Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

ProblemsByVin File / 2012-BUICK-REGAL
2012 · buick

buick Regal problems

1 safety recall. 91 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

lighting
28 reports · avg $250
moderate
electrical
14 reports · avg $850
severe
suspension
10 reports · avg $900
severe
engine
9 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
7 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
brakes
6 reports · avg $450
moderate
body
4 reports · avg $1,500
severe
cruise control
3 reports · avg $600
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 Regal · lighting
TAMARA RECALL I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS WATER IN THE FRONT LEFT HEADLIGHT AND AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE BULB BURNT OUT. WHEN I TOOK THE LIGHT OUT THE WATER RAN DOWN INTO THE BALLAST THIS THE SECOND HEADLIGHT THAT I HAVE BROUGHT AND THE SAME PROBLEMS EXIST. THIS IS VERY…
12/20/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11162783.0
2012 Regal · engine
AT ROUTINE OIL CHANGE APPOINTMENT (71000 MILES) PLUS MY CONCERN TO CHECK OUT A NOISE DURING COLD STARTUPS, BUICK DEALERSHIP TECH NOTED NO OIL ON DIPSTICK. THEY RECOMMENDED OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, DISCUSSED POSSIBLE NEED TO REPLACE PISTONS @ $3200 AND TOLD ME TO RETURN IN 1000…
12/18/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11162291.0
2012 Regal · lighting
RIGHT HID HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS MOISTURE AND PREMATURELY WEARS OUT BALLAST. EVEN AFTER REPLACING BALLAST AND REMOVING MOISTURE IT HAS SLOWLY STARTED TO REAPPEAR ON THE INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY.
12/17/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11289546.0
2012 Regal · electrical
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT NOTICED CONDENSATION IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT AND THAT THE FUSE WAS BLOWN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.…
12/16/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11289316.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 12V093000 07/03/2012

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

INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2012 Buick Regal reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Buick Regal is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Buick Regal?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is lighting, with 28 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $250 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The lighting is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $250 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Buick Regal has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Buick Regal?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 91 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $250, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 10 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with buick. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
Get a free warranty quote →