Verdict
2016 Buick Regal: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2016 Buick Regal — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for sedan.
Owners filed 41 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 57% of 2016 sedans. Steering leads the reports (24%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2016 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
41
Reports to NHTSA, 2016
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
24
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 57% of 2016 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2016 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Steering issues lead owner complaints (24% of 41 reports), followed by electrical system (12%).
+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 41 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11642262, ODI 11589081, ODI 11525979, ODI 11490603, ODI 11488300.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Steering · 16V108000Details +Close −
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21510.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2016 Buick Regal 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2016 Buick Regal 4 DR AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regal | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 20 | 30 | 24 |
| Regal | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| Regal | 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 | 30 | 23 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2016 Buick Regal: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2016 Buick Regal?
Owners filed 41 NHTSA complaints about the 2016 Buick Regal — fewer complaints than 57% of comparable 2016 sedans, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2016 Buick Regal?
The most-reported problem areas are Steering (24% of complaints) and electrical system (12%).
How many recalls does the 2016 Buick Regal have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2016 Buick Regal, covering components such as steering. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Buick Regal get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Buick Regal between 23 and 24 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.