2011 Buick Regal Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Buick Regal, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine11126.3%
- Electrical7718.2%
- Exterior lighting389.0%
- Powertrain (other)378.8%
- Brakes348.1%
- Driver assistance327.6%
- Interior & seats266.2%
- Steering174.0%
- Fuel system174.0%
- Airbags81.9%
- Suspension61.4%
- Body & structure40.9%
- Heating & air conditioning40.9%
- Other / unspecified30.7%
- Tires & wheels30.7%
- Transmission20.5%
- Seat belts20.5%
- Visibility10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on the highway at 60 mph, warning on dash came on saying “engine power reduced” and drop down speed to around 25 mph and I could not accelerate more than 25 mph on the highway which could have caused an accident because of the traffic flow behind me. I put a code scanner under the dash and it read code P2138, Throttle pedal position sensor switch.
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on the highway at 60 mph, warning on dash came on saying “engine power reduced” and drop down speed to around 25 mph and I could not accelerate more than 25 mph on the highway which could have caused an accident because of the traffic flow behind me. I put a code scanner under the dash and it read code P2138, Throttle pedal position sensor switch.
The two systems that failed are the airbag release on the front passenger side and the stabilitrak system. Both systems show error lights on the dash. The front seat passenger does not have airbag protection. The stabilitrak system error light appears intermittently and when the traction system goes off the car brakes almost stop the car while driving. We go to Royal Buick in Tucson, Arizona. We worked with Germaine Kendrick. I've attached the dealer service invoice dated April 14, 2023. The invoice summarized the problem and stated that 1) a new seatbelt assesmbly is needed and 2) the service technician states that they can not replicate or repair the traction problems. Today is June 11, 2023. We are still waiting for the seatbelt assembly to "arrive". There is no solution for the traction system. We have phoned and texted 4 times. The most recent conversation on June 5th with "Chris" was interesting; Chris stated that the seatbelt part was NEVER ORDERED and furthermore, is not needed to repair the airbag warning light problem.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver side headlamp draws moisture, keeps blowing bulbs at 104.99 a pop. Water gets in the headlight assembly and shorts out the ballast. This happens even when driving down the road at random. It could be pitch black and suddenly you have no headlights and are forced to drive with only fog lamps
Condensation gets into headlight assembly and shorts out HID headlight. Issue occurred with drivers and passenger headlights. Car will not have headlights because of short. Thus causing a safety issue.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on the highway at 60 mph, warning on dash came on saying “engine power reduced” and drop down speed to around 25 mph and I could not accelerate more than 25 mph on the highway which could have caused an accident because of the traffic flow behind me. I put a code scanner under the dash and it read code P2138, Throttle pedal position sensor switch.
Preparing to park into a parking space in an off street parking lot the vehicle forcefully and rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into a fence. I was not accelerating. I attempted to stop the car using the brakes but they did not engage quickly enough to stop the rapid, forceful, and without warning acceleration. Buick has been contacted about the defect. Buick ran extensive diagnostics on the car and denies there is a defect. Police came to the scene and advised that given the 2 other incidents that I have experienced, the car is unsafe to drive given potential damage to others. A police report was filed.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The two systems that failed are the airbag release on the front passenger side and the stabilitrak system. Both systems show error lights on the dash. The front seat passenger does not have airbag protection. The stabilitrak system error light appears intermittently and when the traction system goes off the car brakes almost stop the car while driving. We go to Royal Buick in Tucson, Arizona. We worked with Germaine Kendrick. I've attached the dealer service invoice dated April 14, 2023. The invoice summarized the problem and stated that 1) a new seatbelt assesmbly is needed and 2) the service technician states that they can not replicate or repair the traction problems. Today is June 11, 2023. We are still waiting for the seatbelt assembly to "arrive". There is no solution for the traction system. We have phoned and texted 4 times. The most recent conversation on June 5th with "Chris" was interesting; Chris stated that the seatbelt part was NEVER ORDERED and furthermore, is not needed to repair the airbag warning light problem.
