2011 Buick Regal
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 12 |
| 1987 | 25 |
| 1988 | 123 |
| 1989 | 106 |
| 1990 | 77 |
| 1991 | 200 |
| 1992 | 144 |
| 1993 | 85 |
| 1994 | 110 |
| 1995 | 173 |
| 1996 | 204 |
| 1997 | 136 |
| 1998 | 302 |
| 1999 | 246 |
| 2000 | 184 |
| 2001 | 187 |
| 2002 | 117 |
| 2003 | 101 |
| 2004 | 66 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 279 |
| 2012 | 91 |
| 2013 | 91 |
| 2014 | 38 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 41 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
39% of complaints: engine — 108 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was parking in marked space. I had turned into space, my foot was off the gas pedal. The car was 3/4 into the space when it malfunctioned and rapidly accelerated into a hardened snow bank.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231028
25% of complaints: electrical system — 70 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD LAMP FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE ASSEMBLY AND FOUND THAT THE PLUG THAT CONNECTS TO LIGHT BULB WAS MELTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180327
THIS VEHICLE HAS A RECALL FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN SEATS. PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. IT DIED AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AND WAS TOTALLED. GM DENIES ALL LIABILITY AND REFUSES TO OFFER ANY COMPENSATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171122
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER SPORADICALLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120524
13% of complaints: power train — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I was parking in marked space. I had turned into space, my foot was off the gas pedal. The car was 3/4 into the space when it malfunctioned and rapidly accelerated into a hardened snow bank.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231028
13% of complaints: exterior lighting — 36 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY11% of complaints: service brakes — 32 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn
Remedy: GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-
Campaign 12V484000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014.
Campaign 14V447000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016.
Campaign 16V502000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured November 3, 2009, to March 25, 2011, equipped with 8-way power adjustable front seats.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, and repair any chafed wires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300.
Campaign 16V517000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Buick Regal — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (108 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (70 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V484000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V447000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V502000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V517000 (electrical system, seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Buick Regal reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Buick Regal is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Buick Regal?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Buick Regal have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.