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The 2018 Buick Regal has been available in numerous formats and continues to make waves with enthusiasts. Buick claims that the new models are “ready for the unpredictable,” but research shows this model itself is unpredictable. It contains a faulty engine, defective structure, malfunctioning electrical system and flawed service brakes.
Contents
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2018 Buick Regal
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Power Train | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Electrical System | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Seats | |
| Power Train:driveline:differential Unit |
Problems with the Engine
The engine is what produces power for a vehicle. When the engine doesn’t run correctly, the ride can’t be enjoyable.
One Edmunds review discusses engine troubles by saying, “At 795 miles, service engine soon light came on. Dealership could not find the vacuum leak and reset the computer. At 1135 miles the light came on again. Dealership supposed found a leak and replaced part. At 1350 miles the light came on again. Taking it back today, and will be complaining to the management. This car is totally unreliable, and the dealership apparently doesn’t know what they’re doing.”
GM isn’t scared to talk about engine troubles. Even Service Bulletin #18NA246 talks about what technicians should do when fuel is found in the oil. This might cause DTCs to set and require a replacement PCV valve in the camshaft cover. It’s also possible that it needs an ECM update. It appears that GM doesn’t really know how to fix the engine troubles. Instead, it’s become an “unpredictable” element for this vehicle.
Problems with the Vehicle Structure
Considering that Buick is a luxury brand, it’s expected that the car would be put together with quality materials, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Just look at this Edmunds review. “Top of the line with every option, the car arrived and not 10 miles from the dealer a plate fell off from under nether the car, the backup camera fell out of its frame and the car was noisy. Call the sales person and said we have a problem. When I got home i inspected the car very closely and saw that the door panels were lose, the tail gate sensor was hanging down the back seat would not lock in. Took it back to the dealer and they had the car for a week to correct the issues. I asked point blank if this car had been dropped off the truck or something, i was assured that it was not and if it had any damage if it was under $2500.00 it did not need to be disclosed. When I picked it up the car it was still very noisy inside the cab. Took it back and said for them to check the noise canceling technology as my decidable meter on my phone was near 85-90. The Dealer and Buick customer service said that was a normal range. The dealer said if I wanted a quite car I should of bought a Cadillac or I could have the tires upgraded. I do not even drive the car anymore it has 3300 miles on it and sits in the garage as it is not worth the hassle and is just not fun to drive.”
While all of those complaints were structure related, there was a lot to learn about. It turns out GM issued a seat belt recall that further proves the materials aren’t what they should be. In NHTSA Campaign Number 18V230000, it’s confirmed that the rear outboard seat belts might not restrain occupants, which can lead to an injury. During manufacturing, the seat belts were routed incorrectly around the bolster bracket, which leads to trouble with the restraint. Basically, this car isn’t at all ready for the unpredictable, as GM wants customers to believe.
Problems with the Electrical System
A car’s electrical system can make or break the experience. If owners have to deal with multiple nuisances, it will begin to wear on them.
That’s the case with this Edmunds review. “Noticed that the driver side mirror was the wrong color, and the backup grid was not staying on, and a piece of the trim on the rear quarter panel was loose (if we had gone to a car was it may have ripped it off). It took the dealership a month to get the new mirror in the right color. They were to check what was causing the backup grid problems,and fix the trim on the rear quarter pane. The mirror was fixed with the right color that matched the rest of the car,the trim was fixed but they did not what was causing the problem with the backup grid, GM tech told them to resit the radio to factory sittings and see if that would help, well it hasn’t. After a short while we started have a very ear piercing squealing noise coming from under the hood, went back to the dealership again they had no idea what the noise was coming from, set up an appointment. Before we got to the appointment the vehicle started throwing several different codes and the car would not come out of park, all this the car was running. had to have the car towed to the dealership. It was a loose positive electrical cable going to the fuse block that had come loose, fixed. Still no fix for the backup grid they told us that GM tech was wright a patch to fix the problem, no time table but should have it done before Christmas. Back to the dealership again for a grinding noise coming from the front end under breaking, we were told that both of the lower control arms on these vehicles were bad and that they would need to be replaced. Waited another month for parts, oh by the way the patch for the problem with the backup grid never came. The dealership has told us that GM tech said it should have the patch for the backup grid by January no fix yet, now it is to be in February, we will see.”
