2019 Buick Regal

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.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Jan 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My car has had suspension issues for 2 years and I have repeatedly taken the car to the dealership.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Feb 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Feb 2025

Incident date

Dec 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Regal TourX equipped with Continental Pro Contact tires, Tire Size: 235/50/R18, and DOT [XXX] . The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, he observed what he believed to be the tires vibrating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the belt separated on the inside of the passenger and drivers rear tires. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Sep 2024

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

When I was braking at an intersection, the driver's seat broke and slide all the way forward causing me to jam the brake all the way, then the recoil sent the seat flying all the back. After the orignal pop where something broke, the seat freely slides all the way forward and back.

Reported

Jul 2024

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Apr 2024

Incident date

Mar 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Aug 2023

Incident date

Aug 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Regal. The contact stated that when he attempted to start his vehicle there was no battery power, and no clicking sounds from the ignition. The contact stated that the instrument panel was blank. The contact stated that he had the vehicle jump started and the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and then turned off after the vehicle was turned on. The contact also heard an abnormal whistling noise coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the dead battery failure was an ongoing failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery and electrical system were working as designed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

Reported

Feb 2023

Incident date

Feb 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Aug 2022

Incident date

Aug 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Per your site, GM concluded a safety recall was necessary on the 2018-2020 Buick Regal on JUNE 30, 2022 due to partial or full loss of vacuum-brake assist pressure and warns that this "increase[s] the risk of a crash." On AUGUST 23, 2022, I received notice of the safety recall in a letter obliquely dated "August 2022". The letter states that a software fix "is not currently available", but also states, "If you have already paid for repairs for this condition, you may submit those charges using the reimbursement request form that will be provided with the next letter." Notably, the latter statement ostensibly reflects that some entity apart from GM actually does have a software fix for the problem. This is my only vehicle--I do not have the luxury to park it until GM is able to remedy the problem at some unknown date. I contacted GM's Buick division this morning, inquiring whether a loaner would be provided until the company's programmers identify a solution, or, alternatively, the names of other entities that have the capability to perform the repairs for which GM offers reimbursement. The company is doing nothing and has no other information, including as to other repair facilities. Despite being aware of the problem and the increased risk of crash for which they have no current solution, "no courtesy transportation is being offered", and they are merely generically "working to expedite the release of a remedy." This is ridiculous and exposes, not only myself, but the motoring public to significant danger. What is the point of this two-month belated recall notice for which no solution is readily (or willingly) available and there is no reasonable estimate on the horizon? GM customers have obligations and need use of their vehicles to meet their daily needs. A driver can only do so much to control his/her vehicle. In our current tense environment, where drivers are routinely cut-off or worse, an "increased stopping distance" also is a luxury.

Reported

Aug 2022

Incident date

Aug 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

In attempt to change a flat tire (front passenger side), I loosened the 5 lug nuts (1/4-turn), raised the vehicle (Buick Regal Sportback) and the jack collapsed to one side at the hinge points at both ends of the threaded shaft as I was about to remove the 5th lug nut. Note the slotted connections at the hinge/pivot points (see attached photo).

Reported

Dec 2021

Incident date

Dec 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

After shifting the vehicle into park and shutting off the engine I get a warning light on the dash that says shift to park. Even though the vehicle is already in park.

Reported

Aug 2021

Incident date

Aug 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

REAR PASSENGER TIRE WENT OUT OF BALANCE TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT THE ENTIRE CAR WAS RATTLING, MIRRORS SHAKING, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VIBRATION VISIBLE TO OBSERVERS OUTSIDE AND FOLLOWING THE VEHICLE. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO BALANCE THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE TIRE FROM THE WHEEL AND FOUND THAT THE "QUITE RUNNING FOAM" HAD SEPARATED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. REMOVING FOAM SOLVED THE ISSUE. ABOUT A MONTH LATER FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WENT OUT OF BALANCE, AGAIN, NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NOT WILLING TO RISK BEING STRANDED AWAY FROM HOME, I HAVE NOW PERSONALLY PAID, WITH SOME RELIEF FROM GM, TO HAVE ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED WITH NON-QUIET RUNNING TIRES. I DID A QUICK SEARCH, AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE FIRST COMMENT IN THIS "HOW TO REPAIR" ARTICLE YOU WILL SEE OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM TOO. HTTPS://GM-TECHLINK.COM/?P=8677

