VehicleVerdict

2011 Buick Regal problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 441 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.6 times the median Regal year — the 2011 model ranks #1 of 46 Regal years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 112 reports (25% of the total).

441

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Regal years?

See all Regal years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Buick Regal problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine11225%
Electrical System9822%
Transmission399%
Lighting389%
Brakes348%
Seats297%
Fuel System174%
Steering174%
Other174%
Speed Control133%
Airbags82%
Suspension61%
Tires & Wheels41%
Body & Structure41%
Seat Belts20%
Latches & Locks10%
Driver Assistance10%
Visibility & Wipers10%

Does the 2011 Buick Regal have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V517000SeatsJuly 7, 2016 · 42,984 units

Defect

General 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. The power seat wiring harness may contact the seat frame, causing the wires to chafe.

Consequence

Chafed harness wires may cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, and repair any chafed wires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 30710.

16V502000Electrical SystemJuly 5, 2016 · 8,367 units

Defect

General 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. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

14V447000SeatsJuly 23, 2014 · 414,333 units

Defect

General 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 height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Consequence

If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

12V484000LightingOctober 4, 2012 · 120,426 units

Defect

General 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. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

I was parking in marked space. I had turned into space, my foot was off the gas pedal. The car was 3/4 into the space when it malfunctioned and rapidly accelerated into a hardened snow bank. i instantly braked but there was not enough space to avoid collision.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 20, 2015 · crash

THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHT BULB & CONNECTOR MELTED. BULB CAN NOT BE REPLACED BECAUSE HOUSING IS DAMAGED. CONTACTED THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT COVERED BY ANY RECALLS. I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PARTS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A FACTORY DEFECT AND CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE ONLY WAY TO FIX…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 23, 2015 · fire

I was parking in marked space. I had turned into space, my foot was off the gas pedal. The car was 3/4 into the space when it malfunctioned and rapidly accelerated into a hardened snow bank. i instantly braked but there was not enough space to avoid collision.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 20, 2015 · crash

THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHT BULB & CONNECTOR MELTED. BULB CAN NOT BE REPLACED BECAUSE HOUSING IS DAMAGED. CONTACTED THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT COVERED BY ANY RECALLS. I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PARTS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A FACTORY DEFECT AND CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE ONLY WAY TO FIX…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 23, 2015 · fire

NONE OF THE 4 RECALLS WERE FIXED ON THIS 2011 BUICK REGAL CXL 2.4L CAR WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR AT BILLION AUTO IN IOWA CITY, IOWA. THE STABILITRAK IS BAD AND WAS NEVER BROUGHT UP IN THE PROCESS OF PURCHASING THE CAR AND I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE MY BRAKES, ROTORS, AND CALIPERS IN THE REAR BOTH SIDES 3…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 23, 2018

2011 Buick Regal — common questions

Is the 2011 Buick Regal reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 441 complaints put the 2011 model at #1 of 46 Regal years. It is one of the Regal years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 Regal problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (112 complaints), electrical system (98 complaints), transmission (39 complaints).

Does the 2011 Buick Regal have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Buick Regal. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Buick Regal years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Regal years to avoid are 2011, 1998, 1991, 1999, 1996, 2000, 2001, 1995, 1992, 1988, 1997, 1989, 2002, 1994, 2003, 2013, 2012, 1993, 1990, 2004, 2018. The cleanest record among Regal years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.