Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | 32% | 40,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 11% | 22,000 miles |
| 2017 | 2 | 10% | 118,000 miles |
| 2016 | 5 | 12% | 33,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% | 2,000 miles |
| 2014 | 6 | 16% | 60,000 miles |
| 2013 | 9 | 10% | 66,000 miles |
| 2012 | 7 | 8% | 34,000 miles |
| 2011 | 39 | 14% | 64,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% | 73,000 miles |
| 2003 | 7 | 7% | 35,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% | 66,000 miles |
| 2001 | 11 | 6% | 92,000 miles |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% | — |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% | 89,000 miles |
| 1998 | 12 | 4% | 91,000 miles |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% | 195,000 miles |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% | 80,000 miles |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Regal. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, the "Shift to Park" message was displayed. The contact shifted the gear shifter back and forth to park until the message disappeared. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed gear shifter unit and console. The contact was informed that the gear shifter unit and console needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,500.
Intermittent Shift to Park Message Displayed While Vehicle in Park. See #19-NA-206 (through DTC B000A may not be set!). Caused by poor design of shift position switches! This is a KNOWN issue for many GM vehicles including my 2019 Buick Sportback, for nearly 20 years. GM should be made to fix this. In addition to not being able to start car and running down battery because of car power still being on and endangering the personal safety of every person using GM vehicles, it is possible Steering Lock may or may not occur and many vehicle accessories may not operate correctly. GM needs to supply a fix.
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. …
I was driving down the highway in texas, and was in the process of changing lanes to the left and accelerating when all of a sudden my vehicle completely lost power and would not go into gear. My transmission light immediately came on. The psl was 70 and thankfully I was able to move back into the right lane and navigate to the shoulder without getting hit. I eventually coasted off the hwy and had aaa tow my car to the dealership where it was determined my transmission needing rebuilding. This occurred around 30K miles. Periodically after that my car would not accelerate like I had a misfire and I'd feel a shudder or sometimes it felt my tires were spinning faster than my transmission was going. I took my car in for an oil change (no lights were on). I explained this to the dealership and my car was throwing a code turns out the torque converter needing replacing. …
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing, the vehicle failed to shift out of gear. The gear shifter was in drive(D); however, the vehicle failed to move as intended. After several attempts to shift into gear, the transmission was engaged shifted into gear, and the vehicle operated normally. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V092000 (Power Train). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
2014 Buick Regal GS AWD sedan, second owner. Car was purchased as a certified used from Buick dealer in 2018 with 40,xxx miles. Car now has 137,xxx miles, no longer under extended warranty. Have had all regular maintenance done and have records. Aside from normal wear and tear, no prior issues with car. Car engine suddenly started to run rough, Check Engine light came on while driving 65 mph, sudden loss of engine power and car died on the highway causing congestion and vehicles to swerve on highway, loss of steering control, pulled over. Car was able to be restarted but running rough, engine light on, severe reduction in power. Talked with nearest dealer, they said to not drive car. Had local GM mechanic do inspection, computer codes indicated loss of compression on cylinder 3, misfire. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. While the driver attempted to parallel park, the vehicle accelerated without warning and crashed into two parked vehicles. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was damaged and was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer (dalessio Chevrolet Buick in boonton, nj, [phone]) where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that it was an unknown issue. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Regal years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (39), 1995 (14), 1998 (12), 2001 (11) and 1999 (10) model years. Transmission complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Buick Regal transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-092 (automatic transmission, Feb 21, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Buick Regal transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 45% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (48 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › cooling unit and lines (3).
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.