Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 50% | — |
| 2019 | 7 | 37% | 30,000 miles |
| 2018 | 3 | 16% | — |
| 2017 | 3 | 15% | 118,000 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 15% | 16,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 15% | 25,000 miles |
| 2014 | 6 | 16% | 24,000 miles |
| 2013 | 36 | 40% | 63,000 miles |
| 2012 | 18 | 20% | 66,000 miles |
| 2011 | 75 | 27% | 71,000 miles |
| 2004 | 35 | 53% | 93,000 miles |
| 2003 | 35 | 35% | 98,000 miles |
| 2002 | 36 | 31% | 86,000 miles |
| 2001 | 32 | 17% | 93,000 miles |
| 2000 | 42 | 23% | 106,000 miles |
| 1999 | 42 | 17% | 88,000 miles |
| 1998 | 51 | 17% | 94,000 miles |
| 1997 | 18 | 13% | 105,000 miles |
| 1996 | 24 | 12% | 38,000 miles |
| 1995 | 10 | 6% | 90,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Regal. The contact stated that when he attempted to start his vehicle there was no battery power, and no clicking sounds from the ignition. The contact stated that the instrument panel was blank. The contact stated that he had the vehicle jump started and the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and then turned off after the vehicle was turned on. The contact also heard an abnormal whistling noise coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the dead battery failure was an ongoing failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery and electrical system were working as designed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The traction and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred while the grandchildren were inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the warning lights illuminated and then turned off. The failure occurred after it had rained, and while going through the car wash. The contact stated that water entered through the windshield into the electrical box. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The check engine light is always on and has not been diagnosed (as of yet) by Circle Buick - Highland, IN. There is an auto-engine-shutoff feature when the vehicle stops at traffic lights, and when you resume driving there can be a lengthy delay and/or an engine & transmission jolt after the brake pedal is released. The vehicle must be retested every two years for emissions compliance for IN, but cannot do so because of the check engine light never going off. This is a safety issue not to get hit from behind in local traffic. [redacted]
This issue is related to the gear shifter on the vehicle. When stopping the car and putting it into park the dashboard shows the message "Shift to Park." this vehicle has only 50,000 miles on it and this issue cause safety issues as the battery on the vehicle will drain as the car can't be turned off with this message. This issue has been reported for this vehicle in NHTSA Bulletin #10252775. However, the manufacturer is stating that it doesn't link to the cars VIN #. With 10 years + of vehicles in the GM family showing this issue and the issue being all over the internet, the issue must be reported for this vehicle.
Vacuum Pump blew up forcing cam shaft sensor to blew out of engine and caused my brakes to fail. This happened at a stop sign. I proceed through the stop in front of a semi-tractor. Fortunately it was in front of the police station in(30mph) town zone and he was able to brake before killing me. My vehicle stopped before going through the front door of an auto shop, My Timing Cam is damaged and Shepherds is quoting $2600 to replace, plus an additional $800 already spent in replacing the vacuum pump. I've driven the car an additional 6 months with the cam sensor detached but the vehicle stalls when I slow or stop. This has caused additional hazardous situations. Person(s) will die if this defect is not addressed, it's probably already happened. I have over 25 years in Automotive safety systems design and manufacture, this needs addressed immediately.
When i turn the car off the key will not allow me to remove it from ignition to the proper position to remove the key. This is a safety hazzard. I have to mess with the brakes, steering wheel and parking console and keep starting and turning off the car to get key removed. The dealer said they could not locate the problem however several of your other GM vehicles are having this issue. Please assist. I am being stranded in the dark in the cold with a car i cannot leave the key in or someone could steal the car, the doors will not lock with key in ignition.
When using adaptive cruise control, this vehicle will allow you to get close to the vehicle in front of you and aggressively apply brakes which throws you forward. The dealer has looked at this vehicle several times for this issue, changed several sensors but the problem still still exists. Because of this issue I cannot use my Adaptive Cruise Control.
We purchased this vehicle in May 2016 and from the beginning had strange issues with the engine. It was in and out of the dealer with them trying to figure out the exact problem. They could not, so they contacted GM for approval for an engine replacement. We were concerned about going this route but were assured it would be taken care of for the life of the car. After the replacement in July 2016, the car seemed to be better but other weird issues arose. The engine always made a squealing noise that we were told was fine. We have done all required maintenance, recalls, and regular service. For the past 2 months, the car has had strange shifting issues. It was taken in to be looked at and nothing was found. The transmission received its' routine maintenance on schedule. It still was a problem and we were told to drive it until a code appeared. …
Related recalls (2)
Electrical system › Ignition
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Regal years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (75), 1998 (51), 1999 (42), 2000 (42) and 2002 (36) model years. Electrical complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Buick Regal electrical problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 16V-502 (ignition, Jul 5, 2016); 13V-173 (electrical system, May 6, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Buick Regal electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition › switch (34 mentions), followed by the ignition (29).
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.