Buick Regal problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

For the 1997–2004 Regal, the major recall is 15V-701: engine oil can drip onto the hot exhaust manifold and cause a fire. 2012–2013 Regals in salt-belt states, including Turbo and GS models, have rear toe link corrosion recalls, and 2018–2020 Sportback, TourX and GS cars have a brake assist software recall.

CarWhere lists 9 documented Regal issues, including 9 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Regal generations at a glance

Buick Regal generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
2018–2020 Regal2018–2020Power brake assist may be lost (recall 22V-465) · Rear brake caliper pistons may lack coating (recall 18V-576) · Rear seat belts may be routed incorrectly (recall 18V-230)
2011–2017 Regal2011–2017Rear toe links may corrode and fracture (recalls 20V-764, 21V-633, 21V-00F, 26V-113) · Power seat wiring may chafe and cause a fire (recall 16V-517) · Power seat height adjuster bolt may fall out (recall 14V-447) · No warning when a front turn signal bulb fails (recall 12V-484) · eAssist generator control module may fail (recall 13V-173)
1997–2004 Regal1997–2004Engine oil can drip on the exhaust manifold and start a fire (recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, 15V-201, 15V-701)

2018–2020 Regal problems

Power brake assist may be lost (recall 22V-465) (2018–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
2018–2020 Regal (Sportback, TourX, GS)
Years:
2018–2020
Powertrain:
All

If the vacuum power brake assist fails, a software error in the electronic brake control module may cause a loss of power brake assist, so the cars do not meet FMVSS 135. About 23,734 2018–2020 Regals are covered. Dealers update the module software.

Symptoms

  • Hard brake pedal
  • Brake warning message

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 22V465 (2022-06) · 23,734 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2]

Rear brake caliper pistons may lack coating (recall 18V-576) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
2018–2020 Regal (Sportback, TourX, GS) – 2018–2019
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
All

Rear caliper pistons may have insufficient coating, letting gas pockets form and reducing rear braking. The campaign covers 2018–2019 Regal, LaCrosse and other GM models, about 210,628 vehicles. Dealers bleed the brake system.

Symptoms

  • Soft or long brake pedal

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 18V576 (2018-08) · 210,628 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3][2]

Rear seat belts may be routed incorrectly (recall 18V-230) (2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
2018–2020 Regal (Sportback, TourX, GS) – 2018
Years:
2018
Powertrain:
All

On some 2018 Regals, the rear outboard seat belts may have been routed around the bolster bracket incorrectly, which can reduce restraint. About 8,738 cars are covered. Dealers inspect and correct the routing.

Symptoms

  • Rear belt that twists or sits over the seat bolster

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 18V230 (2018-04) · 8,738 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4][2]

2011–2017 Regal problems

Rear toe links may corrode and fracture (recalls 20V-764, 21V-633, 21V-00F, 26V-113) (2012–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
2011–2017 Regal – 2012–2013
Years:
2012–2013
Powertrain:
All; 26V-113 covers Turbo and GS

On cars sold or registered in 22 salt-belt states and DC, the rear toe links may have improper corrosion protection and can corrode until they fracture. Recall 20V-764 (220,006 vehicles) covered 2012–2013 Regal, 2010–2013 LaCrosse and 2013 Malibu; 21V-633 and 21V-00F extended it. In 2026, 26V-113 added 2012–2013 Regal Turbo and GS cars (17,050 vehicles). Dealers replace the toe links and fasteners.

Symptoms

  • Clunking from the rear suspension
  • Rear of the car that wanders

Check before buying

  • Check whether the car was ever registered in a listed salt-belt state
  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete

NHTSA recall: 26V113 (2026-02) · 17,050 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][6][7][8][2]

Power seat wiring may chafe and cause a fire (recall 16V-517) (2011)

Safety recall
Generation:
2011–2017 Regal – 2011
Years:
2011
Powertrain:
All

On 2011 Regals built November 3, 2009 to March 25, 2011 with 8-way power front seats, the seat wiring harness may rub the seat frame and chafe. About 42,984 cars are covered. Dealers secure the harness and repair chafed wires.

