2011 Buick REGAL: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
279 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
65,950 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2011 model year. Data snapshot: . 204 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 108 of 279 complaints (38.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 56 | 20.1% |
| Engine operation | 51 | 18.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 42 | 15.1% |
| Steering behavior | 25 | 9.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 24 | 8.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 8 | 2.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 108 |
| Electrical System | 70 |
| Power Train | 37 |
| Exterior Lighting | 36 |
| Service Brakes | 32 |
| Seats | 25 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 19 |
| Steering | 17 |
Engine: 108; Electrical System: 70; Power Train: 37; Exterior Lighting: 36; Service Brakes: 32; Seats: 25; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 19; Steering: 17
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 35 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 40 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 46 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 39 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 33 |
| 150,000 and above | 11 |
Under 25,000: 35; 25,000 to 49,999: 40; 50,000 to 74,999: 46; 75,000 to 99,999: 39; 100,000 to 149,999: 33; 150,000 and above: 11
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (46). 75 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 42 |
| 2017 | 47 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 35 |
| 2020 | 23 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2010: 1; 2011: 13; 2012: 5; 2013: 5; 2014: 18; 2015: 23; 2016: 42; 2017: 47; 2018: 28; 2019: 35; 2020: 23; 2021: 18; 2022: 9; 2023: 8; 2024: 2; 2025: 1; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 56 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 51 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 42 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10345729 · 2010-07-27 (July 27, 2010)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD REFLECT OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD, OBSCURING THE CONTACTS VISIBILITY DURING NIGHT DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE FURTHER INTO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 900. UPDATED 10/10/2010. *LJ UPDATED 10/05/10
Owner-reported narrative. 900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10345729 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10374768 · 2011-01-05 (January 5, 2011)
ON NEW 2011 BUICK REGAL CXL SD - WITHIN 2 DAYS OF PURCHASE (70 MILES) - WHILE PARKED, ENGINE ON OR OFF, FRONT PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. COULD ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. DOOR HANDLE LATCH WAS NOT PROPERLY CLOSING. THE OTHER 2 PASSENGER DOORS WERE BEGINNING TO SHOW THE SAME SYMPTOMS. DEALER ORDERED 3 NEW HANDLE SETS TO BE INSTALLED O/A JAN 8,2011. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 70 miles reported. Look up ODI 10374768 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10378624 · 2011-01-25 (January 25, 2011)
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED STARTER MISHAPS OFF AND ON SINCE WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE EG: WHEN WE TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN UNTIL KEY WAS REMOVED. ON 01/17/11, MY BUICK REGAL 2011 ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. I TOOK IT TO DEALER SERVICE WHERE I BOUGHT IT (LAKE GMC/BUICK OF LAKE ELSINORE CA, TO INVESTIGATE. THEIR FINDINGS: GAS CAP CAUSED ENGINE LIGHT WARNING. THE CAP WAS REPLACED PER THE SERVICE ADVISER (SANDY). ON 01/20/11, MY WIFE LEFT WORK IN ONTARIO CA AROUND 5PM AND DROVE ONTO THE FRWY I-15 S TOWARDS LAKE ELSINORE. SUDDENLY WHIL…
Owner-reported narrative. 13,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10378624 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10405860 · 2011-06-10 (June 10, 2011)
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
Owner-reported narrative. 9,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10405860 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10406276 · 2011-06-14 (June 14, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 22 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE FOUR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ABRUPTLY WITH A LOUD NOISE. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUSTAINED BODY BRUISES AS A RESULT OF THE EXTENSIVE FORCE DURING THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND DECLARED THE AIR BAG DEFECT AS A PRODUCT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTUR…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,133 miles reported. Look up ODI 10406276 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10406816 · 2011-06-14 (June 14, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE WAS IN WHAT THE CONTACT BELIEVED TO BE AN UNSAFE POSITION ON THE CONSOLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THE LEVER WAS INADVERTENTLY HIT, IT WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A HALT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE TO BE A DESIGN FLAW THAT NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABRUPTLY STOP WITHOUT THE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE MANUF…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10406816 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10416625 · 2011-08-02 (August 2, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER ADJUSTING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT, THE SEAT LEANED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED A BOLT WAS DETACHED AND ON THE FLOOR NEAR THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS BOTH REAR SEAT BOLTS NOT BEING SECURED TO BODY, CAUSING THE SEAT TO HAVE EXCESSIVE PLAY. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT HOLES FOR THE BODY WOULD NEED TO BE READJUSTED AS SECURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAI…
Owner-reported narrative. 93 miles reported. Look up ODI 10416625 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10424460 · 2011-09-09 (September 9, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED NO FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,121.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10424460 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
12V484000 · Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal
Reported: 2012-10-04 (October 4, 2012)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V447000 · Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust
Reported: 2014-07-23 (July 23, 2014)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V502000 · Electrical System:Ignition | Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Reported: 2016-07-05 (July 5, 2016)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V517000 · Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust | Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2016-07-07 (July 7, 2016)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