2011 Buick Regal 2.0 CXL. The brake pedal is sticking, causing the rotors to heat up and wear out. There are numerous complaints from others online detailing the dangerous situations this has caused. And numerous complaints about getting the brake system replaced and the same problem still existing. There should have been a recall. Unknown to me, until I received the new title in my name, this particular car was branded a "Lemon" in 2014.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The cars mileage was altered due to car being wrecked prior and the other car that was used to replace wrecked parts was hidden and vin number was altered. Copart Inc and ICT Sharp Rides are party's involved, I bought car on 12/28/2023 mileage was listed as 132525
MIL Lamp is illuminated and cannot be turned off or reset. The code displayed on the scanner is for P2138 "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation." There is also a "Reduced Engine Power" message on the dashboard. Available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk before the vehicle was serviced because the car shut down in the middle of the street with cars behind me. I called a certified mechanic to successfully service the vehicle and he cleared the code. My safety was put at risk again after the car was serviced because the code came back on as I was driving on the highway. Car lost power and speed and as I tried to get the car pulled over with emergency lights on, I was almost hit from behind by 2 other drivers. Problem can be reproduced within 10 minutes. Per the mechanic's request, I am taking my car to a Buick Century GMC dealership on 7/16 @ 12 PM to be serviced. Warning symptoms before code came on happened especially during times of rainfall. Car hesitated to pick up speed. Overconsumption of gas resulting in decreased mileage.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES ALSO DRIVER SEAT HEATING WORKS FOR 1 MIN AND TURNS OFF
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT DID NOT MOVE AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WOULD UNLATCH WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V517000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
ISSUE: BRAKE PEDAL WILL STIFFEN AND SLOW THE CAR DOWN. THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WILL VIOLENTLY SHAKE, AS IF THE CALIPERS ARE STUCK. ONCE PARKED, WHEELS ARE HOT AND OMITS A BURNING SMELL. NARRATIVE: After the car is sitting in the sun, while driving in slow traffic the car is running rough, steering wheel starts shaking back and forth, the brakes start making noise when you stop. When accelerated there is grinding noise and dash light comes on. I pulled to the side of the road and turned off the car for five minutes, I start the car and it runs as normal. This was happening for a few weeks. I had the brakes replaced on 05/19/21 (I paid $737.66 for the brake job). I drove the car for a couple of weeks and brakes seized. I had to have the car towed back to shop (costing me $135.63) and the shop quoted brake pedal replacement. At that point I took the car to the Everett, WA, Clyde Revord Buick Dealership and they replaced the modular for the brake (part # 22997391) and it was expenive because it required removing the dash board and a lot of labor time (costing me another $1347.31). I feel this is a safety hazaard as my brakes could have seized or a fire could have broke out while I was driving on the freeway. Fortunately, the brakes seized in a parking lot. I did some research on this topic and see that it is a common flaw for this make and model and should be covered by the manufacturer as a recall before someone gets killed.
The car doesn’t stay on park still will move forward or backwards The gear shift locks and does not move When I turn it makes a huge clack sound
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Preparing to park into a parking space in an off street parking lot the vehicle forcefully and rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into a fence. I was not accelerating. I attempted to stop the car using the brakes but they did not engage quickly enough to stop the rapid, forceful, and without warning acceleration. Buick has been contacted about the defect. Buick ran extensive diagnostics on the car and denies there is a defect. Police came to the scene and advised that given the 2 other incidents that I have experienced, the car is unsafe to drive given potential damage to others. A police report was filed.
