Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Buick Regal owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start up, and while at a stop light the entire vehicle would shake and vibrate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact indicated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 72,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
No warning and approximately 80,000 miles -the timing needs replaced. Mechanics state this is common with this model and they recommend a new engine replace the original engine. This car has under 100,000 miles on it. The cost of the repair is out of my means. The car is paid off, however, I cannot afford the repair. Is there anything that can be done?
Vehicle was traveling at approximately 35 MPH on a city street when a "pop" noise was heard, immediately followed by the car shutting down. There was no warning or system error lights on and none turned on. There was no power or brakes available in the vehicle. Upon attempting to coast vehicle off the road to a safe area, 2 people driving by yelled to get out, as there were flames coming out of the undercarriage. The entire front of the car including the engine engulfed in flames. Area firefighters were called to extinguish the fire. Total loss of vehicle. Additionally, this vehicle is equipped with on star services and a monthly report is received showing any issues or concerns with the vehicle. Upon receiving the report on July 27, 2019 there were no issues reported expect a low tire pressure.
I have had problems with the stabilitrak - check engine light / multifunction indicator light coming on at random times (the on star diagnostic report doesn't give any indication of whats going on with the car so that regular people can understand before going in talking to a dealer about the issue) - powertrain issues I have had to replace my battery when I bought the car I was told it was newer and shouldn't have issues. My driver side headlight is full of water. There have been so many issues with this car yet no recalls have been found on my particular car. I read reviews from others and the 2012 Buick Regal just seems to have a lot of problems consumers such as myself should be entitled to a huge portion of cash paid for the defective vehicle. I thought it would be a safe family car but it just didn't turn out that way. …
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 prior to leaving the dealership that day), I immediately turned around and they re-ran diagnostic screen, reported to me that it reported nothing different than the one run earlier that day, told me again to return in 1000 miles. Approx 100 miles later, my engine suffered catastrophic damage, leaving me stranded at a stoplight intersection. I feel lucky that this happened in a safe town in broad daylight, and while I was at a stoplight. …
Vehichle purchased in October 2017 with 35K miles. Has always had a vibrating noise while sitting and idling. It will get worse after the car is driven/heated and then idled. Brakes have always had a very loud screaching noise. Tail lights stopped working. Bulbs were changed and they have worked since. However, the headlights stopped working. Bulbs were changed with no satisfaction. Fuses were changed and blew every time. Took vehicle to mechanic shop - diagnosed. Brakes are OK. Per his words, just cheap setup. (this was how I purchased the car, I've never replaced the brakes since purchasing), the tensioner pulley was causing the vibration. Pulley and belt (stretched) were changed, headlamp assembly's (both) needed to be changed as they were not getting power ($1600.00 each!!! The ballasts were bad), also had my high pressure line for A/C changed as that quit working as well.
The car had no electrical power. Anything electrical wouldn't work. We couldn't remove the ignition key, put windows or anything. The second time I tried to use the vehicles self jump start but nothing would work. There was absolutely no power in this car at this time. My wife said at on different occasions she did smell a burning odor. We also had the digital speedometer stop working. It started working again after the car was shut off and restarted. We feel we are driving a firebomb waiting to happen and do not want anything to do with this car anymore. Currently its at a GM dealer and they are trying to figure out whats wrong with this car. Best part is the dealers don't want this car back as evidenced by the low trade in value that was offered.
Codes p0016 p0017 DTC p0299 under turbo boost p0010 - fluid leak from transmission - stabilitrak light on and off (2017, 2018, 2019)- { I paid to have the issue fixed and less than a year later it happens again} car will not pick up speed - crank / cam position not plausible - timing chain stretched /stuck.( popping sound coming from under my seat in 2017)these are all issues that happen while driving. I am getting on the on ramp for the highway and my car will not go pass 35 MPH for over 15 seconds, even if I floor it. There is on coming traffic doing 60 to 70 MPH and that is a life or death situation. I have no way of moving to avoid being hit. My car will stall when I try to drive after stopping at a stop light.
For the past year my vehicle is consuming a large amount of oil. I have to add 2.5 quarts after 1500 miles or so. General maintenance is always done. It will stall at stop lights or stop signs. We have changed the cam shift sensors and solenoids due to the codes thrown. My vehicle is still using 4 quarts before 3,000 miles. I have been at a stop light on highway 34 and my car just stopped when I went to accelerate. I was in peoria at a stop light going up hill and my car stalled 4 times before I could get it to start. All my gauges just drop. My oil life does not read properly it always says I'm over 50%. I check my oil regularly just to try and prevent any other issues coming arise.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that every two weeks he would check the engine oil level. The contact stated that there was no visible leaks found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the oil was topped off. The vehicle was not diagnosed. Cochran Buick GMC of robinson (5200 campbells run rd, pittsburgh, pa 15205, [phone]) was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine complaints in other Regal years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Buick Regal?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Buick Regal, 23% of the model year's 92 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Buick Regal engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 Buick Regal, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Buick Regal engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.