2013 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 2013 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
- Exterior lighting3728.9%
- Electrical3628.1%
- Engine107.8%
- Powertrain (other)97.0%
- Driver assistance97.0%
- Brakes64.7%
- Body & structure64.7%
- Fuel system43.1%
- Steering43.1%
- Visibility21.6%
- Suspension21.6%
- Airbags10.8%
- Tires & wheels10.8%
- Other / unspecified10.8%
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
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front driver's side headlight was replaced by the dealer six years ago. The contact stated that the front passenger's side front headlight was inoperable and replaced three years ago; however, the contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side headlights have since become inoperable due to heavy condensation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with failed front driver's and passenger's headlights due to condensation. The contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
There is condensation and moisture present inside the high definition front headlight assemblies, which causes the headlight illumination to be diminished and created a visibility hazard while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the Ganley Chevrolet dealership who diagnosed that the front headlight assemblies were faulty and needed to be replaced. The cost to replace both is about $3,000. Then I went to Damper's Automotive of Cleveland Ohio for a second opinion and after replacing the bulb in the passenger side headlight, the bulb immediately blew. Based on complaints from other customers this is a known issue on low and high mileage vehicles of the same make and model. It's a astronomical cost to replace these assemblies and they could go out at any time while driving due to the trapped moisture and-or electrical wiring exposed behind the headlight.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light and depressing the brake pedal, the hybrid battery would power off as intended; however, when the brake pedal was released, the vehicle would lose automotive power before suddenly independently powering on before jolting. The check engine light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 13V173000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
, while driving, doing a steady 25-30 mph my vehicle completed transformed behavior, literally, I could only guess the problem(s)
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have a continuous problem where the vehicle goes into limp mode/reduce power mode it studders and stalls out. The check engine and stabilitrak light comes on. It is extreamly dangerous at it happens on the road and in traffic. I have thousands of dollars, a new thortle body sensor, a new crank positioner, new timing chain, new ECM, new gaskets and so much more.
While driving the vehicle, I received an alert message on the instrument panel that stated “Remote Not Detected,” then the vehicle immediately shutdown in the middle of the road. I lost all power to the vehicle, I couldn’t put the vehicle in gear, neutral or anything to get it out of the road. I immediately replaced the key fob battery, no change vehicle didn’t start or power didn’t return. The vehicle had to be towed. After a couple hours power was restored and the vehicle started up again. I have replaced key fobs, had the dealership replace the car battery and the problem persists. This appears to be a defect, could you please advise on how to proceed with dealership?
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have a continuous problem where the vehicle goes into limp mode/reduce power mode it studders and stalls out. The check engine and stabilitrak light comes on. It is extreamly dangerous at it happens on the road and in traffic. I have thousands of dollars, a new thortle body sensor, a new crank positioner, new timing chain, new ECM, new gaskets and so much more.
MY 2013 BUICK REGAL VIN:[XXX] IS HAVING ONE OF THE 3 RECALL ISSUES THAT YOU HAVE LISTED. ISSUE #13V173, MY CAR WILL NOT START AND THE BATTERY IS LOSING POWER. I REPLACE THE BATTERY AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY IS GOOD AS WELL AS THE ALTERNATOR BUT WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO BUICK, I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GENERAL CONTROL MODULE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE NHTSA DOES NOT HAVE MY VIN LISTED AS ONE OF THE AFFECTED 2013 REGAL MODELS BUT IN MY OPINION, IT SHOULD BE LISTED. I AM ATTACHING A SCREENSHOT OF THE PART AND REPAIR LISTED FOR MY VEHICLE. THE PART IS $929 TO REPLACE. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
, while driving, doing a steady 25-30 mph my vehicle completed transformed behavior, literally, I could only guess the problem(s)
Second time, the car has basically shut down. Brake assist, ABS and traction control lights on. Stabilitrak Service light. Had to slow down to 25 miles an hour because it was shaking so bad and limped it home. Last time they said it was a bearing in one of the tires. Also states said it has multiple misfires. Having it towed tomorrow to see what it is now.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Second time, the car has basically shut down. Brake assist, ABS and traction control lights on. Stabilitrak Service light. Had to slow down to 25 miles an hour because it was shaking so bad and limped it home. Last time they said it was a bearing in one of the tires. Also states said it has multiple misfires. Having it towed tomorrow to see what it is now.
AFTER USING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT DOES NOT COME ALL THE WAY IN THE UP POSITION WHEN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR IS HOT. I HAVE TO LIFT THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH MY OTHER FOOT, OR BRAKE WILL BE PARTIALLY ENGAGED AND BRAKE LIGHTS WILL BE ON. BRAKE PEDAL WORKS FINE WHEN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR IS A NORMAL TEMPERATURE.
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
While in motion at about 25-30 miles per hours, slightly stepping on the brake to slow down, the car just… wouldn’t, I was forced to swerve, preventing damage to cars ahead, I went over a curb
, while driving, doing a steady 25-30 mph my vehicle completed transformed behavior, literally, I could only guess the problem(s)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
GM DEALERSHIP MISDIAGNOSED THE TRANSMISSION AS NEEDING REPLACEMENT, AND QUOTE A $4500 REPAIR PRICE. AFTER GETTING 3 ALTERNATIVE EXPERT OPINIONS, THE PROBLEM WAS THE THROTTLE BODY; REPAIRED FOR $420. NOW THE FORMERLY RECALLED GENERATOR ALTERNATOR HAS FAILED. CAR WILL NOT RESTART WHEN STOPPED, WHILE DRIVING. GM HAS TOLD ME THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE FORMERLY RECALLED PART UNDER WARRANTY, OR BUT NOT IF FOR MISDIAGNOSING THE TRANSMISSION AND THE PART FAILING WHEN GARNERING 2ND OPINIONS. GM ALSO TOLD ME THAT IT IS NOT THE DEALERSHIP'S JOB TO ALERT A CUSTOMER OF A RECALL. IF THAT IS THEIR PROCESS FOR RECALLS, I AM AFRAID FOR THE LIVES OF OTHERS. I AM ALSO AFRAID THAT THEY POSSIBLY DON'T EVEN UNDERSTAND HOW TO DIAGNOSE A VEHICLE PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. THEY CONFIRMED THE PART NOW IN QUESTION WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AT THEIR DEALERSHIP, BUT RECOMMENDED A NEW TRANSMISSION DUE TO HIGH MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A GENUINE GM DEALERSHIP. I'D LIKE THE GM/ALTERNATOR, CONTROL MODULE, AND OTHER ASSOCIATE PARTS INVESTIGATED FOR VOLTAGE FAILURES RELATED TO THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT IF GM IS REPLACING TRANSMISSIONS, WHEN NOT NEEDED, AND THE OTHER PARTS EVENTUALLY FULLY FAIL, CONSUMERS ARE AT EXTREME RISK. MY 19 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS STUCK AT A COMPLETE STOP, FOR NEARLY 30 SECONDS SEVERAL TIMES, ON A 70 MPH FREEWAY, WHEN TRAFFIC CAME TO A HALT, THEN RESTARTED; REACHING FULL SPEED AND HAVING TO VEER AND SLAM ON BRAKES TO AVOID HER CAR; IN THE CENTER LANE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. [XXX]. I WILL ALSO BE FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF MICHIGAN FOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP REGULATION. DEALERSHIPS WHO ARE READING CODES, AND NOT VERIFYING THE CODES, SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN FOR GOOD. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *PM *TR
CONSOLE WONT TURN ON IN THE HEAT. IT DISCONNECTS. PARKING LIGHT SAYS NOT IN PARK WHEN PARKED AND WONT TURN OFF. LIGHTS BURN OUT VERY FAST. HAS HAPPENED SINCE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE , NEW! IT IS VERY SLUGGISH WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While in motion at about 25-30 miles per hours, slightly stepping on the brake to slow down, the car just… wouldn’t, I was forced to swerve, preventing damage to cars ahead, I went over a curb
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS ACCELERATION, STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. IN ANOTHER WHEN TURN OFF THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ROLL DRIVER SIDE WINDOW UP, THE TRUNK OPEN AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPER INDEPENDENTLY START TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ED MARTIN BUICK GMC, 9896 N MICHIGAN RD, CARMEL, IN 46032, AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. FIVE CODE ALSO CAME UP, P0131, P0016, P0017, P0014 AND P0171. AND LEAVING THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TIMING CHAIN, BALANCE CHAFF, CHAIN KIT, TIMING COVER GASKET SET, CAM COVER GASKET SET AND TWO CAMSHAFT SENSORS, WERE REPLACED. THE WHILE LEAVING THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE VEHICLE LOSS ACCELERATION, HEAT BLOWING AT THE FLOW BOARD AN UNKNOWN ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE CABIN COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A BUICK DEALER. WHILE ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER, THE PARK TO DRIVE GEAR WAS CLUNKING AND JERKING FROM 3RD TO 2ND AND 4TH TO 3RD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN SEVEN TIMES TO THE SAME DEALER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A FAILURE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE LOSS ACCELERATION AND JERKING IN GEARS, HEAT ENTERING THE VEHICLE CABIN AND SQUEALING. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BATTERY COVER WAS MELTED ON ONE SIDE. NO INDICATION ON THE OVERHEAT THAT LEVEL THE TEMPERATURE GAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,290.
