Owners have filed 138 complaints
about the 2012 Buick Regal with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 21 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 42
Against the median year of the Buick Regal. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 41
8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 56
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1010.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
66.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
77.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2020.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2222.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1616.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1313.0%
150,000+ miles
66.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2012peak 7Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Buick Regal
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
AQ14001Opened 2 May 2014Closed 22 May 2016ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sands Chevrolet/Hybrid System Fire/Stall
NHTSA opened AQ14-001 to determine whether Sands Chevrolet of Surprise, Arizona complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell and deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 U.S.C. ?? 30112(a), 30120(i)).NHTSA issued a...
On July 5, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-003 to investigate whether the service procedures utilized in recall bulletins 13136 and 13142 for safety recall 13V-173 were sufficient to identify the safety defect in the subject vehicles.These safety recalls were issue on May 3, 2013 to address the improper function of the Generator Control Module (GCM) in certain model year (MY) 2012-13 Buick LaCrosse and Regal and MY 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco equipped with eAssist.This condition may result in a loss of battery charge, engine stall and/or inability for the...
Recalls on the 2012 Buick Regal
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
26V113000
SUSPENSION:REAR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear suspension toe links may have received improper corrosion protection, which can result in rear toe link fracture.
Risk: Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
21V00F000
SUSPENSION:REAR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
20V764000
SUSPENSION:REAR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
14V447000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
13V173000
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.
12V484000
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.
12V093000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.
Risk: INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2026089516 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, the protective coating on the rear suspension toe links may chip away. If this happens, the metal can rust and the toe links could break. A broken toe link can affect vehicle stability and could cause a loss of control. Note: This recall is an expansion of Transport Canada recalls 2020-615, 2021-510 and 2021-785. This recall only affects vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in areas of heavy road salt usage (Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador). Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners.
Recall 2021785152 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, the protective coating on the rear suspension toe links may chip away. If this happens, the metal can rust and the toe link could break. A broken toe link can affect vehicle stability and could cause a loss of directional control. Note: This recall is an expansion of Transport Canada recalls 2020-615 and 2021-510. This recall only affects vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in areas of heavy road salt usage (Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador). Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners.
Recall 202061510,006 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, the protective coating on the rear suspension toe links may chip away. If this happens, the metal can rust and the toe link could break. A broken toe link can affect vehicle stability and could cause a loss of directional control. Note: This recall only affects vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in areas of heavy road salt usage (Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador). Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners.
Recall 201431129,555 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles equipped with power height adjustable front seats, a bolt securing the adjuster mechanism may loosen and fall out. This would cause the seat to drop to the lowest vertical adjustment position, which could affect the driver's ability to safety operate vehicle controls as well as cause reduced driver visibility. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the bolt.
Recall 20143106,809 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, no indication would be provided to the driver, which is contrary to the requirements of the standard. Correction: Dealers will update vehicle software.
Recall 2013149604 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles equipped with eAssist, the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function correctly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge, which would illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp. Eventually, the engine may stall. In conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, this could increase the risk of a crash. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odour, smoke and possibly a fire in the trunk. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the Generator Control Module.
