2013 Buick Regal Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Buick Regal carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering turn signal and electrical system. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Headlight assembly condensation and premature bulb failure.” 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.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #13V173000 · Jun 5, 2013

Issue: 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. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

Risk: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.

Fix: 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.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #20V764000 · Dec 21, 2020

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #21V633000 · Dec 8, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212330130.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #21V00F000 · Dec 22, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #26V113000 · Feb 26, 2026

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear suspension toe links may have received improper corrosion protection, which can result in rear toe link fracture.

Risk: Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2026. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N252537580. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall numbers 20V764, 21V633, and 21V00F.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Buick Regal.

Reported to NHTSA

Headlight assembly condensation and premature bulb failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

39 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2024-01

DEFECTIVE FRONT HEAD LAMP ENCLOSURES LEFT & RIGHT ONES CRACKING LETTING MOISTURE IN CAUSING LOW BEAM HALOGEN HEAD LAMP BULBS TO EXPLODE DUE TO CONTACT WITH MOISTURE. DEFECTIVE DESIGN ON HEAD LAMP ENCLOSURE ASSEMBLY'S
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217371
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES KEPT FILLING UP WITH WATER, WHICH CAUSED THE BULBS TO SHORT OUT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11176563
MOISTURE BUILT UP IN THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT CAUSE THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY TO FAIL. I PAID TO HAVE IT REPLACED LAST YEAR AND NOW THE PASSENGERS SIDE HAS DONE THE EXACT SAME THING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144232

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal fails to return to position when hot

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2021-05

AFTER USING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT DOES NOT COME ALL THE WAY IN THE UP POSITION WHEN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR IS HOT. I HAVE TO LIFT THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH MY OTHER FOOT, OR BRAKE WILL BE PARTIALLY ENGAGED AND BRAKE LIGHTS WILL BE ON
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11415041
BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT RAISE AFTER APPLY, BRAKES REMAIN APPLIED OR BRAKE LIGHTS ON. DISCOVERED WHILE DRIVING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11243382

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system power loss and stalling while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

22 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2026-05

While driving the vehicle, I received an alert message on the instrument panel that stated “Remote Not Detected,” then the vehicle immediately shutdown in the middle of the road. I lost all power to the vehicle, I couldn’t put the vehicle in gear, neutral or anything to get it
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11534492
NOT LONG AFTER, THE PROBLEM CAME BACK, EXCEPT THIS TIME THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING ALL ELECTRONICS TO STOP WORKING, INCLUDING THE HEADLIGHTS, POWER STEERING, AND BRAKES
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066121
DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BECAME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DOWNSHIFT INDEPENDENTLY DESPITE THE BRAKE PEDAL NOT BEING DEPRESSED. THEN I LOST THE POWER STEERING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STARTED FLICKERING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10872140

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Powertrain limp mode and loss of acceleration power

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2025-03

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648213
Second time, the car has basically shut down. Brake assist, ABS and traction control lights on. Stabilitrak Service light. Had to slow down to 25 miles an hour because it was shaking so bad and limped it home
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11573720
SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND THE E-ASSIST FUNCTION ACTIVATED. AFTER THE DEBRIS WAS REMOVED FROM THE ROAD, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11114113

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and sudden vehicle surge

POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2018-09

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11052562
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING AREA TO APPROACH AND ENTER A PARKING SPACE AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SURGED WITH A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ABOVE 60 MPH AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10820961
I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND STOPPED. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD, RUNNING INTO A WOODEN RAIL FENCE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11128252

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear suspension toe link wear and instability

SUSPENSION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2022-09

The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving around curves, the vehicle felt wobbly and unstable
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11487209
I made a right hand turn on a 25 mph street in my vehicle and the butt end of my vehicle kicked out and i temporarily lost control of my vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485173
It only has 55,000 miles. I am not clear whether a wheel bearing is a safety issue, but I believe it could be
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11466804

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

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

14 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 2013 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.