591 of the
4,456 complaints filed about the Buick Regal
are about the electrical system —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2011.
While driving on the highway at 60 mph, warning on dash came on saying “engine power reduced” and drop down speed to around 25 mph and I could not accelerate more than 25 mph on the highway which could have caused an accident because of the traffic flow behind me. I put a code scanner under the dash and it read code P2138, Throttle pedal position sensor switch.
NHTSA complaint #11737701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light and depressing the brake pedal, the hybrid battery would power off as intended; however, when the brake pedal was released, the vehicle would lose automotive power before suddenly independently powering on before jolting. The check engine light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 13V173000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11736608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a 2019 Buick Regal, which I purchased as a used vehicle in 2023 with approximately 19,000 miles. Since owning the car, I have added only 14,000 miles, yet I have experienced multiple significant and ongoing issues that raise serious concerns about the safety, reliability, and warranty service associated with this vehicle. Vehicle Problems: Suspension Issues: Shortly after purchase, the car has had persistent suspension problems, which negatively affect stability and ride quality. The dealership has replaced multiple suspension components, but the issue continues and remains unresolved. General Motors (GM) initially agreed to cover these repairs even if my warranty expired and also stated I would qualify for a vehicle buyback. They have now backtracked and are refusing to honor that commitment, despite the ongoing unresolved safety issue Electrical and Transmission Malfunctions: I have reported intermittent electrical and transmission issues to the dealer. These include erratic shifting, hesitation, and occasional system malfunctions. Each time, I have been told they cannot replicate the problems, so no repairs have been made. These issues are intermittent, but they occur while driving and are potentially dangerous. Delays in Repairs and Warranty Coverage: The dealership delayed parts ordering and repairs for my suspension concerns until after my warranty expired. This delay appears to have been intentional, potentially to avoid honoring warranty coverage. Refusal to Service Due to Location (Puerto Rico): I live in Puerto Rico, and both GM and the dealership have stated that they are limited in what they can do for me because of my location. For example, I was told they cannot order a replacement windshield to Puerto Rico, and that what they can do based on a buyback or warranty coverage is limited. I have been patient and waited for the dealership and GM to make things right for 2 years.
NHTSA complaint #11665701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This issue is related to the gear shifter on the vehicle. When stopping the car and putting it into park the dashboard shows the message "Shift to Park." this vehicle has only 50,000 miles on it and this issue cause safety issues as the battery on the vehicle will drain as the car can't be turned off with this message. This issue has been reported for this vehicle in NHTSA Bulletin #10252775. However, the manufacturer is stating that it doesn't link to the cars VIN #. With 10 years + of vehicles in the GM family showing this issue and the issue being all over the internet, the issue must be reported for this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11650765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a continuous problem where the vehicle goes into limp mode/reduce power mode it studders and stalls out. The check engine and stabilitrak light comes on. It is extreamly dangerous at it happens on the road and in traffic. I have thousands of dollars, a new thortle body sensor, a new crank positioner, new timing chain, new ECM, new gaskets and so much more.
NHTSA complaint #11648213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When i turn the car off the key will not allow me to remove it from ignition to the proper position to remove the key. This is a safety hazzard. I have to mess with the brakes, steering wheel and parking console and keep starting and turning off the car to get key removed. The dealer said they could not locate the problem however several of your other GM vehicles are having this issue. Please assist. I am being stranded in the dark in the cold with a car i cannot leave the key in or someone could steal the car, the doors will not lock with key in ignition.
NHTSA complaint #11639097 — 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.
Hello, I am the original owner of my 2019 Buick Regal Sportback which shows a "shift to park message when I attempt to shut off the car and the car shifter is in the park position. I am unable to turn off lights, radio, or accessories. This condition runs down the battery and prevents me from starting the car as the shifter stays locked in position unless the car is running. This should be covered under the GM drivetrain warranty. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11582852 — 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.
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.
Projector lights in headlamp assembly go out and moisture gets into headlamp causing poor visibility after sundown or poor weather. General Motors Case Number: 9-10416199921
NHTSA complaint #11541580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving the vehicle, I received an alert message on the instrument panel that stated “Remote Not Detected,” then the vehicle immediately shutdown in the middle of the road. I lost all power to the vehicle, I couldn’t put the vehicle in gear, neutral or anything to get it out of the road. I immediately replaced the key fob battery, no change vehicle didn’t start or power didn’t return. The vehicle had to be towed. After a couple hours power was restored and the vehicle started up again. I have replaced key fobs, had the dealership replace the car battery and the problem persists. This appears to be a defect, could you please advise on how to proceed with dealership?
NHTSA complaint #11534492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is condensation and moisture present inside the high definition front headlight assemblies, which causes the headlight illumination to be diminished and created a visibility hazard while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the Ganley Chevrolet dealership who diagnosed that the front headlight assemblies were faulty and needed to be replaced. The cost to replace both is about $3,000. Then I went to Damper's Automotive of Cleveland Ohio for a second opinion and after replacing the bulb in the passenger side headlight, the bulb immediately blew. Based on complaints from other customers this is a known issue on low and high mileage vehicles of the same make and model. It's a astronomical cost to replace these assemblies and they could go out at any time while driving due to the trapped moisture and-or electrical wiring exposed behind the headlight.
NHTSA complaint #11533622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Condensation is getting in the High Def headlamps, and causing headlights to blow. It's a known issue and the assembly is between $1,200 and $1,500 dollars
NHTSA complaint #11533536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.