When pulling into parking space the car rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into the car in the next parking space. I did not have my foot on the gas, the car was simply idling. The acceleration was so rapid that applying the brake was useless.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I hit a deer going 60 mph and the airbag didn’t deploy, the service airbag light came on after I hit it. I’d assume that means the airbag tried to deploy but ran into an issue
The two systems that failed are the airbag release on the front passenger side and the stabilitrak system. Both systems show error lights on the dash. The front seat passenger does not have airbag protection. The stabilitrak system error light appears intermittently and when the traction system goes off the car brakes almost stop the car while driving. We go to Royal Buick in Tucson, Arizona. We worked with Germaine Kendrick. I've attached the dealer service invoice dated April 14, 2023. The invoice summarized the problem and stated that 1) a new seatbelt assesmbly is needed and 2) the service technician states that they can not replicate or repair the traction problems. Today is June 11, 2023. We are still waiting for the seatbelt assembly to "arrive". There is no solution for the traction system. We have phoned and texted 4 times. The most recent conversation on June 5th with "Chris" was interesting; Chris stated that the seatbelt part was NEVER ORDERED and furthermore, is not needed to repair the airbag warning light problem.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The subframe rotted into rusted into
Front subframe rotted out where my control arm connects. Cannot safetly drive. There should be a recall on this part. There isnt one so now im stuck paying to fix it. Rear coil spring cracked, cannot fix due to recall of all gm coil spring. Cannot buy new part to fix it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The cars mileage was altered due to car being wrecked prior and the other car that was used to replace wrecked parts was hidden and vin number was altered. Copart Inc and ICT Sharp Rides are party's involved, I bought car on 12/28/2023 mileage was listed as 132525
Front subframe rotted out where my control arm connects. Cannot safetly drive. There should be a recall on this part. There isnt one so now im stuck paying to fix it. Rear coil spring cracked, cannot fix due to recall of all gm coil spring. Cannot buy new part to fix it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAT SWITCH FAILED TO WARM BOTH FRONT SEATS IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V517000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PART NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER SWITCH TO WARM THE SEATS FAILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V517000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,200. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN THE LAST YEAR I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS AND ROTORS 3 TIMES IN 1 YEAR IN MY 2011 BUICK REGAL CXL 2.4L. NOW I'M GETTING READY TO DO IT FOR A 4TH TIME. I WAS SOLD CAR THAT HAD A HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF MY EXHAUST THAT I DIDN'T KNOW WAS THERE UNTIL WINTER CAME AND HAD TO RUN THE HEAT. THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM CAME ON OUT OF THE BLUE AND SHUT MY CAR OFF GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. I'M JUST FED UP AND OVER IT. ITS COSTING ME WAY TOO MUCH MONEY FOR ONLY ONLY THE CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR NOW.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR RANDOMLY FLASHED. IN ADDITION, UPON MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE HESITATED, SHOOK, AND VIBRATED AS IF IT WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT IT STILL EXPERIENCED A SLIGHT VIBRATIONS. *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
