2012 Buick Regal problems
The Buick Regal is a line of mid-size cars marketed by Buick since 1973. For nearly its entire production, the Regal has served as the premium mid-size/intermediate offering of the Buick product range. Introduced as a submodel of the Buick Century, the model line is currently in its sixth generation. From the 1970s to the 1990s, the Regal served as the Buick counterpart of the Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.
Originally introduced as a personal luxury coupe, the Regal was later expanded to a full model line. To showcase its success in NASCAR racing, from 1982 to 1987, Buick introduced the Buick Regal Grand National, Regal T-Type, and the limited-production Buick GNX. During the 1990s, while the four-door sedan superseded the two-door coupe entirely, forced-induction engines made their return, with superchargers replacing turbochargers.
For 1999, the Buick Regal inaugurated the sale of GM vehicles in the Chinese market, with the 1997 design lasting through 2008. Following the 2004 model year, Buick retired the nameplate in North America, with the Regal replaced by the Buick LaCrosse.
For 2008, Opel introduced the Opel Insignia as its largest sedan, with Buick rebranding the model line as the Regal for the Chinese market. For 2011, GM reintroduced the Regal to North America, rebranding the Insignia sedan for North America. For 2018, Buick introduced the second-generation Opel Insignia, sourcing all production from Germany; alongside a first-ever liftback sedan, the Regal TourX was the first Buick station wagon in 22 years.
After 2020, as the division shifted away from car model lines, Buick ended sales of the Regal in North America.
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Common 2012 Buick Regal problems
The Buick Regal, a mid-sized automobile with a long history of performance, comfort, and style, has had its fair share of issues over the years. While generally reliable, certain model years, including the 2012 Buick Regal, have been plagued with problems that have left many owners frustrated.
The 2012 Buick Regal is considered the worst model year of the midsize sedan, with a high number of complaints and recalls. The two most common problems reported by owners are engine problems and exterior lighting issues.
Engine problems are a significant concern for the 2012 Buick Regal. The engine failure issue is particularly noteworthy, with many owners reporting that the timing chain broke at around 80,000 miles. Mechanics have informed these owners that this is a common issue with this particular model, and the recommended solution is often an engine replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Exterior lighting issues are also prevalent in the 2012 Buick Regal. Owners have reported that the headlight fill has leaked with water, both sides, causing the headlights to resemble small fish tanks. This issue has led to constantly blowing out bulbs and has even raised concerns about the car catching fire.
Other common problems reported by Buick Regal owners include the key getting stuck in the ignition, a malfunctioning power window system, and failure of the fuel pump, various sensors, and the water pump. These issues can result in expensive repairs, and it is essential to address them promptly to prevent further damage to the vehicle.
In summary, the 2012 Buick Regal has had significant issues with engine problems and exterior lighting, as well as other common problems such as the key getting stuck in the ignition and a malfunctioning power window system. These issues can result in costly repairs, and it is essential for owners to address them promptly to prevent further damage to the vehicle.
Is there any recalls on a 2012 Buick Regal?
Summary: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 ? LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.?
Is Buick Regal a reliable car?
The Buick Regal is considered reliable, with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.
What is the best year for a Buick Regal?
This is the overall most reliable Buick Regal year. According to motorandwheels.com, the 2011 Buick Regal is the best in the entire line. Featuring an excellent engine, solid powertrain, and great performance and comfort, it is still a top choice for anyone seeking a midsize and reliable sedan.
Why did Buick discontinue the Regal?
Why did Buick stop making the Regal? The end of the Regal line came as a result of a shift in Buick's corporate strategy. The company decided to shift its focus to its line of SUVs, and the Regal's discontinuation was part of a larger reduction in Buick's passenger car lineup.
Is Buick Regal a reliable car?
The Buick Regal is considered reliable, with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.
Is there any recalls on a 2012 Buick Regal?
Summary: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 ? LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.?
What is the best year for a Buick Regal?
This is the overall most reliable Buick Regal year. According to motorandwheels.com, the 2011 Buick Regal is the best in the entire line. Featuring an excellent engine, solid powertrain, and great performance and comfort, it is still a top choice for anyone seeking a midsize and reliable sedan.