Again, GM doesn’t mind airing all of its dirty laundry in public. Service Bulletin #PIP4670G discusses other electrical system concerns regarding the Engine Control Module and a no-start situation after replacing the part. Obviously, the Regal wasn’t prepared for this “unpredictable” occurrence either.
Problems with the Brakes
Finally, the brakes need to be working properly if the occupants want to be kept safe. Yet, we see the Regal struggling on this front as well.
Here is a complaint left with the NHTSA. “The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal. The contact purchased the vehicle in February of 2018, but did not obtain it until June 15, 2018. While in a drive-thru line, the contact removed his foot from the brake pedal and the vehicle lurched forward and crashed into a pole. The front driver side fender, bumper, and headlight were damaged. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to an authorized Buick body shop for the damages. The failure was not diagnosed by the dealer. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 169.”
No vehicle should experience brake failure with less than 200 miles on the odometer, yet that’s what happens with this Buick. In fact, there’s a massive brake-related recall affecting more than 210,000 vehicles. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V576000 states that the factory applied an insufficient coating on the rear brake caliper pistons, which can affect braking performance and increase the chance of an accident. Clearly, the Regal isn’t at all ready for the unpredictable and should be classified as a lemon.
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Complaint Data
| Category | Seats |
| Date | Dec 05, 2022 |
| State | NC |
| Description | The contact owns a 2018 buick regal. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat failed to move forward or backward. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver's seat metal frame to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,164. |
| Category | Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Nov 17, 2022 |
| State | WI |
| Description | @ 40,000 miles the buick regal tour x is making a loud humming noise from shifting gears from the transmission and a noise near the engine, when slowing down to 5 mph, loud humming noise can be heard. I took the car to gm service department and the mechanic told me he couldn't find anything wrong. I told him yet, yet?? I want to be proactive on this transmission issue. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Hydraulic |
| Date | Oct 11, 2022 |
| State | IL |
| Description | The contact owned a 2018 buick regal tourx. The contact stated while his daughter was driving approximately 55 mph and under wet misty road conditions, she saw that the vehicle ahead had stopped, she depressed the brake pedal in a panic stop. The vehicle did not stop and crashed into the rear of the other vehicle. The contact stated that his daughter did not notice any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle had extensive damage to the hood, which had crumbled, the front grill, and the engine compartment. The driver's side air bag had deployed. The contact stated that the other vehicle was a pick-up truck and drove away from the scene. The police arrived on the scene and filed a report. The contact reported that there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact's insurance provider had declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that he received a recall notice from the manufacturer for nhtsa campaign number: 22v465000 (service brakes, hydraulic) two days after the crash. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Sep 28, 2022 |
| State | MI |
| Description | September 10, 2022 I was backing out of my driveway, but the car would not slow down, and I hit a tree on my neighbor's easement across the street. After a minute, I decided to move the car, put the car in drive, and again the car would not slow down, and wound up hitting the porch of my neighbor 2 houses over. I have used my left foot for braking since 1966, so it is not a case of mixing up pedals. My wife called 911, the police and ambulance showed up, and I was taken to the hospital. After x-rays, ultrasound, and 2 ct scans, it was determined that I did not have a brain bleed and I was sent home. The car was towed, examined by the insurance adjustor and body shop, and determined totalled. There were no warning lights, and only later that night did I remember that I had received a recall letter. |
| Category | Power Train:driveline:differential Unit |
| Date | Sep 16, 2022 |
| State | IN |
| Description | The contact owns a 2018 buick regal tourx. The contact stated that the driveline rear differential unit was leaking fluid onto the garage floor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the rear differential pinion seal. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,483. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Hydraulic |
| Date | Aug 24, 2022 |
| State | PA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2018 buick regal. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v465000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while attempting to depress the brake pedal excessive amount of pressure was needed to depress the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a stop. The failure was more evident while reversing the vehicle. The failure was intermittent. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jul 12, 2022 |
