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 MILES TO REASSESS. ON LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS LIT (NO WARNINGS/LIGHTS/ DRIVING PERFORMANCE ISSUES …
2012 buick Regal engine problems
moderate 9 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
CAR BURNS 1 QT. OIL/ 1000 MILES EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION REQUIRES PISTONS AND RINGS TO BE REPLACED --- MANY GM 2.4 LITER ENGINES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS FIRST HAPPENED UNDER WARRANTY BUT WE DID NOT REALIZE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS UNTIL THE 5 YEARS WAS JUST PASSED. HOWEVER IT WAS STILL UNDER 60,000 MILES WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN FOR AN "OIL CONSUMPTION TEST".
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 buick Regal?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 9 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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