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2014 Buick Regal Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Buick Regal carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering steering and automatic transmission. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Turbo engine piston failure and loss of compression.” 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.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STEERING

Campaign #14V409000 · Feb 7, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Improperly torqued fasteners may cause the steering intermediate shaft and the steering gear and/or the lower control arm and the lower ball joint to separate.

Risk: If any of the components separate, the vehicle may have a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM began to notify owners on June 27, 2014, and dealers will inspect the fasteners for correct torque, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14378.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #14V092000 · Feb 21, 2014

Issue: 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. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk: If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Fix: 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. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Buick owners at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC owners at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Buick Regal.

Reported to NHTSA

Turbo engine piston failure and loss of compression

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2022-04

“PURCHASED IN JAN 2021 WITH 94K MILES AND AS OF MAR 2021 96K MILES A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE OF THE #4 CYLINDER. CRACK IN THE PISTON RING GROOVES AND NOW HAS ZERO COMPRESSION. WHILE DRIVING THE HIGHWAY AT 74 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11402919
“MY BUICK PURCHASED NOVEMBER 2019 HAS THE MISFORTUNE OF HAVING THE 2.0 LTG 4CYL TURBO. THROUGH RESEARCH I HAVE LEARNED THAT CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WITH THE PISTONS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE ACROSS THE GM PLATFORM WITH SAME ENGINES. THIS IS LIKELY CAUSED BY A MISFIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11316861
“EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION.FAILED OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS 2.0 TURBO ENGINE. I HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH 2013 MALIBU WITH 2.0 TURBO ENGINE.WHERE IT DEVELOPED A CRACKED PISTON! AT AROUND 30 THOUSAND MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10882983

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vacuum pump failure causing loss of brake assist

SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2021-03

“OFF AND ON OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS, THERE WAS A LOSS OF BRAKES DIRECTLY AFTER STARTUP. AFTER 30 SECONDS OR SO, THE BRAKES WOULD FUNCTION NORMALLY. THIS CAR IS NORMALLY GARAGE KEPT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11175137
“VACCUM PUMP FALLS APART INSIDE OF ENGINE. THIS CAUSES BRAKES TO NOT WORK AS INTENDED AS THERE IS NO BOOST. REPLACED OLD OEM WITH NEW OEM AND WITHIN 2 MONTHS HAPPEND AGAIN. AT START UP AND FOR ABOUT TWO MINUTES YOU HAVE NO BRAKE ASSISTANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11079079
“AFTER COLD START THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS WEAK TO NON EXISTENT. WE HAVE A SLOPE OF APPROXIMATELY 25-30 DEGREES AND THIS CAUSED US TO GO INTO OUR NEIGHBORS YARD WHEN THE BRAKES ONLY SLOWED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT BRING IT TO A COMPLETE STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11404747

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight assembly condensation

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11 → 2023-12

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561044
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11513571
“Condensation inside both headlights. We didn't notice the problem until we moved from the warm west coast weathe to the midwest where the climate is colder”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439926

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof shattering while parked or driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2017-11

“MY SUNROOF SHATTERED WHEN DRIVING. SHARDS OF GLASS FELL DOWN ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10970674
“VEHICLE WAS LEFT UNATTENDED SECURELY IN OUR HOME GARAGE. UPON SEEING VEHICLE IN THE MORNING WE NOTICED THE SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED. THERE WAS NO FALLING DEBRIS TO HAVE CAUSED THIS, NO ABNORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND NO ONE AROUND THE VEHICLE THE ENTIRE TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10850287
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY , MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. LUCKILY THE SUNROOF COVER WAS ON AND SUNROOF WAS NOT IN USE. BAD DESIGN? I HAVE BEEN PLANNING ON ANOTHER BUICK , BUT THIS WILL DETER ME AWAY. >1500$ FOR REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11048313

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Shifter failure to engage gear position

POWER TRAIN

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2026-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11744127
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BUICK REGAL. WHILE APPROACHING THE DRIVEWAY OF HER HOME, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE SHIFTER INTO THE PARK POSITION; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11232058

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical wiring and battery warning failures

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2019-10

“I WAS BACKING MY CAR INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THEN I SHUT OFF ENGINE, RADIO STILL PLAYING, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN LIGHTS STARTED DIMMING AND THE ANTI THEFT WENT INTO ACTION. WHOLE CAR SHUT DOWN, NOT EVEN REMOTES WOULD WORK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11271243
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11018696
“WHILE NORMALLY DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO PASS A SEMI TRUCK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WENT TO MAXIMUN ACCELERATION AND THE BRAKES AND STEERING BOTH FAILED TO RESPOND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10944573

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

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)

20 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.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2014 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.

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