| State | IN |
| Description | The check engine light is always on and has not been diagnosed (as of yet) by circle buick - highland, in. There is an auto-engine-shutoff feature when the vehicle stops at traffic lights, and when you resume driving there can be a lengthy delay and/or an engine & transmission jolt after the brake pedal is released. The vehicle must be retested every two years for emissions compliance for in, but cannot do so because of the check engine light never going off. This is a safety issue not to get hit from behind in local traffic. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6). |
| Category | Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking, Electrical System |
| Date | Aug 24, 2021 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | The backup grid randomly disappears on the rear view camera when the vehicle is in reverse. This happens at least 1-2 times every trip, and sometimes as often as every other time I put the transmission in reverse. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train |
| Date | Dec 18, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | While being driven the vehicles transmission fails to shift gears while rpms are registered the transmission fails to respond and lacks power. I was forced to shift manually to try and get the gears to shift with no luck after quickly making the switch between automatic to manual twice the automatic transmission responded with a loud clank as if the semi behind me had hit me and the responded with acceleration. The issue was reported first early february 2020 again in early may 2020 and recently early october 2020 service department fails to duplicate issue. My dashcam captured video while being driven by the service department expressing the strange feeling the transmission would give them with torque and shifts. |
| Category | Engine, Unknown Or Other, Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Dec 18, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | During the cold weather while being driven the ac unit or heater throws moisture into the cabin resulting in complete vision impairment. This happened first while going up a mountain road and the car had to be completely stopped hoping not to get hit. The defrost was maxed and the impairment was still possible, no matter how hot it got in the cabin the moisture was to much, taking my and wiping the moisture of the windshield water dripped down. It continues to occur now with the ac turning on by itself while driving. First reported the issue early february 2020 again in may 2020 and again in october 2020 with complaints of smell coming from the ac. Service department has failed to duplicate or resolve the issue. I've been told that is how the unit is supposed to operate!?... |
| Category | Power Train, Steering, Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Dec 18, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Steering wheel jerks back on auto start after auto stop. Extremely dangerous the issues happened while driving and at random. Reported the issue early february 2020 again in early may 2020 after failure to duplicate the issue by the service department. Reported the issue again early october after the issue was worse. According to gm field specialist the steering rack was the issue, it was replaced but the issue was still persistent and they continued to have the vehicle for about a month. Vehicle was returned back to me with a sharpening noise and a steering wheel going left. Have not heard back for repairs. |
| Category | Electrical System, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 22, 2020 |
| State | IL |
| Description | When auto start/stop turns on the aux pump that pumps coolant into the cabin to continue to heat makes the most annoying sound in the world. Gm states that it's normal but, under normal operation you can barely hear the pump. When it malfunctions you can hear it down the block. But sure, that's normal, of course it is. That's why they changed the design of the aux pump for 2020 but won't admit fault. Gm refusing to change the aux pump, I had to buy it and do the work myself. Buick warranty is useless. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Sep 22, 2020 |
| State | IL |
| Description | Side skirts on the car are held by double sided tape. The tape has been reapplied by the dealership twice already and they're still letting go. Why would a car manufacturer tape on their moldings and not even put on a clip? |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Dec 11, 2019 |
| State | VA |
| Description | I own a 2018 buick regal tourx essence that is outfitted with continental pro contact tx p235/50r18 tires. On 11/6/2019, I found that the front right (passenger) side tire had literally blown out after sitting overnight the garage. It looked like tire had exploded. Mileage was 7357 at the time. I am 85 years old and I am thankful that this did not occur while driving at a high speed. Car was picked up and repaired by the original dealer. |
| Category | Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Oct 09, 2019 |
| State | LA |
| Description | While on the highway I came to a stop due to an accident. Once I got through the accident I tried to speed up and the vehicle was hesitant to speed up. This is very dangerous because acceleration is necessary to merge with traffic. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 01, 2019 |
| State | MI |
