867 of the
4,456 complaints filed about the Buick Regal
are about the braking system —
19% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1991.
My car was part of recall number 22V465, which was supposed to fix a problem with the electronic brake assist system. The recall repair was done in 2023, but after my battery recently died, the same problem has come back — my brakes are very firm, and I have to press hard to stop. The car is showing trouble codes C028F:04, C1586:04, and V0420:71, all related to the electronic brake control module.
NHTSA complaint #11692646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Noticed a recall regarding Buick Regal concerning break issues causing the valve to not operate correctly. Possibly the electronic break module not working properly and an update needed along with some parts. Recently the break valve was replaced because the break assist failed. Now, after running the vehicle for more than an hour or sometimes two, the same thing happens. My thoughts are that this affecting more vehicles than just the ones that were recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11650657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
[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.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the braking system suddenly malfunctioned and the brake pedal was firm while depressed, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred, and the vacuum pump was replaced by the dealer; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11624072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Was driving home from work and my brakes suddenly stopped working, if I press all the way down on the brakes they somewhat work. Checked brake fluid and brake lines and everything seems fine. Could this be from vacuum power brake assist fail?
NHTSA complaint #11622365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After starting my vehicle with foot on the brake and putting the vehicle in gear it will move forward and occasionally roll for 4 or 5 feet before the brake engages. This is extremely dangerous as I'm pulling out of a parking space and merging with ongoing traffic !This has been going on for approximately three weeks. The vehicle literally has no brakes for four or five feet despite the fact that my foot being pressed all the way down on the brake pedal!! Last week I came very close to a major accident when I couldn't stop for an on oncoming car. Thank goodness the operator of the other vehicle stopped in time to avoid a serious accident! I immediately took the car to a local garage to have my brakes checked. They found no issues. I then took it to the Buick dealer,BICAL, and they found a serious issue. The brake vacuum pump had frozen and had actually disintegrated and no longer was functional. Parts from the pump entered the valve shaft area also. The end result was a $3,000 repair bill. The important issue here is the driver safety on the road.Although this was only occasional and at low speeds left unattended would lead to a total brake failure with major consequences and major fatalities!! God only know how many major accidents occurred with major consequences without anyone knowing the true source of the accident details. I have read online that 1996-1997 Cadillacs also have this same issue!! This is a very poor design and a major safety issue. After all there is no such thing as a minor brake issue!!! I'm avail to discuss this issue issue at your convenience. I can be reached on [XXX] [XXX] cell. Repair bill available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11586939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 80-85 MPH downhill and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was rigid, failed to lower as needed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The Brake Assist warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal harder, the brake pedal slightly travelled down and bounced back. Additionally, the steering wheel shuddered, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact allowed the vehicle to gradually decelerate independently. The contact was able to drive to her destination at slower speeds. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V465000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a fee was charged for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #11584466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Second time, the car has basically shut down. Brake assist, ABS and traction control lights on. Stabilitrak Service light. Had to slow down to 25 miles an hour because it was shaking so bad and limped it home. Last time they said it was a bearing in one of the tires. Also states said it has multiple misfires. Having it towed tomorrow to see what it is now.
NHTSA complaint #11573720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Increased stopping distance during certain brake vacuum loss events. My check engine light goes on and off periodically. When I’m at a red light my whole car shuts off and goes into a neutral mode then once I press the brake it starts back up.
NHTSA complaint #11560213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on the interstate going up the mountain and my 2017 Regal started to choke going up the incline. I was pressing my gas to the floor and nothing when this happened I quickly pulled off to the side when I tapped my brakes they felt as if I was pressing on a concrete block. I was able to stop but it was pretty scary. I had no cell phone reception going up this mountain in the dark late at night, I had to slowly drive the car home which was a good 20 minutes to go. Turns out according to my dad my brake vacuum pump busted apart so he replaced the part, he bought a GM certified part. This happened again just this past week it’s been a month and a half since the first incident. I had to spend $600 on the same part and I took it to the dealership this time. The mechanic said the part I had gotten must’ve been a faulty part he couldn’t see what the issue was and why it again for the 2nd time going up the same mountain pretty much at the same spot it happened the first time. The only difference was this time I had no other issues happening I was using cruise control hardly used my brakes the entire trip when I pulled off the exit I tapped my brakes and again it was like I was pressing on concrete. Seems odd that this happened so close together. I’ve had a lot of issues with this car once it hit 100k in miles. Electrical issues, just weird random things happen briefly and then it’s fine.
NHTSA complaint #11549599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On Monday, August 14th, at approximately 5 pm, my wife and I were traveling in our 2018 Buick Regal towards a red streetlight. I began applying my brakes to come to a stop. I was several car lengths behind a vehicle that was up ahead. My car's engine then revved up and our vehicle kept on going and jerking front and back although I was applying the brakes. Our car failed to stop so I struck the stationary vehicle. I kept on applying the brakes, but the car kept on going and jerking until I struck the car in front a second time. Our vehicles engine continued to revve up and the brakes continued to fail and I struck the rear end of the car in front of me again. The other driver crossed the intersection with us traveling right behind with no control over our vehicle. When we crossed the intersection there was an incline, so this slowed down our car since our brakes did not work, I pulled the steering wheel to the right towards the cement curb, then I put the transmission into Park, then the car's engine revved up once again and made a loud noise. Both vehicles sustained damage. I then was able to turn the engine off. This action was the only maneuver which stopped our car. Both my wife and I had injuries which we were checked at a hospital emergency room. We have our vehicle parked at our home's driveway and it it available for inspection. The fact that our vehicle's brakes failed to function placed me and my passenger and others at risk. My wife called our dealership the following day, and a manager stated we needed to report this incident. Our vehicle has not been inspected at this point. There were no symptoms of the problem that appeared other than the engine making a sound like increasing in speed and the brakes failing. At the hospital I was diagnosed with a concussion. My wife was diagnosed with neck pain since her head kept snapping back and forth and hitting the dashboard area and the headrest. The seatbelts plus the airbags also failed to properly function.
NHTSA complaint #11539236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The two systems that failed are the airbag release on the front passenger side and the stabilitrak system. Both systems show error lights on the dash. The front seat passenger does not have airbag protection. The stabilitrak system error light appears intermittently and when the traction system goes off the car brakes almost stop the car while driving. We go to Royal Buick in Tucson, Arizona. We worked with Germaine Kendrick. I've attached the dealer service invoice dated April 14, 2023. The invoice summarized the problem and stated that 1) a new seatbelt assesmbly is needed and 2) the service technician states that they can not replicate or repair the traction problems. Today is June 11, 2023. We are still waiting for the seatbelt assembly to "arrive". There is no solution for the traction system. We have phoned and texted 4 times. The most recent conversation on June 5th with "Chris" was interesting; Chris stated that the seatbelt part was NEVER ORDERED and furthermore, is not needed to repair the airbag warning light problem.
NHTSA complaint #11526448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact stated he used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the brake assist warning light was illuminated after the failure had occurred. The contact continued driving the vehicle at 5 MPH to a nearby gas station and continued to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the brake vacuum pump to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,528.
NHTSA complaint #11522903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard as the vehicle rear-ended another vehicle. It was unknown if any warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision repair facility. The contact stated he was unaware of the cause of the brake failure as well as what was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred in August of 2022 while driving at 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard as the vehicle rolled to a stop. The contact was once again unaware of any warning lights. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vacuum brake booster and sensor were replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred for a third time in April of 2023 while driving at 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed once again and traveled to the floor as the failed message " Vacuum Pump Brake Booster" was displayed. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contact's residence as he was awaiting a tow to the dealer for diagnosis and repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall and opened a case. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V465000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the vehicle year, make, and model was not included. The failure mileage was 70,509.
NHTSA complaint #11517415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on the highway and abs, stabltrack and steering lights came on. This is the third time in 2 years that a wheel bearing failed on this vehicle. A magnet ring in the wheel bearing that sensors wheel speed failed and fractured causing a loss of power steering, abs, and traction control.
NHTSA complaint #11488300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
September 10, 2022 I was backing out of my driveway, but the car would not slow down, and I hit a tree on my neighbor's easement across the street. After a minute, I decided to move the car, put the car in drive, and again the car would not slow down, and wound up hitting the porch of my neighbor 2 houses over. I have used my left foot for braking since 1966, so it is not a case of mixing up pedals. My wife called 911, the police and ambulance showed up, and I was taken to the hospital. After x-rays, ultrasound, and 2 CT scans, it was determined that I did not have a brain bleed and I was sent home. The car was towed, examined by the insurance adjustor and body shop, and determined totalled. There were no warning lights, and only later that night did I remember that I had received a recall letter.
NHTSA complaint #11486889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brakes failed. This happened twice in 14 months. Vacuum Pump had to be replaced both times. The first time it happened it was sitting in a parking lot and we just started to pull out. The second time we were on a 4 lane highway in the fast lane and had to pull the car over through the lanes to the berm of the highway. No warning lights came on and no problems beforehand. The car has been well maintained and kept up to date with all maintenance.
NHTSA complaint #11485472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Regal. The contact stated while her son was exiting a parking spot at 5 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled to a stop. The driver took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experienced the failure a second time on 9/17/2022. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic and was informed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the local dealer was notified of the first failure but not the second failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #11485307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Regal. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V465000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11481755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.