2013 Buick REGAL: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
91 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
58,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2013 model year. Data snapshot: . 62 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 36 of 91 complaints (39.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 20 | 22.0% |
| Braking behavior | 12 | 13.2% |
| Transmission and shifting | 5 | 5.5% |
| Steering behavior | 5 | 5.5% |
| Engine operation | 4 | 4.4% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 36 |
| Exterior Lighting | 34 |
| Engine | 9 |
| Power Train | 9 |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 |
| Service Brakes | 6 |
| Structure:Body | 5 |
Electrical System: 36; Exterior Lighting: 34; Engine: 9; Power Train: 9; Unknown Or Other: 9; Vehicle Speed Control: 7; Service Brakes: 6; Structure:Body: 5
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 10 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 13 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 22 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 6 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 9 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 10; 25,000 to 49,999: 13; 50,000 to 74,999: 22; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 2
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (22). 29 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 |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2014: 5; 2015: 6; 2016: 5; 2017: 2; 2018: 14; 2019: 17; 2020: 14; 2021: 10; 2022: 5; 2023: 7; 2024: 2; 2025: 1; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 20 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 5 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 10561055 · 2014-01-22 (January 22, 2014)
THE TRIM PANEL NEAR THE DRIVER'S LEFT FOOT IS NOT TIGHTLY SECURED AND THERE IS A SPACE BETWEEN TRIM PANEL AND CARPET. DRIVER'S SHOE SOLE GETS CAUGHT UNDER EDGE OF PANEL AND DRIVER IS UNABLE TO LIFT FOOT I ORDER TO APPLY CLUTCH AND THEREFORE UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE. THREE VERY CLOSE CALLS ACCIDENTS TO DATE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10561055 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10575636 · 2014-03-29 (March 29, 2014)
I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 BUICK REGAL E-ASSIST VEHICLE FROM THE GM DEALERSHIP IN ST. CATHARINES. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START MY NEW CAR AND DRIVE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME, TO MY SURPRISE AND DISMAY, THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS WENT OFF, WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED WIPING, AUDIBLE WARNING SOUNDS WENT OFF, AND THE CAR STARTED MAKING LOUD SCREECHING NOISES! THE VEHICLE SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS CRYING AND DYING! I WAS FRIGHTENED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO EXPLODE IN MY GARAGE! I IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE CAR. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE A FEW MOMENTS LATER, ALL POWE…
Owner-reported narrative. 350 miles reported. Look up ODI 10575636 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10605259 · 2014-06-18 (June 18, 2014)
THE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS ARE HEAD "CONSTRAINTS." BOTH THE ANGLE OF THE BRACES SUPPORTING THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AND THE THICKNESS OF THE PADDING OF THE HEAD RESTRAINTS ARE EXCESSIVE. WHEN THE SEAT IS UPRIGHT, A POSITION OF GOOD POSTURE, THE HEAD RESTRAINT FORCES THE HEAD DOWN TO LOOK AT THE LAP. RAISING THE HEAD RESTRAINT INCREASES THE DOWNWARD ANGLE. MOVING THE SEAT-BACK AWAY FROM VERTICAL MAKES THE HEAD COMFORTABLE BUT THEN THE BACK DOESN'T TOUCH THE SEAT-BACK AND THAT POSITION IS RATHER TIRING. MUCH OF THE TIME, THE SOLUTION IS TO LEAN FO…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10605259 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10637738 · 2014-09-20 (September 20, 2014)
2013 BUICK REGAL GS FWD 18,240 MILES BRAKE NOICE IT IS SO BAD THAT THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE TO BE REPLACED @18240 MILES THE CAR AT THE DEALER WAS DOING THE SQUEELING NOICE I WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL BECAUSE IT HAD BREMBOL BRAKES ROTORS AND PADS THE COST TO REPLACE ALL 4 PADS ROTORS IS $2201.00 THERE IS SO MUCH WEAR AND TEAR AWFUL. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10637738 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10667247 · 2014-12-19 (December 19, 2014)
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND THE MOON ROOF EXPLODED ALL OVER MY KIDS IN THE BACK SEAT AS WELL AS MY SELF, I HAD GLASS STUCK IN MY SCALP. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 23,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10667247 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10682492 · 2015-02-10 (February 10, 2015)
DAMAGE ON DRIVE SIDE OF REAR BUMPER AND TRUNK LIGHT, INCLUDING TRUNK DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 37,617 miles reported. Look up ODI 10682492 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10700992 · 2015-03-22 (March 22, 2015)
ON 3-7-15, UPON LEAVING MCDONALD'S ON 14 MILE RD., IN ROYAL OAK, MI. I APPROACHED THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY, STOPPED, WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR. STARTING TO TURN OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, I WENT TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR DID START TO GO, BUT SUDDENLY, WITH NO WARNING, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS NOW ON THE MAIN ROAD, WITH CARS APPROACHING, NO ACCELERATION. I GLIDED INTO THE DRIVEWAY RIGHT NEXT DOOR, HARDLY MADE IT SAFELY. I TESTED THE CAR IN DRIVE AND REVERSE, AND THE CAR RESPONDED. I DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP, RIGH…
Owner-reported narrative. 38,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10700992 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10703946 · 2015-04-06 (April 6, 2015)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PUSH TO START BUTTON WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCIDENTLY BE TURNED OFF WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400. ..UPDATED 05-26-15 *BF UPDATED 10/4/2017*CN
Owner-reported narrative. 400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10703946 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
6 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 ↗13V173000 · Electrical System
Reported: 2013-05-06 (May 6, 2013)
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
Consequence: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V764000 · Suspension:Rear
Reported: 2020-12-21 (December 21, 2020)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V00F000 · Suspension:Rear
Reported: 2021-12-22 (December 22, 2021)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V633000 · Suspension:Rear
Reported: 2021-08-12 (August 12, 2021)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212330130.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V113000 · Suspension:Rear
Reported: 2026-02-26 (February 26, 2026)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear suspension toe links may have received improper corrosion protection, which can result in rear toe link fracture.
Consequence: Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2026. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N252537580. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall numbers 20V764, 21V633, and 21V00F.
NHTSA campaign record ↗