem area for the 2020 Buick Regal?
- NHTSA complaint data lists the Electrical System as the top problem area, accounting for 50% of complaints, tied with Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues also at 50%.
- How does the 2020 Regal compare to other Regal model years?
- With a complaint index of 23, the 2020 Regal ranks 11th worst out of 14 years tracked, well below the 2011 model year's index of 100, which is the highest recorded.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Buick Regal?
- The 2020 Regal gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (21 city / 29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,175.