PIRELLI PZERO NERO ALL SEASON TIRES. P235/50ZR 18 97W 45,000 MILE WARRANTY. THIS WAS MY 1ST PURCHASED OF THIS BRAND OF TIRE IN 2015. AFTER ONLY ABOUT 15,000 IN 2016, I WAS INFORMED THE TIRES WERE BALD AND NEEDED REPLACED. I WENT BACK TO PLACE OF PURCHASE & PIRELLI GAVE ME A DISCOUNT FOR SAME TYPE OF TIRE AS REPLACEMENT, 4/8/2016. I NOW HAVE BEEN TOLD THESE TIRES NEED REPLACED AGAIN TO TIRE WEAR. I HAVE BEEN GETTING ALL TIRES ROTATED EVERY 3 MONTHS, SINCE I OWNED ANY CAR WITH ANY TIRES. TELEPHONE STARTING 8-7-2017 WERE NEVER RETURNED TO DISCUSS STATED TIRES. I FOUND CONTACT INFO ON BBB WEB PAGE, LEFT MESSAGES FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AS WELL AS 2 INDIVIDUALS NAMED AS PRODUCT/MARKETING. NO RETURN CALLS.I ALSO TOOK A SCREEN SHOT OF THE BBB WHICH REFLECTED CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS IN REFERENCE TO THE WARRANTY ISSUES WITH PIRELLI TIRES. AND EMAILED IT TO PIRELLI COMPANY. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM AN INDIVIDUAL IN CUSTOMER SERVICE, OFFERED SAME TIRES AT ANOTHER DISCOUNT, I STATED THAT WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE, AS THE QUALITY, DEPENDABILITY AND SAFETY IS THE ISSUE. HE SAID THERE WAS NO OTHER OPTION. I THEN RECEIVED A CALL FROM A MARKETING INDIVIDUAL, WE HAD A LONG CONVERSATION ABOUT HOW I ROTATE TIRES EVERY 3000 MILES AND HIS TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE, HE REQUESTED I EMAIL HIM THE INVOICE & PHONE LOG. AFTER A FEW DAYS I HAD TO CONTACT HIM, HE INSINUATED I DID NOT TAKE PROPER CARE OF THE TIRES AND ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE TOTAL COST WOULD BE REFUNDED. NHTSA NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THESE TIRES, THEY DO NOT EVEN MEET HALF OF THE WARRANTY, AND THE COMPANY REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM. THESE TIRES PLEASE NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED. THEY ARE DEFECTIVE IN QUALITY, DEPENDABILITY AS WELL AS SAFETY. BY THE WAY, I PAID ABOUT $1,700 WITHIN 2 YEARS FOR THE STATED TIRES.
MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR HP 235/50R18 TIRES ON 2011 BUICK REGAL. TIRES REPLACED NOVEMBER 2014 AND WORE DOWN TO 4/32 TREAD ON DEC 19,2016. TIRE WAS RATED FOR 55,000 MILE WEAR. LACK OF TREAD CONTRIBUTED TO ACCIDENT ON THAT DATE. CAR WAS UNABLE TO STOP, SLIDING INTO THE CURB CAUSING $4200 IN DAMAGE EVEN THOUGH ACCIDENT WAS AT LOW SPEED. MICHELIN WILL NOT REPLACE TIRES. CAR CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. DAMAGE TO WHEELS, SUSPENSION, STEERING GEAR..
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2011 BUICK REGAL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE REPAIR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECENTLY NOTICED SEVERAL FLUID SPOTS UNDER THE VEHICLE. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES DETERIORATED WHICH CAUSED THE LEAK. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER SPORADICALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT OR STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE NEVER STALLED, BUT THE CONTACT WOULD LOOSE POWER STEERING WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER TWICE AND WAS ALSO LOOKING AT A POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER FOR MORE EXTENSIVE INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000. UPDATED 7/12/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN. HE LOST ALL POWER TO THE STEERING AND BRAKES. THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL VALVE ARM WAS REPLACED. IN MAY 2012, HE WAS MAKING A TURN AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, WHICH LEFT HIM WITH NO STEERING, BRAKES OR TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER HIT A FENCE POST DRAGGING THE FRONT BUMPER. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 07/18/12
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT DID NOT MOVE AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WOULD UNLATCH WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V517000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
2011 BUICK REGAL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR RECALL NOTICE 16V-517. *SMD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRAVELING ON FREEWAY APPROX. 5:45AM, ABOUT 72 DEGREES, SUNROOF AJAR (TILTED APPROX 1") BUT NOT FULLY OPENED. SUDDEN LOUD EXPLOSION OF SUNROOF GLASS. FIRST THOUGHT PROJECTILE, POSSIBLY BULLET. UPON STOPPING AND INSPECTING, NO FOREIGN OBJECT IN CAR AND VERY LITTLE GLASS. APPEARS MOST OF THE GLASS EXPLODED OUTWARD. IN ADDITION TO SHATTERED GLASS, STRESS CRACKS APPEAR IN REMAINING GLASS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .