Looking for Buick Regal repair in Phoenix? We work on Buick vehicles every day and cover the Regal across model years 2005, 2008 to 2020, with honest diagnostics and quotes you approve before work begins.
To help Regal owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 643 owner complaints on file for the Regal and 17 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (172), electrical system (162), exterior lighting (127).
Most-Reported Buick Regal Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Regal (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 172 | 26% | |
| Electrical System | 162 | 25% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 127 | 19% | |
| Power Train | 77 | 11% | |
| Service Brakes | 69 | 10% | |
| Steering | 39 | 6% | |
| Seats | 38 | 5% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 35 | 5% |
Engine
172 of the 643 complaints (26%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
162 of the 643 complaints (25%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Exterior Lighting
127 of the 643 complaints (19%) mention lighting and visibility. Lights, wipers and visibility items are quick to fix and are on every rideshare inspection checklist. We check them as part of our inspection prep. See our rideshare inspection prep page.
Buick Regal Complaints by Model Year
The Regal model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2011, 2012, 2013. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | |
| 2008 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 1 | |
| 2010 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 280 | |
| 2012 | 92 | |
| 2013 | 91 | |
| 2014 | 38 | |
| 2015 | 33 | |
| 2016 | 41 | |
| 2017 | 20 | |
| 2018 | 19 | |
| 2019 | 20 | |
| 2020 | 2 |
Most Common Buick Regal Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Regal. The most-cited is P0017 (crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor b)), mentioned in 3 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0017 | Crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor B) Similar to P0016: timing chain, sensor or timing component trouble. | 3 |
| P0016 | Crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor A) Can point to a stretched timing chain, a failing sensor or a timing component problem. | 3 |
| P2138 | Throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation Failing accelerator pedal sensor or throttle sensor; can cause reduced power. | 2 |
| P0011 | Intake camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1) Often an oil, variable valve timing solenoid or timing component issue. Low or dirty oil is a common trigger. | 2 |
| P0010 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P0014 | Exhaust camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1) Commonly an oil, solenoid or timing component problem. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Buick Regal Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns for the Regal in these model years, most often involving suspension, electrical system, seats. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Suspension (campaign 26V113000): General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,...
- 2022 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 22V465000): General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. 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.
- 2021 recall, Suspension (campaign 21V00F000): General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,...
- 2021 recall, Suspension (campaign 21V633000): General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,...
- 2020 recall, Suspension (campaign 20V764000): General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,...
- 2019 recall, Seats (campaign 19V762000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Regal, 25 involved a crash, 13 involved a fire, 27 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Buick Regal Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Buick will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Regal that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Regal owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Buick Regal, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Buick Regal Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Buick Regal repair service, or choose a service below.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Rideshare Inspection Prep
Get approved for Uber, Lyft and more.
Details →Buick Regal FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Buick Regal?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Buick Regal are engine (172), electrical system (162), exterior lighting (127). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Regal model years have the most complaints?
The Regal model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2011, 2012, 2013. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Buick Regal?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Buick Regal, the codes cited most often are P0017 (crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor b)), P0016 (crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor a)), P2138 (throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Buick Regal have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns for the Buick Regal across model years 2005, 2008 to 2020. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Buick Regal in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Buick vehicles including the Regal, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Buick Regal?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Buick Regal in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Buick Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.