Recall 2012090299 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, the Body Control Module (BCM) was incorrectly programmed during the manufacturing process, thereby preventing parking lamp activation. This could render the vehicle less visible to other motorists during hours of darkness, possibly resulting in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Rogers, ARCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
[XXX] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring and dying around 65 mph then the motor blew, it had some issues starting but nothing like what happened within that few seconds. Im out of a car now because it drove perfect and i never have to give it thought. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rogers, ARCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
[XXX] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring and dying around 65 mph then the motor blew, it had some issues starting but nothing like what happened within that few seconds. Im out of a car now because it drove perfect and i never have to give it thought. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rogers, ARCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
[XXX] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring and dying around 65 mph then the motor blew, it had some issues starting but nothing like what happened within that few seconds. Im out of a car now because it drove perfect and i never have to give it thought. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colonie, NYCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I previously reported an issue with a he condensation in the driver side headlight which every one of these models with the hid headlights has this issue. Now it is becoming a safety issue as both headlights are doing it and are randomly going off while driving I almost hit a telephone pole with my infant in the car this is an extremely common issue with these vehicles and Buick has no fix they even stopped producing the replacement headlights this is an extremely dangerous issue I’ve made both nhsta and Buick aware of these issues and if nothings done to rectify them and something happens I will pursue legal action
NHTSA complaint #11504241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesBoynton Beach, FLCrash2 injured
SUSPENSION
The contact owned a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated while her husband was attempting to decelerate to speed, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into an apartment building. No further information was available. The driver and the contact (front passenger) were taken by an ambulance to the hospital to seek assistance with their injuries. No further information was available. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated that 3 weeks later, she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 43,000
NHTSA complaint #11461208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesHamilton, ILFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON A CITY STREET WHEN A "POP" NOISE WAS HEARD, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR SYSTEM ERROR LIGHTS ON AND NONE TURNED ON. THERE WAS NO POWER OR BRAKES AVAILABLE IN THE VEHICLE. UPON ATTEMPTING TO COAST VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD TO A SAFE AREA, 2 PEOPLE DRIVING BY YELLED TO GET OUT, AS THERE WERE FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR INCLUDING THE ENGINE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. AREA FIREFIGHTERS WERE CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ON STAR SERVICES AND A MONTHLY REPORT IS RECEIVED SHOWING ANY ISSUES OR CONCERNS WITH THE VEHICLE. UPON RECEIVING THE REPORT ON JULY 27, 2019 THERE WERE NO ISSUES REPORTED EXPECT A LOW TIRE PRESSURE.
NHTSA complaint #11245539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lockport, NY
SUSPENSION
Rear passenger side toe link did fracture causing vehicle to spin out of control.
NHTSA complaint #11750502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, IL
CHILD SEAT
The contact owns a Safety 1st Car Seat, Model Name: Disney Baby Jive 2-in-1 Convertible, Model Number: CC286-GAD, Manufactured Date: August 17, 2022. The contact stated that the forward-facing safety seat head detached from the seat with the screws still attached. The contact attempted to tighten the screws; however, the screws required a special bit. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The car seat was not replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11682127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buford, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
There is a water seal leak around the driver side headlight. I have photos showing proof of standing water. It has now caused the headlight, left turn signal, and drivers side brake light to fail. My passenger side headlight is doing the same. I have no headlights, no driverside lights period. I drive 2 children around in this car and it's gotten very dangerous. I contacted GM, and the local dealership and they won't fix it. I'm a [XXX] and don't have the $3200-$5000 I was told the repair would be. It is a problem in certain GM models, Cadillac Srx 2010-2015 having the same issue and the recall being fixed for those drivers. So, I have no choice but to drive around with no headlights, no left blinker, and no driver side brake light with two you children. I have to work and have no other options. It's a catastrophe waiting to happen, I live in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia. Please help me with this, I am terrified to drive this car around. I've had two people flag me down at a red light to let me know my brake light is out which is terribly dangerous and if it starts raining while I am out I have no headlights. This has become an emergency situation for me and my children. I have photo proof of the water pooling inside the headlight assembly. The seal is so bad that even covered the condensation pools inside the headlight. Please help me get a dealership to fix this issue. They want to charge me $275 for diagnostics and this is already and issue on this model car, reported by many drivers with the recall on the Cadillac. They need to fix it before I end up a casualty to this problem. Thank you so much. I can send a video of the emergency flasher and signal not working. I replaced the headlight in January and the new one never worked. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11676449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buford, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is a water seal leak around the driver side headlight. I have photos showing proof of standing water. It has now caused the headlight, left turn signal, and drivers side brake light to fail. My passenger side headlight is doing the same. I have no headlights, no driverside lights period. I drive 2 children around in this car and it's gotten very dangerous. I contacted GM, and the local dealership and they won't fix it. I'm a [XXX] and don't have the $3200-$5000 I was told the repair would be. It is a problem in certain GM models, Cadillac Srx 2010-2015 having the same issue and the recall being fixed for those drivers. So, I have no choice but to drive around with no headlights, no left blinker, and no driver side brake light with two you children. I have to work and have no other options. It's a catastrophe waiting to happen, I live in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia. Please help me with this, I am terrified to drive this car around. I've had two people flag me down at a red light to let me know my brake light is out which is terribly dangerous and if it starts raining while I am out I have no headlights. This has become an emergency situation for me and my children. I have photo proof of the water pooling inside the headlight assembly. The seal is so bad that even covered the condensation pools inside the headlight. Please help me get a dealership to fix this issue. They want to charge me $275 for diagnostics and this is already and issue on this model car, reported by many drivers with the recall on the Cadillac. They need to fix it before I end up a casualty to this problem. Thank you so much. I can send a video of the emergency flasher and signal not working. I replaced the headlight in January and the new one never worked. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11676449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rogers, ARCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
[XXX] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring and dying around 65 mph then the motor blew, it had some issues starting but nothing like what happened within that few seconds. Im out of a car now because it drove perfect and i never have to give it thought. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rogers, ARCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
[XXX] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring and dying around 65 mph then the motor blew, it had some issues starting but nothing like what happened within that few seconds. Im out of a car now because it drove perfect and i never have to give it thought. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rogers, ARCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
[XXX] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring and dying around 65 mph then the motor blew, it had some issues starting but nothing like what happened within that few seconds. Im out of a car now because it drove perfect and i never have to give it thought. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH
WHEELS
Hard to be able to control the vehicle due to something going on the rear
NHTSA complaint #11590501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hard to be able to control the vehicle due to something going on the rear
NHTSA complaint #11590501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH
SUSPENSION
Hard to be able to control the vehicle due to something going on the rear
NHTSA complaint #11590501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camarillo, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2nd bad headlamp assembly that develops moisture and causes lamp to go out. First was passenger side now driver side
NHTSA complaint #11575316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesNew Lenox, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, he became aware that the electrical system was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the body control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V093000 (Exterior Lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 16,000.
NHTSA complaint #11552125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesNew Lenox, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, he became aware that the electrical system was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the body control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V093000 (Exterior Lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 16,000.
NHTSA complaint #11552125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wausau, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The driver headlight assembly has water in it and unable to fix it without replacing whole assembly that can be as much as $1500. The light bulb and valance was replaced. The valance was filled with water. The headlight still wouldn’t work. Upon further investigation there is a part sealed into the assembly that also has water in it with no way to get it out or replace. This is a safety risk since i am unable to see on driver side in dark without my light. There are no recalls but have found many complaints on same issue. The part water is in is sealed and shouldn’t have a way for to get in. The only fix is replacing entire assembly. I have no light at all on that side until fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11546680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHockley, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel went blank, and the turn signals failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that vehicle briefly lost motive power but independently restarted while making turning in either direction. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while at a complete stop with the brake pedal firmly depressed. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11530401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHockley, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel went blank, and the turn signals failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that vehicle briefly lost motive power but independently restarted while making turning in either direction. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while at a complete stop with the brake pedal firmly depressed. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11530401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Butler, OH
ENGINE
Engine used oil with no smoke or leaks. Had to change oil every 2300 miles. Motor went bad do to no oil even after oil change.
NHTSA complaint #11517953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colonie, NYCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I previously reported an issue with a he condensation in the driver side headlight which every one of these models with the hid headlights has this issue. Now it is becoming a safety issue as both headlights are doing it and are randomly going off while driving I almost hit a telephone pole with my infant in the car this is an extremely common issue with these vehicles and Buick has no fix they even stopped producing the replacement headlights this is an extremely dangerous issue I’ve made both nhsta and Buick aware of these issues and if nothings done to rectify them and something happens I will pursue legal action
NHTSA complaint #11504241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The headlight area had condensation in it that resulted in water in the headlight. This caused the headlight to go dark. This is a safety issue as one of my headlights is not working. I can’t see that section of the road or adjacent sidelines. Very dangerous particularly at this time of year with deer running into road from the side. There are many other regal owners with this problem which can be verified by googling the problem. This is the second time the light has failed for condensation. Other drivers and pedestrians are at risk because they cannot be seen with the headlight out. Headlight was replaced once and has failed again. Cost to repair 2 years ago $1600 new estimate $1800. This is for one headlight but recommended to replace both.
NHTSA complaint #11492760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlight area had condensation in it that resulted in water in the headlight. This caused the headlight to go dark. This is a safety issue as one of my headlights is not working. I can’t see that section of the road or adjacent sidelines. Very dangerous particularly at this time of year with deer running into road from the side. There are many other regal owners with this problem which can be verified by googling the problem. This is the second time the light has failed for condensation. Other drivers and pedestrians are at risk because they cannot be seen with the headlight out. Headlight was replaced once and has failed again. Cost to repair 2 years ago $1600 new estimate $1800. This is for one headlight but recommended to replace both.
NHTSA complaint #11492760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The headlight area had condensation in it that resulted in water in the headlight. This caused the headlight to go dark. This is a safety issue as one of my headlights is not working. I can’t see that section of the road or adjacent sidelines. Very dangerous particularly at this time of year with deer running into road from the side. There are many other regal owners with this problem which can be verified by googling the problem. This is the second time the light has failed for condensation. Other drivers and pedestrians are at risk because they cannot be seen with the headlight out. Headlight was replaced once and has failed again. Cost to repair 2 years ago $1600 new estimate $1800. This is for one headlight but recommended to replace both.
NHTSA complaint #11492760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irving, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car lost all electrical power while driving (moving) and fully shut down, stalling immediately. Nothing electrical worked, including 4 way flashers. The alternator was just replaced 2 weeks after this same full loss of electrical power was diagnosed when going to start the car while parked. The battery was fully recharged at the repair shop and deemed ok. I had my road service come out to address the issue. Before they arrived, I was able to restart the car. The service tech checked the battery and alternator. Both checked ok, but the battery was almost drained and did not show signs of any dead cells, despite it having been able to restart the car shortly before the road service arrived. We replaced the battery. Car is in the shop now. The safety risk is full loss of power while moving resulting in no brake lights, 4 way emergency lights, full stall, loss of power steering and brakes that can lead to a collision on the highway. This type of problem has been reported on numerous Regals
NHTSA complaint #11484701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mechanicville, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The driver side headlamp assembly has a faulty seal which allows water to leak inside the housing under normal daily conditions. When this happens the water leaks down through the assembly where the headlight ballast is mounted, causing water to collect in the ballast, and killing it (making the headlight go out) as well as the electrical components that power the L.E.D. daytime running lights also making those stop functioning. There is no quick and easy fix for this, as the headlamp assembly must be replaced to restore the headlight because even replacing the burned out ballast will only provide light temporarily again until that too is again destroyed by water. Because there is no good alternative available with an aftermarket replacement, I was forced to purchase an entirely new assembly which cost $1,505 and took months to save and be able to afford. This is a manufacturing flaw that should have been recalled and addressed. My warranty does not cover any damage due to water, so I had to pay for this myself, along with many many other people with the same issue. Having my headlight randomly stop working was a dangerous situation to be put into.
NHTSA complaint #11469283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bel Air, MD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Moisture in headlights causes light to fail while driving .
NHTSA complaint #11465598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesBoynton Beach, FLCrash2 injured
SUSPENSION
The contact owned a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated while her husband was attempting to decelerate to speed, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into an apartment building. No further information was available. The driver and the contact (front passenger) were taken by an ambulance to the hospital to seek assistance with their injuries. No further information was available. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated that 3 weeks later, she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 43,000
NHTSA complaint #11461208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.