Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 10% | 41,000 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 15% | 26,000 miles |
| 2015 | 8 | 24% | 35,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 8% | — |
| 2013 | 37 | 41% | 63,000 miles |
| 2012 | 34 | 37% | 66,000 miles |
| 2011 | 38 | 14% | 85,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% | 114,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% | 69,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 5% | 109,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% | 125,000 miles |
| 2000 | 7 | 4% | 20,000 miles |
| 1999 | 8 | 3% | 100,000 miles |
| 1998 | 22 | 7% | 115,000 miles |
| 1997 | 8 | 6% | 145,000 miles |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that moisture had entered the vehicle's headlight module which caused the headlights to dim while in operation. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was given three options on how to repair the vehicle, all three options included him paying out of pocket for the repair which he declined. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but the contact had yet to receive a callback. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,700.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that condensation and moisture was present inside the front headlight assemblies, which caused the headlight illumination to be diminished and created a visibility hazard while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front headlight assemblies were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
I purchased my 2015 buick in May of 2015. At about December of 2017 the drivers HID head light was breached and moisture crept in creating an inner fog and eventually a puddle of water. In the falloff 2018 the same thing happened on the passengers side. I've removed both head assemblies and tried to fix the problem with very little success. Now I am looking at replacing both lamp assemblies at a cost of $2200 not counting labor.
Drivers side headlight has condensation in it & stopped working. Vehicle hasn't been involved in any accidents or incidents that would have caused this. Dealer advised of the problem while performing oil change.
Driver side headlight assembly condensation. Heavy condensation is continuous and never clears up. No visible cracks or broken seals. Upon investigation, this seems to be an issue with Buick. There are numerous complaints among owners. The condensation diminishes the effectiveness of the headlight and limits the vision while driving.
Driver side HID headlight filling with condensation on lens and water collecting inside the headlight capsule where the wiring for the bulbs and ballast run through. Daytime running light now out and potential loss of headlight use is foreseen.
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front driver's side headlight was replaced by the dealer six years ago. The contact stated that the front passenger's side front headlight was inoperable and replaced three years ago; however, the contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side headlights have since become inoperable due to heavy condensation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with failed front driver's and passenger's headlights due to condensation. The contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Left Headlamp Assembly and Driver's Window Regulator were replaced under Warranty and now have reoccurred and both need replacing again. My car just reach 60K miles. This began 6 months ago so I haven't been able to drive at night or during storms nor crack my window to talk to strangers. I am a Realtor and feel my safety is at risk. This headlight problem was going on in 2011 & 2012 yet Buick continued to use this headlamp assembly, knowing it fills with moisture then blows the bulb & fuse. With all the online Complaints, I am shocked that our government has not forced Buick to do a recall. I could kill someone or hit something with only one headlight!!!! Very concerned when my 4-year-old grandson is in my car too! Both problems are on the driver's side and both keep reoccurring. The Headlight Assembly is almost $2K to replace. …
Related recalls (7)
Exterior lighting › Turn signal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020.
Exterior lighting
General motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick regal vehicles manufactured from February 22, 2011, through February 22, 2012 for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: General motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module free of charge. The safety recall began on March 29, 2012. Owners May contact GM at 1-800-521-7300.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Certain passenger vehicles do not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." some of these vehicles do not meet the overhead sign illumination requirements.
Remedy: Dealers will install new low beam headlamp bulbs in both of the headlamp assemblies. The recall began on September 8, 2004. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the vertical head lamp adjusting device May not be calibrated properly.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an owner's manual insert containing instructions for optically aiming the headlamps.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The owner manuals do not contain the requirement information pertaining to the vehicle headlamp aiming device. This does not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Owners will be mailed an owner manual's insert which contains the appropriate information.
Show 2 more recalls
Exterior lighting
Incorrect clear front side marker bulbs were installed rather than amber bulbs. This does not conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clear bulbs with the correct amber bulbs.
Exterior lighting
The vehicles were assembled with an incorrect front park/turn signal bulb which does not have sufficient candle power. This does not comply with FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the incorrect bulb with the correct bulb.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Regal years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (38), 2013 (37), 2012 (34), 1998 (22) and 1997 (8) model years. Headlight complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Buick Regal headlight problems?
Yes — 7 recalls, including 12V-484 (turn signal, Oct 4, 2012); 12V-093 (exterior lighting, Mar 7, 2012); 04V-375 (headlights, Aug 10, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Buick Regal headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (22 mentions), followed by the turn signal (12).
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.