The Lemon Index
201120136th generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: transmission & drivetrain
Fewest complaints of its generation (6th generation).
17 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–28 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2012 Toyota Camry 662012 Honda Accord 512012 Nissan Altima 34
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2012 Buick Regal
- Headlights29 complaintsmostly at 50,000–82,000 miles (80,000–132,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Buick Regal (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Only 15 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V113000 (suspension), 21V00F000 (suspension) and 20V764000 (suspension) done? It has 7 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Buick sent dealers 1751 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Gmc/buick/chevrolet: transmission slips when in reverse or not in reverse, 3rd gear or no 3rd…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 17 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 10K miles (0K to 16K km) on the car (15 of all 17 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Vehicle turns off when going in reverse. Vehicle also makes weird sputtering noise when started. This has been happening since I bought the car brand new in 2011 but dealers can never replicate the problems!
2012 Buick Regal owner · NHTSA complaint 10550010
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 1751 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gmc/buick/chevrolet: transmission slips when in reverse or not in reverse, 3rd gear or no 3rd…
- Gmc/chevrolet/buick: transmission pump needs inspecting due to engine cranking but fails to…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 7
- Suspension · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The rear suspension toe links may have received improper corrosion protection, which can result in rear toe link fracture.
- Suspension · recall issued 2021
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 brea.
- Suspension · recall issued 2020
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.
Show all 7 recalls
- Seats · recall issued 2014
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.
- Electrical · recall issued 2013
These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly.
- Lights · recall issued 2012
These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal.
- Lights · recall issued 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STA…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedSands chevrolet/hybrid system fire/stall2014–2016
- ClosedGenerator control module fires2013–2014
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Regal 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Regal 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Regal eAssist 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,150–$2,750 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
Every Buick Regal year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2012 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-regal/?y=2012" title="Buick Regal reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="284" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-regal/2012/">Lemon Index</a> (2012 Buick Regal reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2012 Buick Regal reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew a bit under half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 43; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2012 Buick Regal problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (24%), engine (18%) and body structure (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Buick Regal have?
7 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Buick Regal get?
22 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Buick Regal safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2012 Buick Regal have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 24% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Buick Regal cost in fuel a year?
About $2,150 to $2,750 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Buick Regal have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
Is there a better Buick Regal year than the 2012?
Not nearby: the 2012 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Buick Regal years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works