Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 5% | 3,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 7% | — |
| 2015 | 2 | 6% | 25,000 miles |
| 2013 | 6 | 7% | 66,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% | 20,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% | 135,000 miles |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% | 75,000 miles |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% | 126,000 miles |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 1998 | 9 | 3% | 18,000 miles |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% | 138,000 miles |
| 1996 | 10 | 5% | 60,000 miles |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% | 65,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Water leaking into both front headlights results in dimming of headlights making it hard to see during nighttime driving and a real concern that the HID ballast wiring will short out causing complete loss of headlight operational function. There are many reports online of customers complaining that their HID headlights blew out due to water leakage and they were unable to see properly during nighttime driving. This is huge safety issue. Dealer Confirmed fault with both front headlight assemblies and verified significant water leakage into headlight assemblies. Customer called GM customer service where issue was escalated to senior advisor. Senior advisor was unable to offer any cost assistance to customer despite significant safety concerns, due to vehicle age of 5 years and 2 months. Total cost approximately $2300.
Interior Chrome Driver Door Handle: The chrome film splits which caused a sharp edge on the edge of the chrome film of the door handle. I cut the edge of my finger on this sharp edge. When I took my vehicle in to have this handle replaced, I had to purchase the entire Driver's Side Door Panel just to get the handle. When speaking to my Service Rep, he informed me of another elderly customer that also cut their finger on their door handle.
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.
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.
Trunk lid opens on it's own. This happens when parked, but it opened at least [or was discovered open] while driving down the street. Blocking the rear view. This has happened at least 10 times. This has allowed snow and rain to enter the trunk. I think this is a problem with the remote trunk release when this happens the contents of the car and the car are open to theft. The dealer and Buick are know about this but do not act like this is important this has happened on several dates,I purchased the car in feb 2013 the last time it happened was in July of 2016. The car has 20500 miles on it
Front subframe rotted out where my control arm connects. Cannot safetly drive. There should be a recall on this part. There isnt one so now im stuck paying to fix it. Rear coil spring cracked, cannot fix due to recall of all gm coil spring. Cannot buy new part to fix it.
The cars mileage was altered due to car being wrecked prior and the other car that was used to replace wrecked parts was hidden and vin number was altered. Copart Inc and ICT Sharp Rides are party's involved, I bought car on 12/28/2023 mileage was listed as 132525
Eastbound floating bridge road st joe county michigan swerved to miss small animal exited right side of road struck a tree driver taken to hospital cdr system indicated that the driver (me) was not wearing a seat belt I was! Air bags did not deploy driver sustained smashed right shoulder and ankle. Ambulance 4 surgeries more coming reha center for 3 weeks and then outpatient rehab still recovering at home previous accident 12/2012 driver hit a lamp post in kalamazoo parking lot damage in same area front.speed 15-20 bumper and frame damage (no police report) (no injuries) GM dealership (paw paw michigan that repaired thought it was strange that air bags did not deploy for the amount of damage.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Regal years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (10), 1998 (9), 2001 (7), 1995 (6) and 2000 (6) model years. Body complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Buick Regal body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (45 mentions), followed by the body › door (6).
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.