Why did they stop making Buick Regal?
Why did Buick stop making the Regal? The end of the Regal line came as a result of a shift in Buick's corporate strategy. The company decided to shift its focus to its line of SUVs, and the Regal's discontinuation was part of a larger reduction in Buick's passenger car lineup.
2012 Buick Regal car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Regal problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Buick Regal vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Buick Regal
The NHTSA has received 88 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Buick Regal. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Buick Regal vehicles.
SUSPENSION,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-09
- VIN: 2G4GR5EKXC9
- Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Hard to be able to control the vehicle due to something going on the rear
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-04
- VIN: 2G4GT5GV4C9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 2nd bad headlamp assembly that develops moisture and causes lamp to go out. First was passenger side now driver side
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-15
- VIN: 2G4GS5ER0C9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-26
- VIN: 2G4GV5GV9C9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The driver headlight assembly has water in it and unable to fix it without replacing whole assembly that can be as much as $1500. The light bulb and valance was replaced. The valance was filled with water. The headlight still wouldn’t work. Upon further investigation there is a part sealed into the assembly that also has water in it with no way to get it out or replace. This is a safety risk since i am unable to see on driver side in dark without my light. There are no recalls but have found many complaints on same issue. The part water is in is sealed and shouldn’t have a way for to get in. The only fix is replacing entire assembly. I have no light at all on that side until fixed.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
- VIN: 2G4GR5EK8C9
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-30
- VIN: 2G4GR5ER3C9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine used oil with no smoke or leaks. Had to change oil every 2300 miles. Motor went bad do to no oil even after oil change.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2G4GV5GV3C9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I previously reported an issue with a he condensation in the driver side headlight which every one of these models with the hid headlights has this issue. Now it is becoming a safety issue as both headlights are doing it and are randomly going off while driving I almost hit a telephone pole with my infant in the car this is an extremely common issue with these vehicles and Buick has no fix they even stopped producing the replacement headlights this is an extremely dangerous issue I’ve made both nhsta and Buick aware of these issues and if nothings done to rectify them and something happens I will pursue legal action
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-25
- VIN: 2G4GV5GV1C9
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The headlight area had condensation in it that resulted in water in the headlight. This caused the headlight to go dark. This is a safety issue as one of my headlights is not working. I can’t see that section of the road or adjacent sidelines. Very dangerous particularly at this time of year with deer running into road from the side. There are many other regal owners with this problem which can be verified by googling the problem. This is the second time the light has failed for condensation. Other drivers and pedestrians are at risk because they cannot be seen with the headlight out. Headlight was replaced once and has failed again. Cost to repair 2 years ago $1600 new estimate $1800. This is for one headlight but recommended to replace both.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-10
- VIN: 2G4GS5EV4C9
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Car lost all electrical power while driving (moving) and fully shut down, stalling immediately. Nothing electrical worked, including 4 way flashers. The alternator was just replaced 2 weeks after this same full loss of electrical power was diagnosed when going to start the car while parked. The battery was fully recharged at the repair shop and deemed ok. I had my road service come out to address the issue. Before they arrived, I was able to restart the car. The service tech checked the battery and alternator. Both checked ok, but the battery was almost drained and did not show signs of any dead cells, despite it having been able to restart the car shortly before the road service arrived. We replaced the battery. Car is in the shop now. The safety risk is full loss of power while moving resulting in no brake lights, 4 way emergency lights, full stall, loss of power steering and brakes that can lead to a collision on the highway. This type of problem has been reported on numerous Regals
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-07
- VIN: 2G4GT5GV0C9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The driver side headlamp assembly has a faulty seal which allows water to leak inside the housing under normal daily conditions. When this happens the water leaks down through the assembly where the headlight ballast is mounted, causing water to collect in the ballast, and killing it (making the headlight go out) as well as the electrical components that power the L.E.D. daytime running lights also making those stop functioning. There is no quick and easy fix for this, as the headlamp assembly must be replaced to restore the headlight because even replacing the burned out ballast will only provide light temporarily again until that too is again destroyed by water. Because there is no good alternative available with an aftermarket replacement, I was forced to purchase an entirely new assembly which cost $1,505 and took months to save and be able to afford. This is a manufacturing flaw that should have been recalled and addressed. My warranty does not cover any damage due to water, so I had to pay for this myself, along with many many other people with the same issue. Having my headlight randomly stop working was a dangerous situation to be put into.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-21
- VIN: 2G4GR5EK0C9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Moisture in headlights causes light to fail while driving .
