The 2015 Buick Regal has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake vacuum pump 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.
No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Buick Regal.
SERVICE BRAKES
2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-05 → 2024-05
“After starting my vehicle with foot on the brake and putting the vehicle in gear it will move forward and occasionally roll for 4 or 5 feet before the brake engages”
“FAULTY BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. LEAKING OIL AND VEHICLES BRAKE PEDAL WAS STIFF AND LUCKILY DID NOT LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT AS I HAD TO USE ALL MY WEIGHT TO PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN TO STOP THE CAR”
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2022-10
“THIS VEHICLE HAS HID HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES THAT HAVE CONSTANT ISSUES WITH CONDENSATION/WATER ENTERING THE HOUSING AND CAUSING THE BALLAST AND BULB TO FAIL. THIS IS DUE TO A FAULTY SEAL BETWEEN THE OUTER AND INNER SHELL ASSEMBLY”
“THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HOLDS WATER AND MOISTURE AND LIGHT CAN NOT COME OUT VERY WELL IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE AND SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON IT”
“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”
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2019-07
“WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WANT OUT COMPLETELY, THE CAR DIDN'T STOP RUNNING”
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK REGAL. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK WAS PRESSED, WHICH ACTIVATED THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM”
“WHILE DRIVING, ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY DASHBOARD / RADIO WENT COMPLETELY OUT...ONLY FOR A FEW BRIEF SECONDS, BUT THAT HAS ME CONCERNED NOW SEEING A COMPLAINT HAS BEEN FILED RE SIMILAR ISSUE,”
ENGINE
7 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2024-07
“Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L engine. GM has known about the oil consumption on these engines for a long time and if oil is not consistently checked and topped off it will seize the motor while driving”
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK REGAL. WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE FOR IT TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION”
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK REGAL. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PUTTER AND HESITATE WHILE ACCELERATING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED RANDOMLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
AIR BAGS
3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2023-07
“SERVICE AIRBAG WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE. TOOK IT IN TO A BUICK DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS THE AIRBAG MODULE. MY CONCERN IS THAT IT WENT OUT AT ALL IN A VEHICLE THAT HAD LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON IT AND IF IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN”
“AIR BAG SYSTEM KEEPS COMING ON THE DEALER SAYS IT'S MY FAULT AND THEY CAN'T DO NOTHING ABOUT IT I HAVE A KID AND IT'S NOT SAFE MY AIRBAG CAN DEPLOY ANYTIME”
“Airbag Red Light indicator on for 2+ weeks, ambient temperature sensor malfunction and vehicle seems to have less pressure when accelerating”
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.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
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.
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.
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.
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.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
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.
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.
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.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
16 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
1
complaints mentioning a fire
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 2015 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.