CSR

Buick · NHTSA safety record

2012 Buick Regal

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

92

Complaints

3

Crashes

2

Fires

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2012 Buick Regal have filed 92 safety complaints with NHTSA between March 2012 and July 2026. The most complained-about system is the exterior lighting, named in 33 of them (36%). The typical failure was reported at 59,527 miles, the median across the 63 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 6 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (6)

SUSPENSION:REAR

26V113000 · February 26, 2026

The defect
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.
The risk
Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 17,050 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR

20V764000 · December 21, 2020

The defect
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.
The risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 220,006 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

14V447000 · July 23, 2014

The 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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 414,333 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13V173000 · May 6, 2013

The defect
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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 42,904 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

12V484000 · October 4, 2012

The 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."
The risk
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.
The 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 120,426 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

12V093000 · March 7, 2012

The defect
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.
The risk
INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
The remedy
GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM AT 1-800-521-7300.

GENERAL MOTORS LLC · up to 3,633 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (2)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Sands Chevrolet/Hybrid System Fire/Stall

AQ14001

Closed audit query · opened May 2, 2014 · closed May 22, 2016

the electrical system

NHTSA opened AQ14-001 to determine whether Sands Chevrolet of Surprise, Arizona complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell and deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 U.S.C. ?? 30112(a), 30120(i)).NHTSA issued an information request (IR) letter to Sands Chevrolet on May 5, 2014.Sands Chevrolet responded to this request on May 22, 2014.To ensure NHTSA?s information request encompassed all possible reference codes for General Motors recall 13V-173, NHTSA issued another IR letter to Sands Chevrolet on June 8, 2015.Again, a response letter was received on June 9, 2015.NHTSA?s investigation indicated that Sands Chevrolet did sell and deliver recalled vehicles that did not have the recall remedy completed at the time the vehicles were delivered to the customers.NHTSA therefore concluded that Sands Chevrolet was liable for civil penalties for violations of the Safety Act, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. ? 30165.Under a Settlement Agreement dated March 24, 2016, Sands Chevrolet represented that it improved its processes to verify that it checks every vehicle for recalls prior to delivery to the purchaser and that it has not sold and delivered any unremedied new motor vehicles since June 9, 2015.Sands Chevrolet also represented that it now also checks for open recalls on every customer vehicle brought in for service, and that it checks for open recalls on every used trade-in vehicle, regardless of make or model, and takes steps to have all used trade-in vehicles repaired prior to retail sale. Sands Chevrolet admitted to violating the law and must pay civil penalties in the amount of $40,000.This Audit Query is closed.

Generator Control Module Fires

RQ13003

Closed recall query · opened July 5, 2013 · closed July 22, 2014

the electrical system

On July 5, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-003 to investigate whether the service procedures utilized in recall bulletins 13136 and 13142 for safety recall 13V-173 were sufficient to identify the safety defect in the subject vehicles.These safety recalls were issue on May 3, 2013 to address the improper function of the Generator Control Module (GCM) in certain model year (MY) 2012-13 Buick LaCrosse and Regal and MY 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco equipped with eAssist.This condition may result in a loss of battery charge, engine stall and/or inability for the vehicle to start.In severe cases it may also lead to odor, smoke and possibly a fire in the trunk.During discussions with General Motors (GM), ODI was informed that the subject vehicles could be separated into 4 distinct build populations, or groups. Group A contained vehicles built from the start of production through 3/19/2012.Group B involved vehicles built from 3/20/2012 to 8/20/2012, group C from 8/21/2012 to 12/31/12, and group D from 1/1/2013 onwards.Bulletin 13136 instructed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the GCM for vehicles in groups A or C.Bulletin 13142 instructed dealers to replace the GCM of any vehicle in group B.Group D vehicles were not recalled.All eAssist vehicles have a Powerpack which contains a BAS (belt alternator-starter) Power Inverter Module (BPIM)/Accessory Power Module (APM) and a 115-V Lithium-Ion battery.The Powerpack is known by GM's Part Description System as the GCM and Battery Module. The BPIM/APM contains 3 multi-layered printed circuit boards (PCBs) comprised of conductive layers separated by isolating layers.Vehicles built within the time periods of groups A and B had PCBs using single isolation layers.Vehicles build in group C had dual isolation layers on 1 of the 3 PCBs, and group D had all 3 PCBs built with dual insulation.Adding dual insulation to a PCB makes it more robust to material and manufacturing variations, and ultimately less susceptible to an electrical short circuit and subsequent failure.Through initial analysis of the GCM failures, GM identified that vehicles within group B contained PCBs that were contaminated during production due to increased production volumes that resulted in inadequate quality control.GM also noted that GCM failures occurred early in the life of the vehicle (typically <1000 miles).Therefore a service procedure was developed to replicate early life failures by subjecting the GCM to high current loads which would cause the identified failure mechanism (copper migration) to occur quickly and reveal any underlying PCB defect.Although groups A and C were built with PCBs containing single layer PCBs, they were built using better quality control, and as the data supports, experienced significantly lower failures.GM advised that for these reasons the two different service procedures were used in the Recall 13V-173 population.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) GM submitted 234 unique reports related to the alleged problem. It was noted that 197 (84%) of the received reports fell into the group B population.The 2 fire incidents noted were events in which flames were evident and/or damage was experienced outside of the GCM. Both of these incidents involved group B vehicles. One hundred four warranty claims were also submitted in response to the IR, with 96 claims (92%) from group B.It was also noted that none of the claims from groups A or C occurred after the service procedure was conducted, and that the majority of the A or C incidents occurred during the service procedure.Given the data, ODI believes the ser

