STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
2016 Buick Regal
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 41 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Buick Regal, most frequently naming the steering, driver assistance and exterior lighting categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 1,208 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2016 | 2 | 2 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 3 |
| Jun 2017 | 1 | 4 |
| Jul 2017 | 1 | 5 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 6 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 7 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 8 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 9 |
| Oct 2018 | 1 | 10 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 11 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 12 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 13 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 14 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 15 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 16 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 17 |
| Jun 2021 | 2 | 19 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 20 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 21 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 22 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 23 |
| Jan 2022 | 2 | 25 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 26 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 27 |
| May 2022 | 2 | 29 |
| Oct 2022 | 2 | 31 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 32 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 33 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 34 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 35 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 36 |
| May 2024 | 2 | 38 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 39 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 40 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 41 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Steering1018.5%
- Driver assistance713.0%
- Exterior lighting611.1%
- Electrical611.1%
- Engine611.1%
- Powertrain (other)59.3%
- Visibility35.6%
- Brakes35.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
My Buick stops when driving unknown when it’s a surprise lights and dash go off almost got hit took to mechanics it’s the 2016-17 “throw away motor” ad they call it does not last and gets”metal pieces” to ruin motor and turbo as I have noticed speed issues and dying unexpectedly it’s the regal turbo 2.0 v-6 motor a should be recall I’ve seen online since at mechanic and a large issue why no recall and I’m reporting this ty
- NHTSA ID
- 11667836
- Incident
- Apr 1, 2025
My steering failed and started pulling left into traffic. It was hard to keep it in my lane. Had to have it towed by AAA. Took to my mechanic and he said it was the electric belt drive rack &pinion steering. He told me there was a recall on it. When I checked I was told that my vin # was not included. I think it should have been because its the same problem.it is not safe to drive.
- NHTSA ID
- 11642262
- Incident
- Feb 3, 2025
My tires were Black when I bought them at Wittlins in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin in 2020. They have been continualy turning brown on the outside of tire. Now they are a beige color on the outside of tire. It seems the tires are aging terribly. I complained to Wittlins a few times about tires discoloration and the manager keeps telling me the tires are wearing fine and said discoloration is normal. Maybe a little discoloration but not like this and I do not even live in a warm climate. 235/50R18/SL (Tires)
- NHTSA ID
- 11616371
- Incident
- Jun 17, 2021
I purchased the 2016 Buick Regal used in 2021 with 40,000 miles., it now has close to 70,000 miles. It’s still in well cared for mint condition, except for the driver side headlight. Condensation appeared and has been getting worse, dealership says the only option is buying another complete headlight assembly for $1200.00. The LED part of that headlight has stopped working., it’s inevitable that the bulbs themselves with fail also. This is a safety issue. It’s absurdly cost prohibitive for me and most everybody else to spend that kind of money to fix a headlight.., and $1200.00 is the cost of the part alone, we’d be adding labor to that. This is a manufacturer defect that so many people are suffering with. They say we’re getting no relief from this because not enough people have filed complaints to the NHTSA. GM should be compelled to provide this part to us at a much more reasonable price. I’m just a poor widower dad with a daughter in college. Thank you.
- NHTSA ID
- 11589503
- Incident
- Dec 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11589081
- Incident
- May 15, 2024
- Mileage
- 43,000 mi
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started sputtering. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle for 5-10 minutes. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the failure was no longer present. The contact drove to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cylinder #1 coil pack and spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where all the coil packs and sparks plugs were replaced; however, the failure recurred several days later. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure was related to TSB Number: 16-NA-383 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the TSB was VIN specific, and the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,900.
- NHTSA ID
- 11585149
- Incident
- Mar 18, 2024
- Mileage
- 85,900 mi
My head lamps have water in them, and is making my lights too dim to
- NHTSA ID
- 11535982
- Incident
- Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed during rainy weather, and making a left or right turn, the steering wheel intermittently made a grinding and clicking sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V108000 (Steering). The vehicle was then taken to another dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11525979
- Incident
- Apr 8, 2023
- Mileage
- 127,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high pressure fuel pump body markings to confirm it is an original manufacture part. If it is not an original manufacture part, they should install one and evaluate the vehicle.
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2019 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 39.3 |
| 2018 | 19 | 3 | 1 | 62.9 |
| 2017 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 37.8 |
| 2016Viewing | 41 | 1 | 0 | 34.9 |
| 2015 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 35.7 |
| 2014 | 38 | 2 | 0 | 47.9 |
| 2013 | 91 | 6 | 2 | 62.0 |
| 2012 | 92 | 7 | 2 | 57.9 |
| 2011 | 279 | 4 | 0 | 49.9 |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2009 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2008 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2005 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2004 | 66 | 4 | 0 | 45.0 |
| 2003 | 101 | 5 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 2002 | 117 | 5 | 2 | 63.8 |
| 2001 | 187 | 8 | 2 | 67.5 |
| 2000 | 184 | 10 | 3 | 66.7 |
| 1999 | 246 | 8 | 3 | 66.4 |
| 1998 | 302 | 7 | 6 | 66.0 |
| 1997 | 136 | 8 | 6 | 65.3 |
| 1996 | 204 | 4 | 6 | 65.9 |
| 1995 | 173 | 8 | 1 | 60.0 |
| 1994 | 110 | 3 | 0 | 49.2 |
| 1993 | 85 | 2 | 2 | 60.5 |
| 1992 | 144 | 2 | 2 | 58.7 |
| 1991 | 200 | 7 | 10 | 64.0 |
| 1990 | 77 | 9 | 10 | 66.8 |
| 1989 | 106 | 8 | 11 | 66.1 |
| 1988 | 123 | 11 | 12 | 66.9 |
| 1987 | 25 | 3 | 6 | 62.1 |
| 1986 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 70.0 |
| 1985 | 9 | 9 | 6 | — |
| 1984 | 6 | 5 | 3 | — |
| 1983 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1982 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 1981 | 0 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 6 | 1 | — |
| 1979 | 3 | 5 | 1 | — |
| 1978 | 1 | 7 | 2 | — |
| 1977 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1974 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.