TireKick

Model-year record

2018 Buick Regal
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2018 Buick Regal

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

33

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

3

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

26

EPA estimate

Known issues

Service Brakes issues lead owner complaints (21% of 33 reports), followed by electrical system (18%).

Service Brakes21% · 7 reports
Electrical System18% · 6 reports
Unknown Or Other15% · 5 reports
Power Train9% · 3 reports
Engine6% · 2 reports
Vehicle Speed Control6% · 2 reports
Air Bags3% · 1 report
Lane Departure3% · 1 report

+ 6 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 33 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11486889, ODI 11103736, ODI 11692646, ODI 11622365, ODI 11481009.

Individual complaint reports(33)

Showing the 33 most recent reports
Service BrakesDec 2025 · ODI 11707350Details +

Front Passenger Brake Hose Failure by Crimp

Reported
Dec 2025
Incident date
Dec 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11707350 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesOct 2025 · ODI 11692646Details +

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.

Reported
Oct 2025
Incident date
Oct 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11692646 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2025 · ODI 11650765Details +

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.

Reported
Mar 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11650765 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2024 · ODI 11633048Details +

Check engine light came on, reads reduced power and is causing problems accelerating

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Dec 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11633048 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherDec 2024 · ODI 11632118Details +

My check engine light came on along with my traction control light, and "Reduced Engine Power" popped up. This is connected to a recall on this vehicle for a connector at the throttle pedal.

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Dec 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11632118 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesOct 2024 · ODI 11622365Details +

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?

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11622365 at NHTSA →
Lane DepartureJul 2024 · ODI 11605697Details +

Rear camera and cross traffic warning system malfunctions randomly, working less than half the time. When the vehicle is put in reverse the system and camera often do not work and issue a notice that it needs serviced. On several occasions it did not warn me of a person behind my vehicle or another vehicle behind me. I have avoided accidents but the system is not working. I have been reading about it and it is common among this vehicle, many complaining that this is the worst rear collision camera on a car. The screen is just black, sometimes with grid lines and sometimes without. On the rare occasion the camera turns on the grid lines often disappear although they are not turned off.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11605697 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2024 · ODI 11571801Details +

Shift to park message in DIC along with audible warning, even though car in park. Will not allow you to lock car, will run down battery. Have to play with shifter to stop. Eventually couldn't get it to stop. Per dealer "Possible intermittent failure of the park switch in transmission shift control. Need to replace transmission shift control assembly." Car out of warranty, cost was $726.21. Dealer said this was an updated part.

Reported
Feb 2024
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11571801 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2023 · ODI 11560213Details +

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.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11560213 at NHTSA →
TiresNov 2023 · ODI 11557228Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal equipped with General Tires, Tire Line: Unknown, Tire Size: 245/45R18, and DOT Number: Unknown. The contact stated that after traveling over 3,000 miles and driving at an undisclosed speed, upon reaching his destination, he became aware that an abnormal buddle had developed on the side wall of the front passenger side tire. The tire was taken to the dealer, who determined that the bubble was the result of the vehicle having been driven over a pothole. All four tires were replaced. The tires were not original to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,500.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11557228 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsAug 2023 · ODI 11539236 · crash · 2 injuriesDetails +

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.

Reported
Aug 2023
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 2 injuries
Open ODI 11539236 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2023 · ODI 11529135Details +

RECALL NOT COMPLETED? The previous GM Buick Dealership I went to, appears they will not or can not confirm that the Buick June, 2022 Recall (Braking issue) work was done in October, 2022 at Key Chevrolet Buick GM in South Burlington, VT. I have contacted both the Dealership and Manufacturer (Buick) current Case # 9-10190079245 twice and Buick (Corporate) is trying to contact the Key GM Buick Dealership to confirm the Recall work has been done and if done, then remove the still pending Recall notice that is still showing the Recall still needs to be done.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11529135 at NHTSA →
SeatsDec 2022 · ODI 11496014Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat failed to move forward or backward. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver's seat metal frame to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,164.

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11496014 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2022 · ODI 11494054Details +

@ 40,000 miles The Buick Regal Tour X is making a loud humming noise from shifting gears from the transmission and a noise near the engine, when slowing down to 5 mph, loud humming noise can be heard. I took the car to GM service department and the mechanic told me he couldn't find anything wrong. I told him Yet, Yet?? I want to be proactive on this transmission issue.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11494054 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesOct 2022 · ODI 11488795Details +

