The Lemon Index
20197th generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 2,484 in the U.S. in 2020 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 3 complaints in its first 3 years.
3 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–26 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2020 Toyota Camry 462020 Honda Accord 772020 Nissan Altima 51
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 22V465000 (brakes) and 19V762000 (other) done? 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?
- Do all the seat belts latch and retract?
- Buick sent dealers 587 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V…”?
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 3 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 →
In owners' words
Proximity door unlock system rarely works goes in and out even with key fob in pocket and within Proximity. I've reported the problem to buick/Chevrolet many times, changed fob batteries and etc with no fix
2020 Buick Regal owner · NHTSA complaint 11522145
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 587 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- 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.
- Other · recall issued 2019
The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
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 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. 2020 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 2020 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-regal/?y=2020" 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/2020/">Lemon Index</a> (2020 Buick Regal reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2020 Buick Regal reliable?
We can't score it: only 2,484 were sold in the U.S. in 2020 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2020 Buick Regal problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (67%), tires (33%) and seat belts (33%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Buick Regal have?
2 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 2020 Buick Regal get?
22 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2020 Buick Regal have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 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 2020 Buick Regal have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Buick Regal year is better than the 2020?
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