Summary
The Buick Regal has 63 recalls spanning 1978 through 2020, with the most serious recent issue being a brake software defect on 2018-2020 models where a software error in the electronic brake control module can eliminate power brake assist during a vacuum failure, extending stopping distances.
The final years of production carry several other safety-relevant recalls. The 2019-2020 model years have front seat frames with improperly welded lower crossbars that may not hold occupants properly in a crash. On 2018 models, rear outboard seat belts on some vehicles were routed incorrectly around the bolster bracket during assembly, reducing their ability to restrain passengers in a collision. The 2016 model year has an electric power steering recall where a circuit board in the steering assist module can fail, causing the system to drop out while driving and requiring noticeably more effort to steer.
Moving into the early 2010s, the 2012-2013 Regal Turbo and GS trims sold or registered in high-corrosion states and provinces are subject to rear suspension toe link corrosion: the protective coating can chip away, the metal rusts, and a broken toe link can cause sudden loss of directional control. The 2012 model year also has a body control module programming error that can prevent parking lamps from activating on vehicles with high-intensity discharge headlamps, reducing visibility to other drivers at night. On 2011 models, the power seat wiring harness on 8-way adjustable front seats can chafe against the seat frame and cause a short circuit with fire risk.
Going further back into mid-production years, the 1997-2004 era has a recurring engine oil seepage issue on 3.8-liter engines, both naturally aspirated and supercharged, where the front rocker cover gasket degrades and drops of oil can reach the exhaust manifold under hard braking, raising the risk of an underhood fire. The 1996-1997 model years have separate front brake line routing problems: the right front line on 1997 Gran Sport models and the left front line on 1996 models can each contact nearby components, wear through, and cause partial brake system failure. The 1995 model has an airbag inflator with internal wiring that can corrode over time and trigger an unexpected driver airbag deployment while parked, idling, or driving.
The 1991 models with 3800 engines have a fuel feed hose that can pull free from its crimped coupling at the engine, spilling fuel onto hot components and risking an engine fire. The 1988 model year carries a cluster of recalls including front brake hose contact with the fender area leading to fluid loss, a wheel hub cracking issue that can result in complete wheel separation, lower control arm ball joint and tie rod loosening that can cause sudden steering loss, a secondary hood latch that may not engage so the hood can fly open while driving, a stop lamp switch that can overheat and leave brake lights inoperative, and frame cradle retainer bolt corrosion in high-salt regions. The 1984 model has a rear bumper that can fracture in a rear-end collision, puncture the fuel tank, and create fire risk. The 1982 model with a turbocharged V6 has a fuel inlet pipe that can crack at the carburetor connection and leak fuel, also risking fire. The earliest production years have wheel bearing lubrication issues on 1978 models that can lead to spindle damage and loss of control, and a transmission shift
