2019 Buick Regal problems

General information about Buick-Regal
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 During the 1990s, while the four-door sedan superseded the two-door coupe entirely, forced-induction engines made their return, with superchargers replacing turbochargers.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 2019 Buick Regal problems

The Buick Regal, a midsize sedan known for its performance, comfort, and style, has had its fair share of issues over the years. While the car has generally received positive reviews for reliability, certain model years have been plagued with problems and customer complaints. Here are some of the worst Buick Regal years to avoid and the reasons why:

2011 Buick Regal: This model year has the most overall complaints, with engine stalls/shuts off while driving being the most reported problem. The 2011 Regal also has a timing chain issue, which can be costly to fix. The average cost to fix this problem is $2,000, with an average mileage of 89,000 miles.

2012 Buick Regal: This model year is considered the worst of the midsize sedan, with significant issues including engine failure. The faulty timing chain issue also reappeared, causing frustration for many owners. The NHTSA listed 83 complaints and three recalls for the 2012 Regal, with the top two most common problems being the engine and exterior lighting. At approximately 80,000 miles, the timing chain can break, leading to an expensive engine replacement. With the combination of severe issues and a high number of customer complaints, used car buyers should stay far away from the 2012 Buick Regal.

Common Buick Regal problems 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 lead to expensive repairs if not addressed promptly. The Buick Regal is known for its upscale features and powerful engine options, but its reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal suggests that it may not be as reliable as some other midsize sedans.

The Buick Regal is projected to lose 60% of its value after five years, which could be a potential great deal for people in the used car market. However, before purchasing a used Buick Regal, it's essential to be aware of the potential problems and the costs associated with fixing them.

Is the 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.

Is there a recall on Buick Regal?

Summary: 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.

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 the Buick Regal a reliable car?

According to carparts.com, the Buick Regal is generally reliable, like many midsize sedans. Out of 34 rated sedans, the Buick Regal is ranked 13th for reliability. In other words, it's about as reliable on average as many other sedans of its type.

Why did Buick discontinue the Regal?

How many miles will a Buick Regal last?

A Buick Regal will live around 150,000-200,000 miles with excellent care. Thus, high mileage for the vehicle is around 150,000 miles. This number is solid, and once you pass it, the maintenance you perform will shine. The Regal is far more likely here to break down and could run into some expensive repair needs.

How safe is the Buick Regal?

2020 Regal Sportback Safety

In the areas of small overlap front: driver-side, moderate overlap front, and side crash-testing, the Buick received top scores of Good from the IIHS.

2019 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:

Electrical system problems
Service brakes problems
Power train problems
Seats problems
Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2019 Buick Regal vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2019 Buick Regal complaints

The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Buick Regal.

2024-09-26

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
VIN: W04GU8SX8K1
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: 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.

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2024-07-17

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-07-13
VIN: W04GW6SX9K1
Components: SEATS
Summary: 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.

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2024-04-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-03-06
VIN: W04GP6SX5K1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: 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.

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2023-08-16

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-08-16
VIN: W04GM6SX2K1
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: 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.

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2023-02-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-02-24
VIN: W04GP6SXXK1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Summary: 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.

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2022-08-29

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-08-29
VIN: W04GL6SX4K1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: 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.

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2022-08-24

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-08-24
VIN: W04GR6SX6K1
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: 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.

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2021-12-22

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-12-20
VIN: W04GL6SX1K1
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: 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).

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2021-08-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-08-09
VIN: W04GR6SX3K1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: 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.

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2021-02-11

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-11-03
VIN: W04GV8SX5K1
Components: WHEELS
Summary: 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

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2020-02-29

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-12-07
VIN: W04GV8FXXK1
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: 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.

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2020-02-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-01-17
VIN: W04GL6SX6K1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Summary: 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

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2018-09-11

STRUCTURE,SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-09-09
VIN: W04GL6SX8J1
Components: STRUCTURE,SEATS
Summary: 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.

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2019 Buick Regal recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2019 Buick Regal.

2022-06-30

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.

2019-10-24

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Components: SEATS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.

2018-08-30

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2019 Buick Regal problems:

2019 Buick Regal problems... (should I get rid of it?) : r/Buick

https://www.reddit.com/r/Buick/comments/idyfmr/2019_buick_regal_problems_should_i_get_rid_of_it/

Aug 21, 2020 ... I am just short of 18,000 miles and I've already had two issues with my 2019 Buick Regal. 1: One morning after a long night of driving, I ...

2019 Buick Regal Sportback Problems | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.kbb.com/buick/regal-sportback/2019/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2019 Buick Regal Sportback? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...

Is the Buick regal TourX a good car? it has a Toyota transmission ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/10vij5u/is_the_buick_regal_tourx_a_good_car_it_has_a/

Feb 6, 2023 ... I'd have no problems reliability wise with the Buick. ... Buick Regal TourX Group' on Facebook. They ... 2019 Acura ILX A-Spec as first “premium” ...