2011 Buick Regal Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2011 Buick Regal carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering ignition and wiring. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake pedal sticking in high heat.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

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4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #16V502000 · May 7, 2016

Issue: 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. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #16V517000 · Jul 7, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured November 3, 2009, to March 25, 2011, equipped with 8-way power adjustable front seats. The power seat wiring harness may contact the seat frame, causing the wires to chafe.

Risk: Chafed harness wires may cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, and repair any chafed wires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 30710.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Campaign #14V447000 · Jul 23, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Campaign #12V484000 · Apr 10, 2012

Issue: 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. GM's number for this recall is 12212.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Buick Regal.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake pedal sticking in high heat

SERVICE BRAKES

13 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2022-03

“2011 Buick Regal 2.0 CXL. The brake pedal is sticking, causing the rotors to heat up and wear out. There are numerous complaints from others online detailing the dangerous situations this has caused. And numerous complaints about getting the brake system replaced and the same”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11459007
“BRAKE PEDAL STUCK PARTIALLY DEPRESSED AND BRAKES NOT FULLY RELEASING. STARTED IMMEDIATELY UPON VEHICLE IGNITION AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE SUN ON A HOT DAY. CAR BECOMES UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS EITHER YOU ACCELERATE WITH BRAKES ENGAGED OR HAVE TO MANUALLY LIFT THE BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11337882
“THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT RETURN WHEN INTERIOR TEMPERATURES ARE VERY HIGH CAUSING BRAKES TO DRAG AND POTENTIALLY OVERHEAT AND PREMATURELY WEAR. IT WAS FIRST NOTICED WHEN ENTERING VEHICLE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A WHILE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11112802
“AFTER MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING FOR A FEW DAYS, AND ONCE STARTED BACK UP THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULDN'T RETRACT BACK, I WOULD HAVE TO PULL THE BRAKE PEDAL UP WITH MY FOOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11220254

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear suspension arm and subframe fracture

SUSPENSION

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2023-10

“Broken left side rear lateral toe link causing severe vehicle stability issue. Subsequent inspection of right side shows initial crack in same area”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430995
“Driving 50km per hr, went over railway crossing, then the car became unstable, rear felt loose as if it was drifting. Stopped the car had a look under the cars driver side rear end, and noticed the bar connecting tire the rest of vehicle was fractured, don't know the exact name”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479283
“The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was a squeaking noise coming from the wheels and the vehicle was driving very loosely. The contact noticed that the lower control arm in the rear of the vehicle was”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11466219
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507125

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight assembly moisture intrusion

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

25 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2023-12

“Moisture has been collecting in both headlight assemblies for the past 3 years, whenever the car is outside or driven in the rain. Recently, this caused both high/low beam headlights to burn out. Replacing the bulbs is not enough, as the bulbs immediately burn out/smoke and blow”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496846
“I OWN A 2011 BUICK REGAL WITH THE VEHICLE OPTION "TT6" HID HEADLAMPS. BOTH HEADLAMPS ARE CURRENTLY INOPERATIVE. WHAT I HAVE DISCOVERED IS THAT THE FRONT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES HAVE CONDENSATION INSIDE OF THEM. THIS CONDENSATION IN TURN HAS CAUSED NOT ONLY THE HID BULBS TO FAIL BUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11242187
“MY WIFE'S XENON HID HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES BEGAN LEAKING DURING MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN.THE RAIN SHORTED OUT THE BALLAST AND THE HEADLIGHT WENT BLACK. I REPLACED IT AND SOON AFTER, THE OTHER SIDE DID THE SAME. THE ASSEMBLIES GOT WORSE AND BEGAN FOGGING UP DURING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11268866
“I HAVE HAD THE DRIVER'S SIDE HID HEADLIGHT BALLAST REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 9 MONTHS DUE TO MOISTURE IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11228670

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain and oil consumption in 2.4L engine

ENGINE

27 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2020-10

“VEHICLE HAS SERIOUS OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. WILL BURN AS MUCH AS 3 OR MORE QUARTS IN 1000 MILES OR LESS. WAS NOTIFIED BY CHEVROLET MECHANIC THAT SOME OIL CONSUMPTION WAS NORMAL, BUT THAT IF THE CONSUMPTION WAS EXCESSIVE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY UP TO $3500 OR MORE TO FIX THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11355327
“PISTON RING FAILURE CAUSING MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11145049
“WE ARE BIG FANS OF OUR BUICK'S, AS OF NOW WE'VE OWNED THREE AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS. BUT NOW WITH ONLY 87,000 MILES ON IT THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE TENSIONER HAS TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS DIAGNOSED IN AN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11100210
“ENGINE CONSUMING OIL WITH NO LEAKS. TECH SAID THAT OIL IS PASSING THROUGH RINGS AND BURNING DURING COMBUSTION. MY CAR HAS 174000 MILES AND HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR. I AM VERY UPSET THAT THE REMEDY FOR THIS IS TO OVERHAUL OR REPLACE THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10986191

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall with loss of steering and brakes

STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2026-05

“VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN OFF OF MAIN HIGHWAY INTO A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO LESTER GLENN BUICK THAT NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY AFTER SITTING IN THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11014181
“MY DAUGHTER DRIVES OUR 2011 BUICK REGAL CXL THAT WE PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY 2016. IN THE LAST SEVERAL MONTH THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED, STEERING LOCKS UP, BRAKES GO COMPLETELY OUT, IT DOESN'T HAVE AN ELECTRICAL AND BECAUSE IT HAS AN ELECTRIC EMERGENCY BRAKE THERE IS NO WAY FOR HER TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10910618
“THE THROTTLE BODY HAS A DEFECT WHICH SHUTS OFF ALL POWER TO VEHICLE WITH NO NOTICE. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION LOCK UP YOU LOSE ALL STEERING CONTROL AND NO BRAKES. ALSO NO LIGHTS SO WHEN IT HAPPENS AT NIGHT IT IS PITCH BLACK. GM DOES KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WHEN I QUESTIONED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120703
“While driving on the highway at 60 mph, warning on dash came on saying “engine power reduced” and drop down speed to around 25 mph and I could not accelerate more than 25 mph on the highway which could have caused an accident because of the traffic flow behind me. I put a code”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737701

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power seat wiring harness recall delay

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS

17 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2019-07

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 BUICK REGAL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10897095
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT ADJUSTED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10897646
“I HAVE THE RECALL ON THE POWER SEAT WIRING AND MY HEATED SEATS HEAT TO A LEVEL THEN SHUT OFF CONTINUOUSLY. I HAVE A FRIEND HAD THE SAME ISSUE IN A CAMARO AND HAD CHAFED WIRES TO THE HEATED SEAT. I REFUSE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR AND NOW IN MICHIGAN IT IS VERY COLD AND I BOUGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10930057

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden acceleration while parking

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-10 → 2023-10

“Preparing to park into a parking space in an off street parking lot the vehicle forcefully and rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into a fence. I was not accelerating. I attempted to stop the car using the brakes but they did not engage quickly enough to stop the rapid,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11552417
“I was parking in marked space. I had turned into space, my foot was off the gas pedal. The car was 3/4 into the space when it malfunctioned and rapidly accelerated into a hardened snow bank. i instantly braked but there was not enough space to avoid collision”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11552406
“When pulling into parking space the car rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into the car in the next parking space. I did not have my foot on the gas, the car was simply idling. The acceleration was so rapid that applying the brake was useless”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11552410

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

43 crashes 1990–2024

How the 43 occupant deaths break down

35

driver deaths

8

passenger deaths

43

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2012 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

7

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Buick Regal reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.