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-07
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2G4GS5EK8C9
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owned a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated while her husband was attempting to decelerate to speed, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into an apartment building. No further information was available. The driver and the contact (front passenger) were taken by an ambulance to the hospital to seek assistance with their injuries. No further information was available. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated that 3 weeks later, she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 43,000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-01
- VIN: 2G4GT5GV1C9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact's uncle owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front headlights were burned out. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact did not provide further information. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who diagnosed that there was condensation in the frontal headlights and that the front headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-01
- VIN: 2g4gv5gv3c9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the driver’s side headlight assembly developed condensation inside causing the light bulb to blow out. The contact indicated that the entire headlight assembly needed to be replaced to fix the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and the local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 78,000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-01
- VIN: 2G4GR5ER8C9
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact's son-in-law owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- VIN: 2g4gu5gv7c9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at night, the illumination from the headlights was very dim. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that condensation had accumulated in both headlight modules causing the failure. The dealer was notified of the issue and informed her that they would call her back. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-13
- VIN: 2g4gr5ek3c9
- Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start up, and while at a stop light the entire vehicle would shake and vibrate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact indicated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 72,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-30
- VIN: 2G4GR5EK5C9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Headlight housing leaks water into headlight. This appears to be a problem with this vehicle as I read numerous complaints about this.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-01
- VIN: 2G4GR5EK7C9
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-28
- VIN: 2G4GS5EV8C9
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Timing belt and engine stopped working. Mechanic says needs engine replaced
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-25
- VIN: 2G4GS5EV8C9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: No warning and approximately 80,000 miles -the timing needs replaced. Mechanics state this is common with this model and they recommend a new engine replace the original engine. This car has under 100,000 miles on it. The cost of the repair is out of my means. The car is paid off, however, I cannot afford the repair. Is there anything that can be done?
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-01
- VIN: 2g4gr5ek2c9
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension); however, the parts for the repair were unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-06
- VIN: 2G4GS5EK0C9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Issue with the condensation/water getting inside our HID headlights. Have replaced once and now they are both full of water again. Dealer refuses to cover as a defect. VERY expensive to repair. Huge safety issue because lights can fail at any time going down a dark road! Safety to thers as they may not see me coming.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-17
- VIN: 2G4GR5EK8C9
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-18
- VIN: 2G4GR5EK9C9
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS GET WATER IN THEM AND FOGS UP..CAUSING YOUR HEADLIGHTS TO LOOK DIM AT NIGHT.
2012 Buick Regal recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2012 Buick Regal.
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
- Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
- Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
- Consequence: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
- Consequence: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.
- Consequence: INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
- Remedy: GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM AT 1-800-521-7300.
Negative 2012 Buick Regal car reviews
Positive 2012 Buick Regal car reviews
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You put 300,000 miles on your Buick Regal, that's amazing! It's such a reliable car. You bought it pre-owned with only 20,000 miles and it's still going strong. Even when the timing belt went last month, it only cost about $700 to fix. It's clear that you love your Regal and hopefully, when it does eventually die, you'll be able to afford a new one.
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Congratulations on your new car! It's great to hear that you're enjoying the 2012 Regal GS with 6MT. As someone who has been in the car business for 10 years and has had 21 new vehicles, it's clear that you have a lot of experience and knowledge. The Regal GS seems to be a standout among all the cars you've owned, with its amazing looks, great handling, powerful performance, and comfortable ride. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
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After 2 weeks and 2000 miles, I am absolutely loving this Buick Regal! All of its systems are so well-engineered and assembled correctly. So far, I haven't found any problems or faults... yet. It feels like a German car, and that's because it really is an Opel, with a German engine and transmission.
