This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Buick Regal steering problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
2injuries
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Buick Regal we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 17.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the 2011 Regal experiences sudden, complete power loss without warning—engine dies, steering locks, brakes fail, all lights go out. This happens at speeds from 55 to 80 mph, often on highways or in heavy traffic, creating life-threatening situations. The vehicle typically restarts after sitting briefly, but no warning lights precede the failure and diagnostic codes either disappear after restart or don't show up at all.
Dealers have blamed throttle body failure, camshaft actuator failure, timing chain breaks, low oil, and transmission issues. One owner had the throttle body replaced three times with recurring failure. Another spent over $5,000 on repairs (pistons, timing chain, actuators) and still lost power again. Owners report dealers often cannot duplicate the problem despite it happening multiple times per owner.
Brake issues include pedal stiffening, wheels seizing, and burning smells—particularly in heat. One owner paid nearly $1,400 for brake modular replacement after initial $737 brake work didn't hold. Steering also fails during power loss, leaving the wheel locked. The gear shift sometimes locks in place, and the vehicle won't stay in park.
GM has refused to help owners out of warranty (93,000 miles) and reportedly hasn't returned phone calls despite repeated contact attempts. Dealers tell owners unable to find problems even after complete power loss events. Multiple owners independently found the same complaints online but say nothing gets done.
Failure modes owners describe
Complete power loss and engine stall without warning
Engine shuts off suddenly while driving at highway or city speeds, resulting in complete loss of electrical power, steering, brakes, and engine function. Vehicle typically restarts after sitting briefly. No warning lights precede the failure; diagnostic codes either absent or disappear after restart.
When: Various speeds and conditions; reported from 55 mph to 80 mph on highways and local roads. Some occur within minutes of cold start.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies with zero warning; Complete loss of power steering; Complete loss of braking ability; All lights go out; No warning lights before failure; Vehicle restarts normally after brief pause
Codes mentioned: P0011 (over-advanced camshaft position), Multiple cam actuator system failure codes, Check transmission light, Stability control light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced throttle body, timing chains, camshaft actuators, selenoids, solenoids, transmission control valve arm, and transmission. Owners report repairs do not resolve recurring failures. One owner paid over $5,000 in repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM declined assistance when vehicle was out of warranty (93,000 miles). Dealers often state unable to duplicate problem or find no codes. Multiple owners report no callbacks from GM despite repeated attempts to contact.
Steering lock-up during power loss events
When engine shuts off, steering wheel becomes locked or extremely tight, leaving driver unable to maneuver vehicle. Often occurs simultaneously with brake failure during complete power loss events.
When: Occurs at various mileages ranging from 10,000 to 93,000 miles; some occur early in ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes locked or immobilized; Steering wheel extremely tight and hard to turn; Loss of power steering assistance; Steering wheel violently shakes
Codes mentioned: P0011
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs mentioned for steering lock-up alone; typically occurs as part of complete power loss event.
Brake system malfunction with pedal stiffening and seizing
Brake pedal stiffens, brakes seize, and pedal becomes stuck or unresponsive. Often accompanied by steering wheel shaking, grinding noises, burning smell from wheels, and dash warning lights. Occurs after vehicle sits in sun or during warm weather.
When: After vehicle sits in sun; one case at 69,579 miles; another after regular replacement at 55,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal stiffens unexpectedly; Brakes seize (wheels lock); Brake pedal stuck or nearly at floor; Steering wheel shakes violently when braking; Grinding noise when braking; Burning smell from hot wheels; Check engine light or dash warning lights; Brakes release only after turning car off for several minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Brake job replacement cost $737.66; subsequent brake modular replacement cost $1,347.31 (part #22997391) requiring dashboard removal. Brake master cylinder, vacuum booster, and brake fluid system flushed at dealership.
Low oil level triggering unexplained power loss
Vehicle shuts down when oil level is low or overdue for change (100-2,000 miles over schedule), despite no oil warning light illuminating. Dealers attribute power loss to low oil as alleged safety feature, but owners question why vehicle restarts easily afterward. Pattern suggests ECU-triggered shutdown that is not communicated to driver.
When: At various mileages; one at 69,579 miles (oil 100 miles overdue), another at 93,000 miles (very low oil, no warning light), one at 29,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Loss of all power and steering; No oil warning light illuminates before failure; Vehicle restarts immediately or after brief pause; No diagnostic codes or codes clear after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attributed to low oil and oil change; no repair required by owners in these cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer described shutdown as safety feature to protect engine from low-oil damage, but could not explain why vehicle restarts easily or why no warning light appeared.
Throttle body defect causing intermittent power loss and shaking
Throttle body fails repeatedly, causing vehicle to lose power, shake violently, and stall. Engine shaking and hard acceleration noted before complete stall. One owner had throttle body replaced three times with recurring failure.
When: Reported at 55,000 miles and later; one owner experienced three replacements with recurrence each time.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shakes very hard while driving; Loss of power and acceleration; Engine stalling on interstate; Check engine light illuminates; Difficulty accelerating; Brake pedal pulled up or stuck after incident
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replaced three times (February, June reports) with no permanent resolution. Owner paid $300 out-of-pocket; additional repairs included power line replacement, brake master cylinder, vacuum booster service, brake fluid flush, and air filter.
Camshaft and timing chain failure
Camshaft or exhaust camshaft actuator breaks, causing engine to lose power. Dealer found broken exhaust camshaft actuator and replaced timing chains and actuators; however, root cause of sudden power loss during high-speed driving remains unexplained.
When: At 78 mph highway driving; multiple cam actuator failure codes noted.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies at highway speed without warning; Loss of power, steering, brakes; No warning lights precede failure; Engine rough running
Codes mentioned: Multiple cam actuator system failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chains, exhaust camshaft actuators, and solenoids replaced. Dealer required multiple test drives to replicate issue before committing to repairs.
Steering rack and pinion noise with aftermarket parts warranty dispute
Steering noise prompts dealership service; dealer replaces steering gears, rack and pinion with aftermarket parts under service contract. Parts later found to lack warranty coverage despite dealer's initial representation to service contract advisor.
When: During routine service for steering noise.
Symptoms owners cite: Noise in steering system
Repairs/costs cited: Aftermarket rack and pinion and steering gears installed; parts remain defective after replacement. Owner spent $2,072 on repair with warranty dispute; dealership eventually agreed to repair after three months.
Transmission loss of power and control valve failure
Transmission loses power during driving, causing loss of steering and braking ability. Transmission control valve arm failure and subsequent complete transmission replacement documented.
When: At 10,000-17,000 miles; one incident during turning at low speed, another while slowing down.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slows down suddenly; Complete loss of power steering; Complete loss of brakes; Transmission control issues; Check transmission light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control valve arm replaced; later transmission fully replaced. Owner hit fence post during incident.
Brake pedal release failure and parking brake disengagement malfunction
Brake pedal does not release or disengage properly when car sits in high heat. Owner reports brake pedal and parking brake stuck in engaged position. Related to overall brake system issues with heat sensitivity.
When: After car sits outside in high temperature.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal does not release; Parking brake does not disengage; Steering wheel shakes when brakes applied; Steering wheel shakes even with brakes released
Gear shift lock and park position malfunction
Vehicle will not stay in park; car moves forward or backward when parked. Gear shift lock mechanism fails, preventing proper gear engagement. Associated with loud clacking sound during turns.
Symptoms owners cite: Car does not stay in park; Vehicle rolls forward or backward while parked; Gear shift lever locks and will not move; Loud clacking sound during turns
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2011 Buick Regal?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 40,105 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 69,579. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,105; a quarter make it past 93,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.