The Lemon Index
2017
20197th generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 14,118 in the U.S. in 2018 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 14 complaints in its first 3 years.
14 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–26 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2018 Toyota Camry 1182018 Honda Accord 1962018 Nissan Altima 63
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 recalls 22V465000 (brakes), 18V576000 (brakes) and 18V230000 (seat belts) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- NHTSA has an open investigation into desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Has this car had that problem?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Buick sent dealers 900 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This Preliminary information communicates a possible oil leak from the oil cooler and probable…”?
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 14 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 22K miles (0K to 35K km) on the car (11 of all 14 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 900 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates a possible oil leak from the oil cooler and probable…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Brakes · recall issued 2022
In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist.
- Brakes · recall issued 2018
The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2018
During the manufacturing process, the rear seat belts may have been improperly routed around the bolster bracket on the rear outboard seats, which can cause inadequate restraint of the passengers.
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
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
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 5 HB FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Buick Regal Tourx SW AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,750–$3,150 (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, 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every Buick Regal year. 2018 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 2018 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-regal/?y=2018" 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/2018/">Lemon Index</a> (2018 Buick Regal reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2018 Buick Regal reliable?
We can't score it: only 14,118 were sold in the U.S. in 2018 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2018 Buick Regal problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (21%), brakes (14%) and speed control (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Buick Regal have?
3 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Buick Regal get?
22 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2018 Buick Regal have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Buick Regal cost in fuel a year?
About $2,750 to $3,150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Buick Regal have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Buick Regal year is better than the 2018?
No year within 3 model years of it drew fewer complaints. Across every year, 2012 drew the fewest (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