| Description | The backup camera display does not work properly. When the vehicle is in reverse, the backup grid lines do not appears and the warning to don't appear (on the display). Effectively it just acts as a camera. This happens 80% of the time that I am in reverse. This has been an issue since the date I purchased the car (9. 29. 18). |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Jan 11, 2019 |
| State | MA |
| Description | Vehicle was in motion: 'driving through an empty parking lot. 'followed road around the building. 'blinded by sunlight. 'hit stationary pole head ' on. Weather conditions : heavy rain : prior to 2:00pm light rain and sunshine between : 2:45pm and 3:04pm fault or problem description: knee / lower extremity airbag deployment. High risk of lower extremity injury for both in-position and out-of-position small female drivers. My left foot was forced upward due to the force of crash. The airbags deployed with such force, it snapped my left foot downward. The result is a left ankle dislocated and severe left tibia / fib fracture. Basically, I broke every bone in my left foot apart from my heel and toes. Surgery, monday, november 5, 2018: open reduction / internal fixation (orif) with left bimalleolar ankle fracture / dislocation with close management talus fracture / subtalar surgery. I now have a plate and six (6) screws inside the bone to hold them in the correct place so the bones do not heal abnormally. The orthopedic surgeon informed me, due to this type of injury, arthritis will set in my ankle. I may want to consider ankle fusion surgery in the future. The fusion surgery would help reduce the chronic pain. Fusion surgery would result the inability to use my ankle, I. E., to flex, point, bend ankle, and rotate the ankle at all. The fusion surgery is permanent. Component part or system that may be the cause of the safety risk: driver lower extremity response and injury with knee airbag deployment. Additional information and evidence related to your complaint: will be scanned and sent later. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 10, 2019 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Reversing camera camera is installed and equipped with guide lines showing direction of travel and wheel position. These guidelines intermitently disappear for no apparent reason. If the car is put into neutral and then back into reverse lines reappear. Since the lines are a feature of the vehicle and are not working reliably I feel this is a defect, it is a definite distraction from the information that the camera is proffering. Gm acknowledged the problem initially and replaced a module 4 times on this vehicle in an attempt to correct the problem without success now they have taken the position that the camera is working as designed... Clearly safety equipment should work reliably 100% of the time without distractions. In discussion with other gm owners and research online this problem is prevalent on other gm models across the product line. It appears to be be linked the number of safety features installed on the car. The more safety features the more likely of failures. This problem occurs on a daily basis and can be recreated at will. It will happen any time the car is traveling in reverse |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Oct 12, 2018 |
| State | SC |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2018 buick regal. When the vehicle was stopped at a red light, the engine was designed to shut down to preserve fuel. Instead, the engine rpms would rev and increase to 3,000 and the vehicle accelerated. The driver immediately shifted into neutral to prevent the vehicle from driving through a busy intersection. The contact stated that the failure also occurred once while reversing out of a driveway. The vehicle was taken to mcelveen buick (117 farmington rd, summerville, sc), but the failures could not be diagnosed or duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 300. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Jun 25, 2018 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2018 buick regal. The contact purchased the vehicle in february of 2018, but did not obtain it until june 15, 2018. While in a drive-thru line, the contact removed his foot from the brake pedal and the vehicle lurched forward and crashed into a pole. The front driver side fender, bumper, and headlight were damaged. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The dealer (greiner buick gmc, 14555 civic dr., victorville, ca 92394) was contacted and referred the contact to an authorized buick body shop for the damages. The failure was not diagnosed by the dealer. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 169. *tt |
| Category | Service Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Jun 21, 2018 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2018 buick regal. While driving through a drive'thru, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle inadvertently accelerated and crashed into a pole. The contact exited the vehicle, inspected the damage, and concluded that the vehicle was able to be driven. The dealer (greiner buick gmc, 14555 civic dr., victorville, ca 92394, (760) 245-3451) was contacted, but the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop where it was awaiting repairs for the body damage. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 169. *tt *tr |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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