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 92.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 33 36%
ENGINE 21 23%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18 20%
SUSPENSION 11 12%
SERVICE BRAKES 8 9%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 7 8%
POWER TRAIN 7 8%
SEATS 6 7%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6 7%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5 5%
STRUCTURE 4 4%
EQUIPMENT 2 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2021 at 18.

2012 2021 2026
2012 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

SUSPENSION

2 injured · crash · towed · 43,000 miles

The contact owned a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated while her husband was attempting to decelerate to speed, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into an apartment building. No further information was available. The driver and the contact (front passenger) were taken by an ambulance to the hospital to seek assistance with their injuries. No further information was available. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated that 3 weeks later, she received notification of NHTSA

NHTSA complaint 11461208, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

2 injured · 8,000 miles

OUR NECKS BEGAN TO HURT ABOUT A FEW WEEKS AGO. BEFORE THEN WE HAD NOT DRIVEN THE CAR OFTEN OR FOR LONG DURATIONS. THEN THE MORE WE WERE IN THE CAR, E.G. A 5 DAY TRIP TO AND FROM NEW ORLEANS, THE MORE WE HAD NECK DISCOMFORT. INITIALLY WE THOUGHT IT COULD BE OTHER ACTIVITY BEING THE CAUSE. BUT TODAY, AFTER SEEING INFORMATION AND ILLUSTRATIONS ON THE INTERNET, WE FEEL THAT THE ANGLE OF THE HEADREST ON THE SEAT BACKS IS IMPROPER AND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. WHAT TO DO? IS THERE A "RECALL" ON THIS MATTER? SINCERELY, *JS

NHTSA complaint 10545587. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEATS

fire · 59,527 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE SEAT. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS WERE ALSO PRESENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HARNESS AND EIGHT WAY POWER SWITCH WERE DIAGNOSED AS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE

NHTSA complaint 11113559, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

fire · 121,000 miles

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON A CITY STREET WHEN A "POP" NOISE WAS HEARD, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR SYSTEM ERROR LIGHTS ON AND NONE TURNED ON. THERE WAS NO POWER OR BRAKES AVAILABLE IN THE VEHICLE. UPON ATTEMPTING TO COAST VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD TO A SAFE AREA, 2 PEOPLE DRIVING BY YELLED TO GET OUT, AS THERE WERE FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR INCLUDING THE ENGINE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. AREA FIREFIGHTERS WERE CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ON STAR SERVICES AND A MONTHLY REPORT IS RECEIVED SHOWING ANY ISSUES OR CONCERNS WITH THE

NHTSA complaint 11245539, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION
Rear passenger side toe link did fracture causing vehicle to spin out of control.

NHTSA complaint 11750502. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

CHILD SEAT
The contact owns a Safety 1st Car Seat, Model Name: Disney Baby Jive 2-in-1 Convertible, Model Number: CC286-GAD, Manufactured Date: August 17, 2022. The contact stated that the forward-facing safety seat head detached from the seat with the screws still attached. The contact attempted to tighten the screws; however, the screws required a special bit. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The car seat was not replaced.

NHTSA complaint 11682127. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is a water seal leak around the driver side headlight. I have photos showing proof of standing water. It has now caused the headlight, left turn signal, and drivers side brake light to fail. My passenger side headlight is doing the same. I have no headlights, no driverside lights period. I drive 2 children around in this car and it's gotten very dangerous. I contacted GM, and the local dealership and they won't fix it. I'm a [XXX] and don't have the $3200-$5000 I was told the repair would be. It is a problem in certain GM models, Cadillac Srx 2010-2015 having the same issue and the recall being fixed for those drivers. So, I have no choice but to drive around with no headlights, no

NHTSA complaint 11676449, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

crash

[XXX] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring and dying around 65 mph then the motor blew, it had some issues starting but nothing like what happened within that few seconds. Im out of a car now because it drove perfect and i never have to give it thought. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint 11627455. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

WHEELS
Hard to be able to control the vehicle due to something going on the rear

NHTSA complaint 11590501. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2nd bad headlamp assembly that develops moisture and causes lamp to go out. First was passenger side now driver side

NHTSA complaint 11575316. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Buick Regal

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2019 18 3
2018 19 3
2016 41 1
2015 33 0
2014 38 2
2013 91 5
2011 279 4

Other 2012 Buick models

Every Buick on this site — 60 vehicles, 172 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst