2012 buick Regal lighting problems

moderate 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$250

Related recalls

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.

What owners are reporting 9 most recent

lighting · filed 12/20/2018

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 DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY DRIVING ON A BACK DARK ROAD I DID RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND I NOTICED EVERYBODY WAS HAVING THE SAM…

lighting · filed 12/17/2019

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.

lighting · filed 12/09/2021

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the driver’s side headlight assembly developed condensation inside causing the light bulb to blow out. The contact indicated that the entire headlight assembly needed to be replaced to fix the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and the local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The …

lighting · filed 11/01/2020

BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. MECHANIC TOLD ME I NEEDED NEW BALLAST.

lighting · filed 10/26/2023

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, he became aware that the electrical system was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the body control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it t…

lighting · filed 10/15/2020

CONDENSATION/WATER GETTING INSIDE HID HEADLIGHT OPTION TF4

lighting · filed 10/12/2020

CONDENSATION IN HEADLIGHT CAUSING THE BULB TO QUIT. GET NEW BULB FOR $150, CHANGE BULB, IT RAINS, IT HAPPENS AGAIN. AM TOLD A NEW ASSEMBLY IS $1500. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. SEEMS LIKE IT SHOULD BE FIXED BY BUICK.

lighting · filed 10/07/2021

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at night, the illumination from the headlights was very dim. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that condensation had accumulated in both headlight modules causing the failure. The dealer was notified of the issue and informed her that they would call her back. The manufacturer was…

lighting · filed 10/05/2020

IN THE 2 YEARS I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH REAR TURN SIGNAL BULBS 4 TIMES. THE SOCKET LOOKS MELTED. ON OCTOBER 3, 2020...THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ADJUSTMENT STOPPED WORKING. IT CAN RECLINE BACK, BUT NOT RETURN TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION

Common questions

How serious is the lighting problem on the 2012 buick Regal?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 28 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the lighting 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 $250 for lighting 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 lighting?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover lighting issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.