Buick Regal Recalls

The Buick Regal has 70 recalls spanning the 1978–2020 production run; the most serious recent issue affects 2018–2020 models, where a software error in the electronic brake control module can eliminate power brake assist if vacuum assist fails, significantly extending stopping distances.

The final generation (2018–2020) has several other safety-related recalls. On 2018–2019 models, rear brake caliper pistons with insufficient coating can reduce rear braking performance. The 2018 model year also has rear seat belts that may have been improperly routed during assembly, meaning they may not hold occupants properly in a crash, and a separate issue where the front seat back recliner may not latch, also affecting crash protection. The 2019–2020 model years have front seat frames with potentially improper welds on the lower crossbar that may not protect occupants adequately in a crash. The 2016 Regal has a power steering assist module that can fail and drop the system into manual mode, requiring noticeably more effort to steer.

The 2012–2013 model years carry a recurring rear suspension toe link issue: the protective coating can chip, the metal corrodes, and the link can fracture, causing the rear of the vehicle to shift direction unpredictably. This defect was addressed through multiple recall expansions covering both Turbo and GS trims in high-corrosion states and provinces. The 2012 model also had a body control module programming error that prevented parking lamps from activating on HID-equipped vehicles, and a lighting compliance issue affecting turn signal visibility. The 2011 model year has a power seat wiring harness that can chafe against the seat frame and short-circuit, raising the risk of a fire.

Going back to the mid-2000s and earlier, the 1997–2004 model years share a rocker cover gasket that degrades over time and allows engine oil to seep onto the exhaust manifold, where it can ignite during hard braking. The 2000 model has a rear spindle rod bolt that can fracture, allowing the rear wheel to shift and cause sudden directional instability. The 1996–1997 model years have brake line routing problems where lines contact the power steering assembly or transaxle hardware and wear through, eventually causing partial brake failure.

The 1994 model has rear brake hoses that can contact suspension components and wear through, leading to fluid loss and reduced braking. The 1991 model has fuel feed hoses that can pull free from their crimped couplings and spray fuel onto hot engine parts. The 1989 model has a fuel return line near the tank that can fracture and leak. The 1988 model year has the densest cluster of older recalls, including ball joint and tie rod separation that can cause sudden loss of steering, brake hoses and lines that can wear through, wheel cracks that can lead to complete wheel separation, a hood secondary latch that may not engage and allow the hood to fly up while driving, and a stop lamp switch that can overheat and leave the brake lights inoperative. The 1984 model has a rear bumper that can puncture the fuel tank in a rear collision. The 1982 model has a turbocharged engine fuel inlet pipe that can crack at the carburetor end and leak fuel. The 1978 model has front wheel bearings that can fail from inadequate lubrication, damaging the spindle and causing loss of control.