Reported

Feb 2021

Incident date

Nov 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I PURCHASED VEHICLE BELIEVING IT DID NOT HAVE THE AUTO STOP FUNCTION. IT WAS NOT WORKING WHEN I PURCHASED IT, THE SALESMAN SAID THERE WAS NONE, AND THERE IS NOT A SHUT OFF BUTTON. AFTER DRIVING 600 MILES, THE AUTO STOP STARTED WORKING. A GM REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THERE ARE CERTAIN CRITERIA THAT MUST BE MET BEFORE THE AUTO STOP STARTS TO WORK ON A NEW VEHICLE. ONE OF THOSE IS THAT THE VEHICLE MUST BE DRIVEN OVER 600 MILES BEFORE IT STARTS TO WORK. THIS IS NOT DISCLOSED ANYWHERE TO THE PURCHASER OF THE VEHICLE. I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED A VEHICLE THAT HAS AUTO STOP WITHOUT THE BUTTON TO SHUT IT OFF. WHEN IT STARTED TO WORK, I HAD JUST EXITED A GAS STATION AND PULLED UP TO A RED LIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION FOR AN OVERPASS ACROSS A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WHEN I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IT SCARED ME BECAUSE I THOUGHT MY CAR BROKE DOWN.

Reported

Feb 2020

Incident date

Dec 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 866-790-5600. I PURCHASED THE CAR 11/23/18 BRAND NEW WITH 12 MILES ON IT. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO GET IT SERVICED DUE TO KEPT HEARING SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THE BRAKES KEEP SCRUBBING, IN WHICH I THE DEALERSHIP ORDERED THE PARTS AND GAVE ME A LOANER VEHICLE, 8/31/19 I COMPLAINED WHEN I WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET MY OIL CHANGED THAT THE RADIO SCREEN WOULD JUST GO BLACK, AND THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM WOULD BE IN OFF POSITION AND IT WOULD JUST KEEP BLOWING ON HIGH. I WAS TOLD TO BRING THE CAR BACK IN. DUE TO NO TECHS AVAILABLE ON SATURDAY. EVERYTHING STARTED WORKING AGAIN. 1/6/2020 I TOOK THE CAR IN BC AC STARTED BACK DOING THE SAME THING RUNNING WHEN OFF, SOS WAS MALFUNCTIONING EMERGENCY CALLS ALL DAY AND NIGHT EVERY 5-10 MINS HEAD UNIT SCREEN STAYS ON SERVICE SCREEN AND COULDNT BE CHANGED, THE SCREENS KEPT SWITCHING SCREENS WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED. TALKED WITH SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP HAD TO DEACTIVATE THE ONSTAR AND TAKE THE CAR BACK WHEN THEY RECEIVED A LOANER CAR. THEY CLEANED BUTTON AND SAID THEY ORDERED THE PART ITS ON BACK ORDER. 2/10/20 IM DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR SLOWS DOWN AND STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET IN WHICH THE SCREEN READ REDUCED ENGINE POWER. I WAS NOT FAR FROM DEALERSHIP TOOK IT BACK YET AGAIN. I WAS GIVEN A LOANER CAR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENORS HAD TO BE REPLACED ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITH POSITION SENOR ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT ENGINE CONTROLS AND FUEL. 2/14/20 WENT AND OIL CHANGE COMPLETED THAT NEXT DAY ANOTHER ISSUE ON 2/17/20 THE RADIO SCREEN GOES OUT AND THE AC/HEAT IS ON FULL BLAST AND CANT TURN OFF. THE SAME ISSUES I WAS HAVING 1/6/2020 HAVE BEGAN YET AGAIN. I WAS CONTACTED BY GM AND TOLD THEY WOULD ORDER THE PART THAT WAS SAME PART THAT WAS ON BACK ORDER. MY CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY HAPPENING WHILE I AM DRIVING. I HAVE A LOT OF PICS

Reported

Feb 2020

Incident date

Jan 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WHEN A CHILD IS LOCKED INTO THE TRUNK OF THIS VEHICLE HE/SHE WILL BE PERMANENTLY TRAPPED INSIDE. THERE IS NO EMERGENCY PROCEDURE FOR EGRESS. THERE IS NO CABLE NO BUTTON. NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Reported

Sep 2018

Incident date

Sep 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.

Risk: Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crossbar welds on the front seats. If the crossbar is improperly welded, the seat back frame will be replaced, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 26, 2019. Owners received a second notice and the recall began February 20, 2020. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N192278300.

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.