This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Buick Regal engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Buick Regal have filed 63 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 70,703 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
63
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Regal (this page) | 63 |
| 2012 Regal | 9 |
| 2014 Regal | 5 |
| 2015 Regal | 8 |
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 63 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Buick Regal, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Buick Regal we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 63.
Owners have filed 63 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2011 Buick Regals describe two catastrophic engine faults: timing chain failure and excessive oil consumption. Timing chains stretch or snap between 25,000 and 115,000 miles, often with zero warning. The stall kills steering and brakes instantly—one owner was doing 55 mph on a curve when it happened; another stalled at a red light while his daughter was in the car. No check engine light blinks beforehand; the engine just quits. Repair bills reach $7,000 for complete rebuild. GM has known about the timing chain problem long enough to extend warranties in letters to owners, but refuses to recall or pre-emptively fix it.
Oil consumption is the second major complaint. Owners adding 5 or more quarts between scheduled changes, some filling up four times within 1,000 miles. A mechanic attributed it to piston ring defect; another noted technicians have to disable faulty oil-level sensors because the car burns through synthetic oil without alerting the driver. One owner ran completely dry in 4 months despite synthetic rated for longer intervals and regular maintenance.
Intermittent stalls, rough idle, limp mode, and camshaft solenoid faults round out the pattern. Dealers struggle to replicate issues or find codes, then blame owners for maintenance lapses—even when maintenance records prove otherwise. GM's responses range from denying warranty coverage to offering cost-sharing only after the fact.
Failure modes owners describe
Timing Chain Failure
Timing chain stretches, fractures, or fails completely, causing engine stall without warning. Metal shavings found in oil. Often occurs between 25,000–115,000 miles. When failure happens at highway speeds or in traffic, loss of power steering and braking creates severe safety hazard. Owners report no warning lights before sudden stall.
When: 25,000–115,000 miles; one case at 111,000 miles (11k over warranty limit)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall without warning lights; Loss of power steering and brake assist; Loss of power/inability to restart immediately; Knocking or ticking noise from engine; Check engine light may illuminate after failure; Metal shavings in engine oil
Codes mentioned: P0010 (intake camshaft actuator solenoid code, related failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required. Repair costs $2,200–$7,000+. Owners cite examples: $2,700 (60% shared cost), $4,500, $7,000, $1,900 for chain replacement alone. One owner had two timing chain failures within 18 months of rebuilt engine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued letter (#34) extending warranty in case timing chain breaks, but will not address until failure occurs. Technical Service Bulletin mentioned in narrative #24. One owner received 60/40 cost-share warranty consideration at 111k miles after initial failure. No recall issued despite repeated owner complaints.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns or leaks oil at abnormal rates—up to 3–5+ quarts between oil changes (normally 1 quart per 1,000 miles is acceptable). Defective piston rings allow oil to enter combustion chamber. Occurs even with regular maintenance and synthetic oil use. No oil level warning sensor on some units or sensor does not function reliably. Owners follow manufacturer maintenance schedules but still lose oil.
When: Varies; reported from 40,000 miles onward throughout ownership; some cases mention issues appearing shortly after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Burning oil smell; Low oil pressure/check engine light; Engine runs rough and shakes at idle; White smoke/harsh fumes from exhaust; Oil and fuel mixing (carfax case #33); No visible leaks despite low oil level
Codes mentioned: P0010 (when oil starvation damages camshaft solenoid)
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosis: piston ring defect (narrative #14). Repairs include spark plug replacement, piston replacement, seal work—costs cited $3,500 or more. One case required engine pistons and belts replaced. Problem persists even after repair in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM technicians reportedly tell owners some oil consumption is normal and charge $3,500+ for repair. Dealer wanted $200 diagnostic fee when owner brought car in on check engine light. No recall issued despite mechanics confirming it is a known defect in 2.4L EcoTec engines.
Intermittent Engine Stall / Loss of Power
Engine stalls abruptly while driving at various speeds—stop lights, intersections, highways, slow maneuvers. No warning lights or check engine codes appear before failure, or codes clear themselves. Stall causes loss of power steering and brake assist, creating immediate safety hazard. Vehicle requires restart to continue. Some owners report 3–5+ stalls; others report multiple instances within days.
When: Occurs intermittently throughout ownership; some cases frequent (3 times in 3 days), others sporadic over years
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete stall without warning; Loss of power steering (stiff steering); Loss of brakes (brakes lock or become unresponsive); No check engine light before stall; Stall occurs at stop lights, slow speeds, and highway speeds; Vehicle restarts after turn-off cycle
Codes mentioned: P0010 (intake camshaft actuator solenoid, associated failure mode)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer and independent mechanics unable to diagnose root cause in most cases. ECM reprogramming and fuel pump replacement attempted in one case (#37) but did not resolve stalling. One owner replaced serpentine belt twice and throttle body/position sensor with no success. Another diagnostic pointed to faulty throttle body (narrative #11).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special coverage adjustment exists for 2010–2012 Buick Regals with throttle body fault (narrative #11), but not all owners are made aware or eligible. No recall issued for general stall condition despite pattern of complaints.
