210 of the
4,456 complaints filed about the Buick Regal
are about the transmission —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2011.
210
Complaints
5%
Share of all complaints
13
Crashes
6
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing, the vehicle failed to shift out of gear. The gear shifter was in drive(D); however, the vehicle failed to move as intended. After several attempts to shift into gear, the transmission was engaged shifted into gear, and the vehicle operated normally. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V092000 (Power Train). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Intermittent Shift to Park Message Displayed While Vehicle in Park. See #19-NA-206 (through DTC B000A may not be set!). Caused by poor design of shift position switches! This is a KNOWN issue for many GM vehicles including my 2019 Buick Sportback, for nearly 20 years. GM should be made to fix this. In addition to not being able to start car and running down battery because of car power still being on and endangering the personal safety of every person using GM vehicles, it is possible Steering Lock may or may not occur and many vehicle accessories may not operate correctly. GM needs to supply a fix.
NHTSA complaint #11656034 — 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.
PCV system failed causing excess pressure to blow out the rear main seal and crankcase seal resulting in an oil leak. No lights and no codes were on the dashboard. The only symptom was a high pitched squealing sound during very cold weather. The problem has been reproduced by the dealer. The problem first appeared the first winter owning the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11642534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Regal. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact shifted the gear shifter back and forth to park until the message disappeared. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed gear shifter unit and console. The contact was informed that the gear shifter unit and console needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,500.
NHTSA complaint #11616657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was parking in marked space. I had turned into space, my foot was off the gas pedal. The car was 3/4 into the space when it malfunctioned and rapidly accelerated into a hardened snow bank. i instantly braked but there was not enough space to avoid collision.
NHTSA complaint #11552406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When pulling into parking space the car rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into the car in the next parking space. I did not have my foot on the gas, the car was simply idling. The acceleration was so rapid that applying the brake was useless.
NHTSA complaint #11552410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Preparing to park into a parking space in an off street parking lot the vehicle forcefully and rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into a fence. I was not accelerating. I attempted to stop the car using the brakes but they did not engage quickly enough to stop the rapid, forceful, and without warning acceleration. Buick has been contacted about the defect. Buick ran extensive diagnostics on the car and denies there is a defect. Police came to the scene and advised that given the 2 other incidents that I have experienced, the car is unsafe to drive given potential damage to others. A police report was filed.
NHTSA complaint #11552417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We are concerned about how safe our vehicle is when in "park". We will, on occasion, get a "Place in Park" message when the shifter is clearly in the park position. The dealership is not aware of any service bulletins or recalls, and since the problem is intermittent cannot offer a clear assessment.
NHTSA complaint #11538901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Vacuum Pump blew up forcing cam shaft sensor to blew out of engine and caused my brakes to fail. This happened at a stop sign. I proceed through the stop in front of a semi-tractor. Fortunately it was in front of the police station in(30mph) town zone and he was able to brake before killing me. My vehicle stopped before going through the front door of an auto shop, My Timing Cam is damaged and Shepherds is quoting $2600 to replace, plus an additional $800 already spent in replacing the vacuum pump. I’ve driven the car an additional 6 months with the cam sensor detached but the vehicle stalls when I slow or stop. This has caused additional hazardous situations. Person(s) will die if this defect is not addressed, it’s probably already happened. I have over 25 years in Automotive safety systems design and manufacture, this needs addressed immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11474224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2014 Buick Regal GS AWD sedan, second owner. Car was purchased as a certified used from Buick dealer in 2018 with 40,xxx miles. Car now has 137,xxx miles, no longer under extended warranty. Have had all regular maintenance done and have records. Aside from normal wear and tear, no prior issues with car. Car engine suddenly started to run rough, Check Engine light came on while driving 65 mph, sudden loss of engine power and car died on the highway causing congestion and vehicles to swerve on highway, loss of steering control, pulled over. Car was able to be restarted but running rough, engine light on, severe reduction in power. Talked with nearest dealer, they said to not drive car. Had local GM mechanic do inspection, computer codes indicated loss of compression on cylinder 3, misfire. Compression check and bore inspection indicated loss of compression on cylinder 3, valve failure/damage, oil in the turbo, requiring complete rebuild or replacement engine and turbo. Review of TSB from GM indicated this is a known issue, engine to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11460488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was able to be restarted but continued to experience the same symptoms. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #11431639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We purchased this vehicle in May 2016 and from the beginning had strange issues with the engine. It was in and out of the dealer with them trying to figure out the exact problem. They could not, so they contacted GM for approval for an engine replacement. We were concerned about going this route but were assured it would be taken care of for the life of the car. After the replacement in July 2016, the car seemed to be better but other weird issues arose. The engine always made a squealing noise that we were told was fine. We have done all required maintenance, recalls, and regular service. For the past 2 months, the car has had strange shifting issues. It was taken in to be looked at and nothing was found. The transmission received its' routine maintenance on schedule. It still was a problem and we were told to drive it until a code appeared. The car got progressively worse and had great difficulty shifting, which had us involved in a few close calls. Took it to a different dealer that also didn't find a problem. They said since there was no code, but seemed transmission related, they would drain it and replace the fluid. This also didn't work. We continued to drive the car and almost ended up stranded in the middle of the night while driving the freeway. The car became almost uncontrollable. We made it home. But, the following day while driving it to work, the car was jerking, stalled, and then lost the capability of reverse and neutral. We had to have it towed and a new transmission put in. We were told by the dealer that there was an explosion in the transmission, and we were lucky we were somewhere safe when the car died. It's very frustrating paying for a vehicle that didn't seem right from the beginning. We have put well over $6,500 in trying to repair a car that seems like it was never right in the first place. We have been fortunate that neither of us, or any of our children, have been hurt considering the major issues with our car.
NHTSA complaint #11430409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.