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
FROM THE PURCHASE OF OUR 2013 BUICK REGAL IN THE SPRING OF 2014 (VEHICLE WAS A NEW LEFTOVER), WE EXPERIENCED CONDENSATION BUILDING ON THE OUTSIDE (BOTTOM PORTION) OF THE WINDSHIELD. WE WOULD USE THE DEFROSTER BUT THAT DID NOT CLEAR THE BUILD UP. WE TURNED OFF THE RECIRCULATION AND TRIED ALL SETTINGS TO NO SATISFACTION. NORMALLY ON CLEAR AND LESS HUMID DAYS THERE WAS NO CONDENSATION BUILD UP. HOWEVER WHEN THE DAY WAS HUMID AND A HIGHER DEW POINT, THE BUILD UP WOULD PRESENT ITSELF. WE NORMALLY USED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO CLEAR THE WINDOW FOR VISIBILITY, BUT AT TIMES THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD WILL FOG UP QUICKLY AND ALMOST COMPLETELY. THIS PRESENTS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IN TRAFFIC BEING THAT WE HAVE FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING (BEING THAT AT TIMES IT COVERS THE WINDSHIELD QUICKLY). THROUGHOUT THE WINTER MONTHS OF 2014 THROUGH 2015, WE SELDOM DROVE THIS VEHICLE AND USED OUR TRAILBLAZER FOR DRIVING. THUS WE DID NOT EXPERIENCE TOO MUCH OF A PROBLEM DURING THAT TIME. HOWEVER THIS YEAR WE WILL BE RELYING ON THE 2013 BUICK REGAL THROUGHOUT THE WINTER AND ARE VERY CONCERNED WITH THE CONDENSATION BUILDUP PROBLEM. AS STATED THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE WINDSHIELD QUICKLY FOGS UP.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND THE MOON ROOF EXPLODED ALL OVER MY KIDS IN THE BACK SEAT AS WELL AS MY SELF, I HAD GLASS STUCK IN MY SCALP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving around curves, the vehicle felt wobbly and unstable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
I made a right hand turn on a 25 mph street in my vehicle and the butt end of my vehicle kicked out and i temporarily lost control of my vehicle. I then heard a high pitch squealing and a thud. I was able to gain control of my vehicle and safely pull into a parking lot where my i saw my rear pass side tire jammed into the wheel well. I had my vehicle towed to the dealership Classic Painesville as it is under warranty. I found out that the toe link fractured due to corrosion and bent the passenger side trailing arm when it snapped. My warranty company will not cover the 1650 dollar repair due to corrosion, and the dealership will not cover the safety recall since my VIN is not listed under the recall notice. I pointed out that the General motors website motorsafety.org provides details on the "salt belt: area concerning this same issue. 2012 – 2013 Buick Regal 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2010 – 2013 Buick Lacrosse Recall summary The recall concerns the toe links at the rear underside of the car, which hold the rear wheels straight. The toe links are coated to protect them from road debris and corrosion, but the supplier applied too much coating, paradoxically making the protective layer more likely to chip off. GM has issued the recall in specific states in the “Salt Belt,” where salt is used to de-ice roads in the winter. Without their protective coating, salt can corrode the metal toe links and cause them to break. The recall will include models that were sold or ever registered in the following states: 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, and Wisconsin. My vehicle had no previous issues and was just into the dealership for an oil, change-tire rotation and a 50 point inspection 2 wks ago. There were no warning and the failure was sudden.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD (ABOUT 40-45 MPH) AND MISSED A STOP SIGN AT A T INTERSECTION, WENT STRAIGHT AHEAD AND STRUCK A GUIDE WIRE, A LARGE BUSH, THEN A BLOCK WALL, AND CAME TO A STOP AFTER PASSING THROUGH THE WALL AND ENTERING THE BUILDING. THE CAR NEVER VEERED BUT WENT STRAIGHT AS IT STRUCK THESE STRUCTURES. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I SUSTAINED A BROKEN RIB AND INJURY TO THE CHEST WALL. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED AND FOUND TO BE A TOTAL LOSS.
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
BOUGHT 2013 REGAL BUICK OCTOBER OF 2013. I HAD 2 TIRES TO BLOW OUT LAST YEAR AND 1 YESTERDAY. THIS IS 3 TIRES I HAD TO REPLACE. THIS CAN'T BE NORMAL.
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
My Buick Regal 2013 ( VIN = 2G4GS5EV6D9229705 ) has needed (3) out of the (4) wheel bearings replaced. It only has 55,000 miles. I am not clear whether a wheel bearing is a safety issue, but I believe it could be.
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 .