The Lemon Index
201220146th generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 18,685 in the U.S. in 2013 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 16 complaints in its first 3 years.
16 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–29 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2013 Toyota Camry 292013 Honda Accord 1042013 Nissan Altima 194
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2013 Buick Regal
- Headlights30 complaintsmostly at 46,000–74,000 miles (74,000–119,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 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 13 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V113000 (suspension), 21V00F000 (suspension) and 21V633000 (suspension) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Buick sent dealers 1885 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Chevrolet/buick: electronic brake control module (ebcm) has issue with electronic power…”?
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 16 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 1K to 37K miles (2K to 61K km) on the car (13 of all 16 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.
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 1885 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Chevrolet/buick: electronic brake control module (ebcm) has issue with electronic power…
- Service update for inventory vehicles only loss of battery charge
- Buick/chevrolet: there is an oil/fluid leakage under front of vehicle, possibly from wheel…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- 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 2021
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 de.
Show all 6 recalls
- 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.
- 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.
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 FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Regal eAssist 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,050–$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. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2013 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-regal/?y=2013" 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/2013/">Lemon Index</a> (2013 Buick Regal reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2013 Buick Regal reliable?
We can't score it: only 18,685 were sold in the U.S. in 2013 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2013 Buick Regal problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (31%), speed control (19%) and body structure (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Buick Regal have?
6 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 2013 Buick Regal get?
22 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 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 2013 Buick Regal have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 Buick Regal cost in fuel a year?
About $2,050 to $2,750 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Buick Regal have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Buick Regal year is better than the 2013?
Nearby, the 2012 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit under half as many complaints as the average car).
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