The Lemon Index
201520176th generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 19,833 in the U.S. in 2016 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 12 complaints in its first 3 years.
12 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–28 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2016 Toyota Camry 262016 Honda Accord 832016 Nissan Altima 66
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 11 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recall 16V108000 (steering) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the wipers, washers, defrost and mirrors all work?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Buick sent dealers 1213 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips,…”?
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 12 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 12K to 27K miles (19K to 43K km) on the car (11 of all 12 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 1213 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips,…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 1
- Steering · recall issued 2016
A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.
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
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. 2016 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 2016 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-regal/?y=2016" 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/2016/">Lemon Index</a> (2016 Buick Regal reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2016 Buick Regal reliable?
We can't score it: only 19,833 were sold in the U.S. in 2016 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2016 Buick Regal problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (25%), transmission & drivetrain (25%) and electrical (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Buick Regal have?
1 safety recall (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Buick Regal get?
22 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 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 2016 Buick Regal have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 25% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 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 2016 Buick Regal have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Buick Regal year is better than the 2016?
Nearby, the 2014 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit over half as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2012 drew the fewest.
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