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This Buick is really impressive! Although it may not be a GNX or T-Type of the late 80's, the 2.0L engine is surprisingly powerful. It doesn't knock your head back with mad torque; instead, the power builds quickly and can get away from you fast if you're not careful. I average 30-34 mpg daily, and I have a 17-mile commute to work, of which 14 is highway. I get away with mid-grade fuel and get better gas mileage than with premium. I would do better if I could get away from the ethanol gas stations. The seats are very comfortable, and visibility is great out the windshield. However, the rear view is a different story. The rake needs a greater angle or a rearview backup camera. Overall, this is a great sporty car with decent power.
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Congratulations on your first new vehicle! I'm so excited for you. I've been following this car since its prototype stage, and now that it's in production, I knew you had to get one. Your White Diamond 6-Manual with 20's, Brembos, LED/HID Headlamps, Intellilink System, and Sunroof sounds amazing. It's loaded with features! The 2.0L engine has an unbelievable amount of power, and the six-speed manual makes it a joy to drive. Even with the 20's and low profile tires, the car handles incredibly and rides very smoothly. I've had a lot of GM cars, and those manufactured in Oshawa, ON Canada have always had the nicest paint and most solid build quality. This Regal certainly holds up to that standard. I love this car and I think you will too. Take it for a test drive and see for yourself!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Buick Regal problems:
2012 Regal GS 2.0 Turbo problems : r/Buick
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How reliable is the 2012 Buick Regal? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Common 2012 Buick Regal GS Problems - Q&A
Feb 27, 2021 ... Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Regal yourself? What have you tried so far? I have done a diagnostic test and many code has came ...
The Buick Regal Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Apr 8, 2024 ... According to the website, the top two most common problems are the engine and exterior lighting. A frustrated owner reported at approximately ...
Other years of Buick Regal
Are you having problems with your 2012 Buick Regal?
Peter Bechtelar 2024-09-26
I really like the exterior design and wheels of the car. I ultimately chose it over the Audi A4 Avant Quattro (wagon) because of several reasons. Firstly, the maintenance costs are much cheaper, especially when it comes to oil changes, which can cost up to $250 for the Audi. Secondly, the car has more horsepower and torque than the Audi, which is a big plus. Thirdly, the car has a more aggressive look than the Audi, which I find really appealing. Lastly, there aren't too many GS models on the road, which makes it feel kind of exclusive. Although I had to sacrifice the prerequisite of an All-Wheel-Drive car (Audi) for the horsepower and looks in the GS, I still love the car. The only downside is the almost uncontrollable torque steer, which can be annoying and embarrassing when I want to accelerate quickly. Additionally, I'm disappointed that I can't stream Pandora to my Samsung Galaxy S5 and have to resort to using the Aux input. However, overall, I'm really happy with my purchase. The interior materials could be better, but it's still a great car.
Tommie Wunsch 2024-09-12
If you're looking for a car with a strong motor, it's best to avoid the Regal. The 4-cylinder engine and cheap plastic accents don't do it any favors. You might want to consider a KIA instead, which is not only cheaper but also comes with a better warranty. Plus, it's faster too!
Eladio Larkin 2024-08-10
Hey there! I recently got my first American car after driving Toyotas and Nissans for years. I was looking for a 6-speed coupe with leather seats and a sunroof, and after some research, I stumbled upon the Buick Regal with its 6-speed turbo. I did a lot of consumer research before purchasing, and everything seemed positive. However, after 2 years, I've had a few issues. The MPG hasn't been as good as the EPA estimates, and there's some turbo lag in lower gears. I also had to replace the front axle and wheel bearing at 30k, but luckily it was covered by the CPO warranty. Unfortunately, the trunk light fixture failed at 30k and wasn't covered. The GPS SD card fails intermittently, and the Bluetooth will randomly disconnect from my Android. The lack of a rear camera at this price point is surprising, and the rear trunk will randomly fail to open. The OEM carpeted floor mats are pretty thin and low quality, and the interior lights will sometimes fail when opening the car doors in a dark garage. The passenger visor tension rod failed at 40k and couldn't be repaired, so I had to pay $120 for a replacement. The driver's side seat heater also failed at 57k, and the stereo IQ reverts to default settings once the car is turned off. The biggest issue was when I received 2 CEL codes accompanied by loss of power, white exhaust, and rough idle at 50k. Unfortunately, the warranty had expired due to the date of the vehicle's initial title, so I had to pay $900 to replace the fuel injectors. The dealer advised that the white smoke from the exhaust may be due to a cracked piston, which was a bit concerning. Overall, I still enjoy driving my Buick Regal, but I hope these issues can be resolved in the future.I received two different CEL codes within 24 hours and brought my vehicle back to the local dealer. Despite the fact that they were in the process of going out of business, they checked the vehicle and advised me that the problem was not the throttle body as indicated. They suggested I bring it to another dealer for a deep dive. After two days, the dealer called and advised me that I needed a new engine or a complete rebuild, as there was no oil in the pan and it was throughout the system. GM refused to extend the expired warranty, despite my arguments regarding the low mileage. Finally, they agreed to meet me halfway and the engine rebuild subsequently cost me $3300, on top of the $900 I had just spent on the initial problem. However, the car now drives beautifully, as one might expect after this type of spend. The handling and ride have always been top-notch, and the design is clearly a head-turner. GM's second-string engineering and failure to stand by their products are the ultimate problem here, and this will be my last purchase, especially with the stellar reviews on the redesigned Mazda6 turbos. After 40k miles, the engine runs beautifully. However, I recently had a major issue with the ABS module replacement, despite the fact that these were designed to last a lifetime of the vehicle from what I've learned. I also discovered that the rear hub assembly was faulty, and after the ECU reflash, the total cost exceeded $1,200. The vehicle now has 97K miles, and I just cannot imagine what would lie ahead if I decided to drive into my typical 150k range. If GM finally stops swirling the drain and goes completely belly up during my lifetime, I will certainly know why. I traded in the vehicle at 97K miles, but not before the entertainment system would un-pair my cell phone. Then, when I attempted to re-pair, it said 'BLUETOOTH CAPABILITY NOT INSTALLED ON THIS VEHICLE'. After several trial and errors, I found that I had to disconnect the battery to force a cold system boot to fix the problem.I was lucky enough to receive the maximum trade-in value for my vehicle. However, the best part is the peace of mind I get every day when I go down to my garage and don't have to worry about what could go wrong.
Eloy Torphy 2024-06-03
The car is definitely a blast to drive and turns heads everywhere. However, I must say that my experience with the dealership's service has been quite disappointing. Additionally, I have had some issues with Buick Customer Service, which I believe could be improved. Unfortunately, my car has been in the shop multiple times for various issues, such as the turbo going out, both axils needing replacement, battery cables frying, radiator rupturing, windshield washer blowing, brake lights going out, and center council and sun visors breaking. It's worth noting that half of these problems occurred within the first two months of ownership, and my car spent over 30 days in the shop during my first year. Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful that these issues can be resolved in a timely and satisfactory manner.
Berta Hackett 2024-05-10
I purchased this car in January 2015 with a little over 38,000 miles on it. After 4 years of ownership, I have driven over 97,000 miles. The car is comfortable on trips of about 1 to 2 hours, but I find myself attempting to find a comfortable setting for the lumbar support on longer trips. The acceleration is really good, and it even accelerates well at higher speeds. It’s very nimble in corners and has a decent 0-60. The heated seats are a dream in the winter. Driving in the winter is good, just don’t go crazy. The stock tires are excellent and lasted until 2018, or 7 years since the car was originally leased in Oct 2011. However, as the car ages, issues with quality start to stand out. At 43,000 miles, the left rear wheel bearing went out, and by 80k miles, all 4 bearings had been replaced. I’ve had both the intake and exhaust actuators replaced, a compressor, and belt tensioner. I just had the struts replaced and will soon need to replace the shocks and sway bar endlinks. The parking brake switch was replaced, and I need a new caliper. Spark plugs last about 30k to 60k miles, and the owner's manual says to replace them at 150k, but I needed them at 60k because they were misfiring so badly. Now they are misfiring again. Other than normal maintenance, the car is okay. If you get one that has over 70k miles, make sure the spark plugs, engine air filter, cabin air filter, and all fluids and belts are in good condition. Most of the repairs are easy if you want to avoid paying for labor. Overall, I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable vehicle.