Vehicles / Buick / Regal / 2011

2011 Buick Regal

280 federal complaints (442 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 1372 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 37 model years of the Buick Regal →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
19 city / 30 hwy
Federal complaints
280
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
112
Electrical system
76
Power train
39
Lighting
38
Brakes
32
Seats
29
Stability control
20
Steering
17
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 17 complaints01 years old: 8 complaints2 years old: 7 complaints3 years old: 17 complaints4 years old: 28 complaints5 years old: 51 complaints56 years old: 37 complaints7 years old: 33 complaints8 years old: 26 complaints9 years old: 21 complaints10 years old: 15 complaints1011 years old: 9 complaints12 years old: 7 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 280 of 280 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 21 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 23 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 40 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 38 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 30 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 15 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 13 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 13 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 197 of 280 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

112 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"ONLY 64,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TIMING CHAIN WAS BAD. I BELIEVE IT IS A DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAIN..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

76 complaint records7 fire reports1 crash report
"PASSENGER RIGHT REAR WINDOW FREQUENTLY JUMPING TRACK: WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY 10/16/13, REPLACED REGULATOR AND PUT BACK ON TRACK 05/30/17 AND 06/13/16..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Power train

39 complaint records3 crash reports
"2011 BUICK REGAL HAS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AS THE FOOT IS TRANSFERRED FROM ACCELERATOR TO BRAKE WHEN APPROACHING STOP LIGHT. GM COULD NOT FIX PROBLEM. HAD TO TRADE VEHICLE IN FOR NEW CAR. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
16V517000SeatsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured November 3, 2009, to March 25, 2011, equipped with 8-way power adjustable front seats.Normally free
16V502000Power TrainGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK.Normally free
14V447000SeatsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power...Normally free
12V484000Exterior LightingGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2016350
2016-07-07
Electrical3,344On certain vehicles equipped with 8-way power adjustable front seats, the wiring harness of the power seats may contact the seat frame and chafe.
2014310
2014-07-23
Lights And Instruments6,809Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices.
2014311
2014-07-23
Seats And Restraints29,555On certain vehicles equipped with power height adjustable front seats, a bolt securing the adjuster mechanism may loosen and fall out.
2010252
2010-07-28
Label188Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 - Tire Selection and Rims. The spare tire size was listed incorrectly, with the letter "T" missing on the Tire Pressure Label.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4902W
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP6113
May 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis 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.
PIT3271Q
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
PIP4902V
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP6104
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4902U
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT5214G
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical...
13598
Sep 2025
Unknown Or OtherNew Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
PIP4902T
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIC5650M
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
PIP4902S
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
25-NA-156
Jun 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
00-06-01-026R
Jun 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
PIT5074R
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
23-NA-153
May 2025
EngineThe service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
13-02-32-001H
Apr 2025
SteeringThis service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
23-NA-001
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
PIP5358D
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
21-NA-043
Jan 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
22-NA-074
Jan 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
PIT5074Q
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5962B
Dec 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
21-NA-043
Nov 2024
EngineThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
04-06-01-029K
Oct 2024
SteeringThis informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
PIP4723J
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIP6015
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
10-00-89-009F
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
01-06-01-011Q
Oct 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
20-NA-132
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
07-00-89-037T
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
04-06-04-051J
Sep 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
23-NA-219
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
20-NA-138
Sep 2024
EngineThis bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
08-07-30-026I
Sep 2024
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
18-NA-146
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
PIT5099H
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
02-00-89-002X
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
PIC5650L
Sep 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935.
PIT3271P
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
24-NA-174
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThe bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
General Communication
Aug 2024
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions).
05-03-08-002J
Aug 2024
SuspensionThis service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
PIP5569B
Aug 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's engine may crank over unprompted and not start afterward. This is the result of hooking up the Active Fuel Injector Tool incorrectly on vehicles equipped with a direct fuel injection system.
01-00-89-010S
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
21-NA-280
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides diagnostic repair information for customer concerns of Engine Run-On, Rough Running, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated.
07-06-01-016J
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
00-06-01-012N
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
05-06-04-022V
Aug 2024
Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
16-NA-222
Aug 2024
EngineThis bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
09-06-04-026Y
Aug 2024
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
01-06-01-011P
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
18-NA-306
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
PI0754G
Jul 2024
Visibility/WiperThis PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
16-NA-158
Jul 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
24-NA-141
Jul 2024
Power TrainGM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping.
99-04-20-002O
Jul 2024
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
04-06-04-051I
Jun 2024
Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
16-NA-383
Jun 2024
EngineThis service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
18-NA-099
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
18-NA-125
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information for engine oil life monitor operation calculation.

Showing 60 of 1372 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Buick Regal →