Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Buick Regal owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle would not immediately start. Additionally, while driving the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Also, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a sensor failure. No further information was available. The battery was replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V173000 (Electrical System). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light and depressing the brake pedal, the hybrid battery would power off as intended; however, when the brake pedal was released, the vehicle would lose automotive power before suddenly independently powering on before jolting. The check engine light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 13V173000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
There is condensation and moisture present inside the high definition front headlight assemblies, which causes the headlight illumination to be diminished and created a visibility hazard while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the Ganley Chevrolet dealership who diagnosed that the front headlight assemblies were faulty and needed to be replaced. The cost to replace both is about $3,000. Then I went to Damper's Automotive of Cleveland Ohio for a second opinion and after replacing the bulb in the passenger side headlight, the bulb immediately blew. Based on complaints from other customers this is a known issue on low and high mileage vehicles of the same make and model. It's a astronomical cost to replace these assemblies and they could go out at any time while driving due to the trapped moisture and-or electrical wiring exposed behind the headlight.
While driving the vehicle, I received an alert message on the instrument panel that stated "Remote Not Detected," then the vehicle immediately shutdown in the middle of the road. I lost all power to the vehicle, I couldn't put the vehicle in gear, neutral or anything to get it out of the road. I immediately replaced the key fob battery, no change vehicle didn't start or power didn't return. The vehicle had to be towed. After a couple hours power was restored and the vehicle started up again. I have replaced key fobs, had the dealership replace the car battery and the problem persists. This appears to be a defect, could you please advise on how to proceed with dealership?
I have a continuous problem where the vehicle goes into limp mode/reduce power mode it studders and stalls out. The check engine and stabilitrak light comes on. It is extreamly dangerous at it happens on the road and in traffic. I have thousands of dollars, a new thortle body sensor, a new crank positioner, new timing chain, new ECM, new gaskets and so much more.
Left Headlamp Assembly and Driver's Window Regulator were replaced under Warranty and now need replacing again! Trim Strips were replaced under Warranty because they were rusting and now they are all rusty again! Electrical System now blows fuses. 2103 Buick Regal Turbo just reached 60,000 miles. HOW MANY TIMES WILL I HAVE TO SPEND $2,000 TO FIX THE FAULTY LEFT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WHICH WAS GOING ON IN 2011 & 2012? There's Complaints all over online!!!! I haven't been able to go out at night for 6 months because of no front headlight!!!!! I have been to 3 Buick Dealers and they all have no idea how long this $2K light assembly will last because it should have been recalled!!! …
I've had for the last few years had issues with my 2013 Buick Regal turning off while driving causing a few accidents that has nearly cause me my life. The car has had multiple electrical issues I've tried getting fixed and I've dealt with damage to my vehicle due to this. Car has turned off on me while in motion. I've replaced the battery and I've spent several 1,000s of dollars trying to get it replaced.
Prior to this event the radio and interior and exterior light would flicker and the radio would turn off completely. The battery was the original battery so we replaced it. But it wasn't completely shot at that point. During the same time of this happening the battery in the key fob went bad also. So I thought that May have had something to do with it. Had to disconnect the battery completely to reset the computer because there was any power to the car at all. Waited a few minutes hooked it back up and it allowed us to jump the car off.. The radio and lights have on a few occasions did the same as before but never the issue of starting. So now it did the same thing as before so once it was jumped again I took it to my local autozone and had the battery and alternator checked and got an all good report. …
Codes present in computer are p1101 air intake performance, p0101 mass air flow circuit a failure. The car has reduced power and surging during acceleration. Stumbling at start up. The vehicle's turbo wastegate fails to close before 3,500 RPM therefore causing a severe spool time on turbocharger the manufacture is unable to repair as per the 4 months the car has been being diagnosed and finally the service manager has admitted they are unable to repair the vehicle. Corporate GM in involved along with field technicians. Since the vehicle has been returned to me still failing now has active codes for u0100 lost communication with ECM, u0140 lost communication with body control module, u0128 lost communication with parking brake module, u0073 communication bus a off, u0101 lost communication with transmission control module since the can-bus is failing the car is now trying to stall …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. While driving various speeds, the battery and battery charging system warning indicators illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 13V173000 (electrical system); however, his vehicle was not a hybrid. The vehicle was taken to chuck nash san marcos (3209 interstate 35 frontage rd, san marcos, tx 78666) where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the part was under warranty, but the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer opened case number: 8-4380703853. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Related recalls
Electrical system
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
NHTSA investigations
Generator Control Module Fires
On July 5, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-003 to investigate whether the service procedures utilized in recall bulletins 13136 and 13142 for safety recall 13V-173 were sufficient to identify the safety defect in the subject vehicles.These safety recalls were issue on May 3, 2013 to address the improper function of the Generator Control Module (GCM) in certain model year (MY)…
Sands Chevrolet/Hybrid System Fire/Stall
NHTSA opened AQ14-001 to determine whether Sands Chevrolet of Surprise, Arizona complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations.
Electrical complaints in other Regal years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Buick Regal?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Buick Regal, 40% of the model year's 91 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Buick Regal electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-173 (electrical system, May 6, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Buick Regal electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.