The contact owned a 2018 Buick Regal Tourx. The contact stated while his daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH and under wet misty road conditions, she saw that the vehicle ahead had stopped, she depressed the brake pedal in a panic stop. The vehicle did not stop and crashed into the rear of the other vehicle. The contact stated that his daughter did not notice any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle had extensive damage to the hood, which had crumbled, the front grill, and the engine compartment. The driver's side air bag had deployed. The contact stated that the other vehicle was a pick-up truck and drove away from the scene. The police arrived on the scene and filed a report. The contact reported that there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact's insurance provider had declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that he received a recall notice from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V465000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) two days after the crash. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Aug 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11488795 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesSep 2022 · ODI 11486889 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

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.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11486889 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2022 · ODI 11484807Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal TourX. The contact stated that the driveline rear differential unit was leaking fluid onto the garage floor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the rear differential pinion seal. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,483.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11484807 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesAug 2022 · ODI 11481009Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V465000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while attempting to depress the brake pedal excessive amount of pressure was needed to depress the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a stop. The failure was more evident while reversing the vehicle. The failure was intermittent. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported
Aug 2022
Incident date
Feb 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11481009 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2022 · ODI 11473573Details +

The check engine light is always on and has not been diagnosed (as of yet) by Circle Buick - Highland, IN. There is an auto-engine-shutoff feature when the vehicle stops at traffic lights, and when you resume driving there can be a lengthy delay and/or an engine & transmission jolt after the brake pedal is released. The vehicle must be retested every two years for emissions compliance for IN, but cannot do so because of the check engine light never going off. This is a safety issue not to get hit from behind in local traffic. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Feb 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11473573 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2021 · ODI 11430327Details +

The backup grid randomly disappears on the rear view camera when the vehicle is in reverse. This happens at least 1-2 times every trip, and sometimes as often as every other time I put the transmission in reverse.

Reported
Aug 2021
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11430327 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2020 · ODI 11384103Details +

STEERING WHEEL JERKS BACK ON AUTO START AFTER AUTO STOP. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS THE ISSUES HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND AT RANDOM. REPORTED THE ISSUE EARLY FEBRUARY 2020 AGAIN IN EARLY MAY 2020 AFTER FAILURE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT.REPORTED THE ISSUE AGAIN EARLY OCTOBER AFTER THE ISSUE WAS WORSE. ACCORDING TO GM FIELD SPECIALIST THE STEERING RACK WAS THE ISSUE, IT WAS REPLACED BUT THE ISSUE WAS STILL PERSISTENT AND THEY CONTINUED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A MONTH. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED BACK TO ME WITH A SHARPENING NOISE AND A STEERING WHEEL GOING LEFT. HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FOR REPAIRS.

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11384103 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2020 · ODI 11384104Details +

WHILE BEING DRIVEN THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT GEARS WHILE RPMS ARE REGISTERED THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO RESPOND AND LACKS POWER. I WAS FORCED TO SHIFT MANUALLY TO TRY AND GET THE GEARS TO SHIFT WITH NO LUCK AFTER QUICKLY MAKING THE SWITCH BETWEEN AUTOMATIC TO MANUAL TWICE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RESPONDED WITH A LOUD CLANK AS IF THE SEMI BEHIND ME HAD HIT ME AND THE RESPONDED WITH ACCELERATION. THE ISSUE WAS REPORTED FIRST EARLY FEBRUARY 2020 AGAIN IN EARLY MAY 2020 AND RECENTLY EARLY OCTOBER 2020 SERVICE DEPARTMENT FAILS TO DUPLICATE ISSUE. MY DASHCAM CAPTURED VIDEO WHILE BEING DRIVEN BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING THE STRANGE FEELING THE TRANSMISSION WOULD GIVE THEM WITH TORQUE AND SHIFTS.

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11384104 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherDec 2020 · ODI 11384109Details +

DURING THE COLD WEATHER WHILE BEING DRIVEN THE AC UNIT OR HEATER THROWS MOISTURE INTO THE CABIN RESULTING IN COMPLETE VISION IMPAIRMENT. THIS HAPPENED FIRST WHILE GOING UP A MOUNTAIN ROAD AND THE CAR HAD TO BE COMPLETELY STOPPED HOPING NOT TO GET HIT. THE DEFROST WAS MAXED AND THE IMPAIRMENT WAS STILL POSSIBLE, NO MATTER HOW HOT IT GOT IN THE CABIN THE MOISTURE WAS TO MUCH, TAKING MY AND WIPING THE MOISTURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WATER DRIPPED DOWN. IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR NOW WITH THE AC TURNING ON BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. FIRST REPORTED THE ISSUE EARLY FEBRUARY 2020 AGAIN IN MAY 2020 AND AGAIN IN OCTOBER 2020 WITH COMPLAINTS OF SMELL COMING FROM THE AC. SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS FAILED TO DUPLICATE OR RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT IS HOW THE UNIT IS SUPPOSED TO OPERATE!?...

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11384109 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2020 · ODI 11360404Details +

WHEN AUTO START/STOP TURNS ON THE AUX PUMP THAT PUMPS COOLANT INTO THE CABIN TO CONTINUE TO HEAT MAKES THE MOST ANNOYING SOUND IN THE WORLD. GM STATES THAT IT'S NORMAL BUT, UNDER NORMAL OPERATION YOU CAN BARELY HEAR THE PUMP. WHEN IT MALFUNCTIONS YOU CAN HEAR IT DOWN THE BLOCK. BUT SURE, THAT'S NORMAL, OF COURSE IT IS. THAT'S WHY THEY CHANGED THE DESIGN OF THE AUX PUMP FOR 2020 BUT WON'T ADMIT FAULT. GM REFUSING TO CHANGE THE AUX PUMP, I HAD TO BUY IT AND DO THE WORK MYSELF. BUICK WARRANTY IS USELESS.

Reported
Sep 2020
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11360404 at NHTSA →
StructureSep 2020 · ODI 11360409Details +

SIDE SKIRTS ON THE CAR ARE HELD BY DOUBLE SIDED TAPE. THE TAPE HAS BEEN REAPPLIED BY THE DEALERSHIP TWICE ALREADY AND THEY'RE STILL LETTING GO. WHY WOULD A CAR MANUFACTURER TAPE ON THEIR MOLDINGS AND NOT EVEN PUT ON A CLIP?

Reported
Sep 2020
Incident date
Sep 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11360409 at NHTSA →
WheelsDec 2019 · ODI 11288314Details +

I OWN A 2018 BUICK REGAL TOURX ESSENCE THAT IS OUTFITTED WITH CONTINENTAL PRO CONTACT TX P235/50R18 TIRES. ON 11/6/2019, I FOUND THAT THE FRONT RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE TIRE HAD LITERALLY BLOWN OUT AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT THE GARAGE. IT LOOKED LIKE TIRE HAD EXPLODED. MILEAGE WAS 7357 AT THE TIME. I AM 85 YEARS OLD AND I AM THANKFUL THAT THIS DID NOT OCCUR WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED. CAR WAS PICKED UP AND REPAIRED BY THE ORIGINAL DEALER.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11288314 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlOct 2019 · ODI 11267555Details +

WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY I CAME TO A STOP DUE TO AN ACCIDENT. ONCE I GOT THROUGH THE ACCIDENT I TRIED TO SPEED UP AND THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO SPEED UP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE ACCELERATION IS NECESSARY TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC.

Reported
Oct 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11267555 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2019 · ODI 11173465Details +

THE BACKUP CAMERA DISPLAY DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE, THE BACKUP GRID LINES DO NOT APPEARS AND THE WARNING TO DON'T APPEAR (ON THE DISPLAY). EFFECTIVELY IT JUST ACTS AS A CAMERA. THIS HAPPENS 80% OF THE TIME THAT I AM IN REVERSE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE DATE I PURCHASED THE CAR (9.29.18).

Reported
Feb 2019
Incident date
Sep 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11173465 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2019 · ODI 11166559 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION: 'DRIVING THROUGH AN EMPTY PARKING LOT. 'FOLLOWED ROAD AROUND THE BUILDING. 'BLINDED BY SUNLIGHT. 'HIT STATIONARY POLE HEAD ' ON. WEATHER CONDITIONS : HEAVY RAIN : PRIOR TO 2:00PM LIGHT RAIN AND SUNSHINE BETWEEN : 2:45PM AND 3:04PM FAULT OR PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: KNEE / LOWER EXTREMITY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. HIGH RISK OF LOWER EXTREMITY INJURY FOR BOTH IN-POSITION AND OUT-OF-POSITION SMALL FEMALE DRIVERS. MY LEFT FOOT WAS FORCED UPWARD DUE TO THE FORCE OF CRASH. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE, IT SNAPPED MY LEFT FOOT DOWNWARD. THE RESULT IS A LEFT ANKLE DISLOCATED AND SEVERE LEFT TIBIA / FIB FRACTURE. BASICALLY, I BROKE EVERY BONE IN MY LEFT FOOT APART FROM MY HEEL AND TOES. SURGERY, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2018: OPEN REDUCTION / INTERNAL FIXATION (ORIF) WITH LEFT BIMALLEOLAR ANKLE FRACTURE / DISLOCATION WITH CLOSE MANAGEMENT TALUS FRACTURE / SUBTALAR SURGERY. I NOW HAVE A PLATE AND SIX (6) SCREWS INSIDE THE BONE TO HOLD THEM IN THE CORRECT PLACE SO THE BONES DO NOT HEAL ABNORMALLY. THE ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON INFORMED ME, DUE TO THIS TYPE OF INJURY, ARTHRITIS WILL SET IN MY ANKLE. I MAY WANT TO CONSIDER ANKLE FUSION SURGERY IN THE FUTURE. THE FUSION SURGERY WOULD HELP REDUCE THE CHRONIC PAIN. FUSION SURGERY WOULD RESULT THE INABILITY TO USE MY ANKLE, I.E., TO FLEX, POINT, BEND ANKLE, AND ROTATE THE ANKLE AT ALL. THE FUSION SURGERY IS PERMANENT. COMPONENT PART OR SYSTEM THAT MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE SAFETY RISK: DRIVER LOWER EXTREMITY RESPONSE AND INJURY WITH KNEE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE RELATED TO YOUR COMPLAINT: WILL BE SCANNED AND SENT LATER.

Reported
Jan 2019
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11166559 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJan 2019 · ODI 11166356Details +

REVERSING CAMERA CAMERA IS INSTALLED AND EQUIPPED WITH GUIDE LINES SHOWING DIRECTION OF TRAVEL AND WHEEL POSITION. THESE GUIDELINES INTERMITENTLY DISAPPEAR FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IF THE CAR IS PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO REVERSE LINES REAPPEAR. SINCE THE LINES ARE A FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE AND ARE NOT WORKING RELIABLY I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT, IT IS A DEFINITE DISTRACTION FROM THE INFORMATION THAT THE CAMERA IS PROFFERING. GM ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM INITIALLY AND REPLACED A MODULE 4 TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITHOUT SUCCESS NOW THEY HAVE TAKEN THE POSITION THAT THE CAMERA IS WORKING AS DESIGNED... CLEARLY SAFETY EQUIPMENT SHOULD WORK RELIABLY 100% OF THE TIME WITHOUT DISTRACTIONS. IN DISCUSSION WITH OTHER GM OWNERS AND RESEARCH ONLINE THIS PROBLEM IS PREVALENT ON OTHER GM MODELS ACROSS THE PRODUCT LINE. IT APPEARS TO BE BE LINKED THE NUMBER OF SAFETY FEATURES INSTALLED ON THE CAR. THE MORE SAFETY FEATURES THE MORE LIKELY OF FAILURES. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ON A DAILY BASIS AND CAN BE RECREATED AT WILL. IT WILL HAPPEN ANY TIME THE CAR IS TRAVELING IN REVERSE

Reported
Jan 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11166356 at NHTSA →
EngineOct 2018 · ODI 11139943Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BUICK REGAL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE WAS DESIGNED TO SHUT DOWN TO PRESERVE FUEL. INSTEAD, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD REV AND INCREASE TO 3,000 AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM DRIVING THROUGH A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ONCE WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCELVEEN BUICK (117 FARMINGTON RD, SUMMERVILLE, SC), BUT THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300.

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11139943 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJun 2018 · ODI 11103736 · crashDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY OF 2018, BUT DID NOT OBTAIN IT UNTIL JUNE 15, 2018. WHILE IN A DRIVE-THRU LINE, THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FENDER, BUMPER, AND HEADLIGHT WERE DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER (GREINER BUICK GMC, 14555 CIVIC DR., VICTORVILLE, CA 92394) WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO AN AUTHORIZED BUICK BODY SHOP FOR THE DAMAGES. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169. *TT

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
Jun 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11103736 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlJun 2018 · ODI 11102996 · crashDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A DRIVE'THRU, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, INSPECTED THE DAMAGE, AND CONCLUDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE DEALER (GREINER BUICK GMC, 14555 CIVIC DR., VICTORVILLE, CA 92394, (760) 245-3451) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP WHERE IT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169. *TT *TR

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
Jun 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11102996 at NHTSA →

Recalls(3)

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.

Seat BeltsDec 2018 · 18V230000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Buick Regal vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the rear seat belts may have been improperly routed around the bolster bracket on the rear outboard seats, which can cause inadequate restraint of the passengers.

Risk: If the seat belt fails to adequately restrain the passengers in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear outboard seat belts, correcting the routing of the seat belts as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 14, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 18117.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Service Brakes · 18V576000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

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Service Brakes · 22V465000Details +

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."

Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the EBCM software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Buick's customer service at 1-800-521-7300.

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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

1 NHTSA investigation on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Crash-test ratings

2018 Buick Regal 5 HB FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Regal2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive223226

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2018 Buick Regal: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Buick Regal?

Owners filed 33 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Buick Regal. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2018 Buick Regal?

The most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (21% of complaints) and electrical system (18%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Buick Regal have?

3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2018 Buick Regal, covering components such as seat belts. 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 2018 Buick Regal get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Buick Regal at 26 mpg combined.