Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 11% | 20,000 miles |
| 2016 | 5 | 12% | 14,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2013 | 7 | 8% | 40,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 7% | 12,000 miles |
| 2011 | 13 | 5% | 32,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% | 120,000 miles |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% | 91,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% | 107,000 miles |
| 2001 | 13 | 7% | 54,000 miles |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% | 126,000 miles |
| 1999 | 5 | 2% | 86,000 miles |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% | — |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My Buick stops when driving unknown when it's a surprise lights and dash go off almost got hit took to mechanics it's the 2016-17 "throw away motor" ad they call it does not last and gets"metal pieces" to ruin motor and turbo as I have noticed speed issues and dying unexpectedly it's the regal turbo 2.0 v-6 motor a should be recall I've seen online since at mechanic and a large issue why no recall and I'm reporting this ty
Out of know where my breaking system just decided to stop my automobile. I had brought my car back to the dealership proximally 10 times and it started about a month after I purchased it for the same problems. My new ABS system makes a loud noise once it decides to go on. I know that sometimes for example going under a bridges or going around curves could activate my system. There is absolutely no warning when this car decides to stop on its own, it happen even when there isn't cars, or curves it's just decides to slam on the brakes to stop. It when there nothing in front of my car. I don't line is this one of the apples it scares the [redacted] out of me. You can go from 50 miles an hour to zero without any warning.
Second time, the car has basically shut down. Brake assist, ABS and traction control lights on. Stabilitrak Service light. Had to slow down to 25 miles an hour because it was shaking so bad and limped it home. Last time they said it was a bearing in one of the tires. Also states said it has multiple misfires. Having it towed tomorrow to see what it is now.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. While driving in a parking area to approach and enter a parking space at 5 MPH, the contact's vehicle independently surged with a high rate of speed above 60 MPH and crashed into another vehicle. The contact applied extreme force to the brake pedal for an extended period of time to try to stop the vehicle. The driver and front passenger sustained whiplash and minor bruising, but did not receive medical treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who was unable to replicate and diagnose the condition of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop and the extensive body damages were repaired. The cause of the failure was unable to be determined. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,738. ....updated 03-31-16 updated 05/21/18
[redacted] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring and dying around 65 mph then the motor blew, it had some issues starting but nothing like what happened within that few seconds. Im out of a car now because it drove perfect and i never have to give it thought.
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.
ISSUE: BRAKE PEDAL WILL STIFFEN AND SLOW THE CAR DOWN. THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WILL VIOLENTLY SHAKE, AS IF THE CALIPERS ARE STUCK. ONCE PARKED, WHEELS ARE HOT AND OMITS A BURNING SMELL. NARRATIVE: After the car is sitting in the sun, while driving in slow traffic the car is running rough, steering wheel starts shaking back and forth, the brakes start making noise when you stop. When accelerated there is grinding noise and dash light comes on. I pulled to the side of the road and turned off the car for five minutes, I start the car and it runs as normal. This was happening for a few weeks. I had the brakes replaced on 05/19/21 (I paid $737.66 for the brake job). I drove the car for a couple of weeks and brakes seized. I had to have the car towed back to shop (costing me $135.63) and the shop quoted brake pedal replacement. …
MIL Lamp is illuminated and cannot be turned off or reset. The code displayed on the scanner is for P2138 "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation." There is also a "Reduced Engine Power" message on the dashboard. Available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk before the vehicle was serviced because the car shut down in the middle of the street with cars behind me. I called a certified mechanic to successfully service the vehicle and he cleared the code. My safety was put at risk again after the car was serviced because the code came back on as I was driving on the highway. Car lost power and speed and as I tried to get the car pulled over with emergency lights on, I was almost hit from behind by 2 other drivers. Problem can be reproduced within 10 minutes. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Regal years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (13), 2011 (13), 1996 (9), 2013 (7) and 2012 (6) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Buick Regal acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Buick Regal model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Regal acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (5 mentions), followed by the cruise control (5).
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.