Symptoms

  • Power seat that works intermittently
  • Burning smell from under a seat

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 16V517 (2016-07) · 42,984 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9][2]

Power seat height adjuster bolt may fall out (recall 14V-447) (2011–2012)

Safety recall
Generation:
2011–2017 Regal – 2011–2012
Years:
2011–2012
Powertrain:
All

The bolt securing the power front seat height adjuster may fall out, dropping the seat to its lowest position. The campaign covers 2011–2012 Regal, LaCrosse and Camaro and 2010–2012 SRX, Equinox and Terrain models, about 414,333 vehicles. Dealers replace the bolts.

Symptoms

  • Driver seat that drops suddenly

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 14V447 (2014-07) · 414,333 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10][2]

No warning when a front turn signal bulb fails (recall 12V-484) (2011–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
2011–2017 Regal – 2011–2013
Years:
2011–2013
Powertrain:
All

Each front turn signal uses two bulbs, and if one burns out the driver gets no warning, so the cars do not meet FMVSS 108. The campaign covers 2011–2013 Regal and 2013 Malibu models, about 120,426 vehicles. Dealers update the body control module software.

Symptoms

  • Dim front turn signal

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 12V484 (2012-10) · 120,426 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11][2]

eAssist generator control module may fail (recall 13V-173) (2012–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
2011–2017 Regal – 2012–2013
Years:
2012–2013
Powertrain:
2.4L eAssist

On 2012–2013 Regal and LaCrosse and 2013 Malibu Eco models with eAssist, the generator control module may fail, slowly draining the battery and lighting the check engine light. About 42,904 vehicles are covered.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Weak battery or no-start

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 13V173 (2013-05) · 42,904 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [12][2]

1997–2004 Regal problems

Engine oil can drip on the exhaust manifold and start a fire (recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, 15V-201, 15V-701) (1997–2004)

Safety recall
Generation:
1997–2004 Regal
Years:
1997–2004
Powertrain:
3.8L V6 and 3.8L supercharged V6

Oil from a seeping valve cover gasket or spillage can drip onto the hot exhaust manifold under hard braking and ignite. GM recalled the 3.8L supercharged Regal (08V-118), then 3.8L V6 models (09V-116, 1,497,516 vehicles) and some 2004s (15V-201). Recall 15V-701 (1,003,556 vehicles) said those earlier remedies were not enough; dealers replace the front valve cover and gasket.

Symptoms

  • Oil around the front valve cover
  • Burning oil smell after braking

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete; the improved 15V-701 remedy is separate from the earlier fixes
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 15V701 (2015-10) · 1,003,556 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [13][14][15][16][2]

Related Regal research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a Regal was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Buick build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Buick build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Buick Regal problems?

The documented issues are recalls: the 1997–2004 engine oil fire risk (15V-701 and earlier campaigns), rear toe link corrosion on 2012–2013 cars in salt-belt states, and the 2018–2020 brake assist software recall (22V-465).

Is the Regal GS included in the toe link recall?

Yes. Recall 26V-113, filed in February 2026, covers 2012–2013 Regal Turbo and GS models sold or registered in the listed salt-belt states, and expands the earlier toe link recalls.

Do the Regal TourX and Sportback have recalls?

Yes. The 2018–2020 Regal brake assist software recall (22V-465) and the 2018–2019 rear caliper recall (18V-576) apply to the 2018–2020 Regal line; check each VIN for coverage.

Why was the 1997–2004 Regal recalled more than once for fires?

GM's 15V-701 filing says the remedies from recalls 08V-118, 09V-116 and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the risk of oil dripping on the exhaust manifold, so dealers now replace the front valve cover and gasket.

How do I check a used Regal for open recalls?

Enter the VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup or ask a Buick dealer, and ask for repair orders showing completed recall work.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 22V-465 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  2. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: Regal — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  3. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 18V-576 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  4. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 18V-230 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  5. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 26V-113 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  6. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-764 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  7. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 21V-633 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  8. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 21V-00F — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  9. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 16V-517 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  10. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 14V-447 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  11. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 12V-484 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  12. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 13V-173 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  13. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 15V-701 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  14. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 08V-118 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  15. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 09V-116 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  16. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 15V-201 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

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