2016 Buick Regal
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
24% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240516
15% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
SUDDENLY AFTER LEAVING COSTCO GAS STATION AND DRIVING "NO" DISPLAY OF MILLAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160419
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS ENTERING A CITY STREET FROM A SHOPPING MALL. AS I FOUND A SMALL BREAK IN THE TRAFFIC I PULLED OUT AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. MY CAR DID NOT CHANGE GEARS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180828
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300.
Campaign 16V108000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Buick Regal — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V108000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Buick Regal reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Buick Regal is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Buick Regal?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Buick Regal have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.