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Belt tensioner and/or chain tensioner fails, causing serpentine belt/chain to slip or break. Bolt holding tensioner loosens and widens hole over time, leading to timing jump and possible valve damage. Intermittent noise from engine compartment difficult to replicate in service.
When: 35,000–75,000 miles reported; one case shows tensioner failure at 35,416 miles, then replacement failed again by 71,195 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent whining or rattling noise from engine compartment; Noise returns after repair; Loud noise at startup; Engine runs rough
Repairs/costs cited: Belt tensioner and serpentine belt replacement required; one owner had part replaced twice in 35,800 miles. Repair costs not detailed in narrative but described as costly. One mechanic noted it would be easier to replace entire engine than remove failed parts (#46).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service advisors unable to duplicate noise in some cases and took no action. When noise could be reproduced, replacement performed. No recall or TSB mentioned for this specific issue.
Reduced Power Mode / Limp Mode
Vehicle enters limp/reduced power mode, limiting acceleration to 1–30 mph. Triggered by check engine light or sensor fault. Can occur suddenly or intermittently. Causes loss of power when attempting to accelerate or merge, creating highway hazard.
When: Various mileages; reported at 25 mph, 35 mph, 40 mph speeds; one case at 56,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Vehicle will not accelerate beyond 1–30 mph; Service StabiliTrak light may illuminate; 'Engine Power Reduced' message on dash; Loss of power steering and ABS when mode activates; Message clears and reappears intermittently
Codes mentioned: P0010 (intake camshaft actuator solenoid), Throttle body fault (not detailed)
Repairs/costs cited: Intake camshaft actuator solenoid replacement ($cost not stated). Throttle body repair or replacement (narrative #11, cost not stated). One owner noted special coverage adjustment available for 2010–2012 Buick Regals but vehicle not initially eligible.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated intake camshaft solenoid replacement not covered by warranty and not subject to specific vehicle recall (narrative #10). GM has issued special coverage adjustment for throttle body faults on 2010–2012 Regals (narrative #11).
Camshaft-Related Faults (Solenoid, Actuator, Position Sensor)
Intake camshaft actuator solenoid becomes shorted or fails. Camshaft position sensor fails. Camshaft loses proper synchronization. Causes rough idle, difficulty starting, rough acceleration, and stalling.
When: 22,775 miles to 83,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle and shaking at idle; Difficulty starting vehicle (multiple start attempts needed); Check engine light illuminated; Reduced power/limp mode; Rough acceleration; Engine stalling
Codes mentioned: P0010 (intake camshaft actuator solenoid shorted), Camshaft correlation code (narrative #27)
Repairs/costs cited: Intake camshaft actuator solenoid replacement performed in narrative #10. One owner mentioned camshaft recall earlier in year (narrative #6) but repair details not provided. Costs not stated except implied warranty or recall covered some repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #10: Dealership stated solenoid replacement not covered by warranty and not subject to specific vehicle recall. One case indicates dealership performed camshaft-related recall repair (narrative #6) but nature of recall/warranty coverage unclear.
Crankshaft Sensor Failure
Crankshaft position sensor fails, causing intermittent check engine light and drivability issues.
When: 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine light illuminates intermittently; Light recurs after dealer clears code
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft position sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft sensor replaced by authorized dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure.
Water Pump Failure
Water pump fails, causing loud whining noise from engine compartment.
When: 78,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise while driving at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replaced at dealership. Timing chain also failed and was replaced during same visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure.
Synthesized from 63 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I previously reported an issue in 2016 with engine failure due to timing chain failure where I was driving down the highway in heavy traffic and immediately there was engine failure, loss of power and was put in a very unsafe position. After I coasted my car, with 4 ways on, to the side of the road I called a tow truck which towed me to the nearest gm dealer which was victory Chevy in milan…
The morning of dec 8 I was pulling into my job parking lot and the engine shut off 3 times. After work on the way home I noted a rough idle. I pulled into a gas station and it shut off again. I was about 100 yards from my gm dealership so I parked it there for service/repair the next day. I was called on the 10th and was told it was the timing chain and this repair would cost approx. $2200. I was…
Had engine trouble with your 2011 Buick Regal?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 Buick Regal?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 63 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 53 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 47,920 and 107,000 miles, with the median around 70,703. A quarter of owners report trouble before 47,920; a quarter make it past 107,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Buick/Regal.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.