VehicleVerdict

2016 Buick Regal problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2016 Buick Regal sits mid-pack among Regal years: 61 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 41, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (10), electrical system (7), and engine (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

61

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Regal years?

Regal NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted441 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 3 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 4 complaints1984: 6 complaints1985: 10 complaints1986: 14 complaints1987: 28 complaints1988: 181 complaints1989: 150 complaints1990: 107 complaints1991: 303 complaints1992: 204 complaints1993: 118 complaints1994: 146 complaints1995: 218 complaints1996: 273 complaints1997: 174 complaints1998: 376 complaints1999: 301 complaints2000: 245 complaints2001: 229 complaints2002: 150 complaints2003: 139 complaints2004: 94 complaints2005: 8 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 441 complaints2012: 137 complaints2013: 137 complaints2014: 51 complaints2015: 50 complaints2016: 61 complaints2017: 26 complaints2018: 33 complaints2019: 29 complaints2020: 3 complaints
Regal NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Regal years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Buick Regal problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1016%
Electrical System711%
Engine610%
Lighting610%
Transmission58%
Other58%
Speed Control58%
Brakes47%
Body & Structure35%
Tires & Wheels35%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Driver Assistance23%
Fuel System12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2016 Buick Regal have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V108000SteeringFebruary 24, 2016 · 74 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21510.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 3, 2025

“When using adaptive cruise control, this vehicle will allow you to get close to the vehicle in front of you and aggressively apply brakes which throws you forward. The dealer has looked at this vehicle several times for this issue, changed several sensors but the problem still still exists. Because…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 30, 2019

“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that condensation and moisture was present inside the front headlight assemblies, which caused the headlight illumination to be diminished and created a visibility hazard while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 15, 2022

“ENGINE HAS A DEFECT THAT CAUSES A PIECE OF THE ENGINE TO BREAK OFF AND END UP IN THE OIL LINES, ENDS UP IN OIL PAN. THIS DEFECT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO FREEZE AND OWNER MUST REPLACE THE ENGINE. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAD 50K MILES AND I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE IT. I NOW NEED A BRAND NEW ENGINE AND BUICK KNOWS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 8, 2021

“WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE AFTER COMING TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN STUMBLING/STUTTERING OCCURRED ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND THE STABILITRAK/ TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT. CONTINUED ON INTO THE NEXT DAY WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS EXCEPT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED OFF AND CAME BACK ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 24, 2021

2016 Buick Regal — common questions

Is the 2016 Buick Regal reliable?

It is close to typical for the Regal: 61 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Regal problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (10 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints).

Does the 2016 Buick Regal have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 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.

How safe is the 2016 Buick Regal?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Buick Regal earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.