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2012 Buick Regal Problems: 8 Known Issues

2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Buick Regal has 8 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall), Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder ($150-$5,500 repair), Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch ($1,800-$3,500 repair), Excessive Oil Consumption on 2.4L Ecotec ($1,500-$4,000 repair), Timing Chain / Tensioner Failure on 2.0T Turbo (LHU/LNF) ($2,000-$5,600 repair) and eAssist Generator Control Module Failure — Battery Drain, Stalling and Trunk Fire Risk (Recall 13V173000). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $5,600. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Regal Engine4
  • Regal Transmission2
  • Regal Suspension1
  • Regal Electrical1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine4
  • Transmission2
  • Suspension1
  • Electrical1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ

All 8 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS202020192018201720162015201420132012201120042003200220012000199919981997

On the 2011-2017 Buick Regal, the 2.0L Turbo LHU (2011-2014) and LTG (2014+) in Regal — and shared LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS/CTS — develops timing chain stretch around 80,000-130,000 miles. Symptoms: cold-start rattle, P0008/P0017 codes, eventual loss of cam timing. Aggravated by extended oil intervals and stop-start fleet use.

This issue also affects: Buick Cascada, Buick Enclave, Buick Encore

Common Symptoms

  • cold start rattle
  • misfire
  • check engine light
  • reduced power

How to Fix

Full timing chain kit including chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets — $1,800-$3,000 at independent. Stick to 5,000-7,500 mile oil intervals with dexos1 full-synthetic 5W-30. Carbon-clean intake valves at the same service ($300-$500) since LHU/LTG are direct-injection.

Typical repair cost:$1,800 - $3,500

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On the 2011-2013 Buick Regal, 2011-2013 Regals with the naturally-aspirated 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder are documented to burn oil at an abnormal rate, with some owners reporting a quart consumed every 1,000-2,000 miles or worse. The problem is tied to worn piston rings/PCV design on this engine family. GM issued a TSB on the condition, but dealers often deemed anything better than ~2,000 miles/quart acceptable and denied warranty repairs. A related GM oil-burn class action covered the Equinox/Terrain but not the Regal, despite the shared engine.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Cascada

Common Symptoms

  • Frequent need to add oil between changes
  • Low oil pressure / oil light
  • Blue smoke from exhaust
  • Fouled spark plugs

How to Fix

GM TSB diagnostic involves an oil consumption test; remedies range from PCV/valve cover updates to piston and ring replacement. Owners commonly manage it by checking oil frequently and topping off, or rebuilding the short block in severe cases.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $4,000

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2011-2013 Buick Regal, on 2011-2013 Regals with the 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection engine, the timing chain tensioner and the small bolts securing it into the aluminum cylinder head can loosen or shear, allowing the chain to stretch or jump time. This frequently causes catastrophic internal damage including bent valves and lost compression, often with little or no warning. Owners report failures as early as ~35,000 miles, sometimes just outside the powertrain warranty. Contributing factors include the early oil-life-monitor intervals being too long for this soot-heavy DI engine (GM later shortened recommended intervals).

This issue also affects: Buick Cascada, Buick Enclave, Buick Encore

Common Symptoms

  • Rattling or whine from front of engine
  • Check engine light
  • Rough running / misfire
  • No-start after chain jumps
  • Sudden engine shutdown / catastrophic failure with no prior warning

How to Fix

Replace the timing chain, tensioner, guides and any damaged valvetrain components; severe cases require partial or full engine rebuild. Preventively, change oil more frequently (~5,000 miles) and address any P0008/P0016/P0017 codes immediately before the chain jumps time.

Typical repair cost:$2,000 - $5,600

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2011-2017 Buick Regal, like other GM direct-injected engines, the Regal's 2.0T and 2.4L DI engines accumulate carbon deposits on the back of the intake valves because fuel no longer washes the valves clean. Over tens of thousands of miles this causes cold-start misfires, rough idle, hesitation, and reduced power and economy. It is a well-documented owner complaint on the turbo cars in particular.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Cascada

Common Symptoms

  • Cold-start misfire / stumble
  • Rough idle
  • Hesitation on acceleration
  • Reduced power and fuel economy
  • Misfire codes

How to Fix

Perform a walnut-blasting / manual intake valve cleaning (or chemical induction service in milder cases). Updated engine-management software and periodic intake cleaning help slow recurrence; catch-can installation reduces future buildup.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $900

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On the 2011-2017 Buick Regal, the Aisin AF40 6-speed automatic in 2011-2017 Regal (and 2010-2017 LaCrosse 4-cyl, 2008-2017 Opel Insignia A) develops harsh 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, torque-converter shudder at light throttle, and delayed engagement, usually 80,000-150,000 miles. GM's "lifetime fill" claim is widely disputed by independent shops.

This issue also affects: Buick Enclave, Buick Encore GX, Cadillac DeVille

Common Symptoms

  • harsh shifts
  • torque converter shudder
  • delayed engagement
  • flare on upshift

How to Fix

Drain-and-fill ATF every 50,000 miles using AC Delco / Aisin AFW+ (or JWS3309 equivalent) — about $150-$250 DIY (5-6 qt drained per service). Severe shudder may need torque converter or valve body work ($1,500-$3,500). If neglected past 120k miles, full rebuild may be required ($3,500-$5,500).

Typical repair cost:$150 - $5,500

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On the 2011-2017 Buick Regal, regals equipped with the GM 6T40/6T70 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder, slipping or flare on the 2-6 shift, and harsh/delayed shifts. The 6T40 issue is commonly debris blocking the 2-6 clutch regulator valve circuit; the 6T70 suffers wear in the accumulator/solenoid valve bores and torque-converter clutch shudder, sometimes worsened by overheated, degraded fluid.

This issue also affects: Buick Enclave, Buick Encore GX, Cadillac DeVille

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder/vibration under light acceleration
  • Slipping or RPM flare between gears
  • Hard or delayed shifts
  • Surge when shifting into/out of 2nd or 6th

How to Fix

Start with a full transmission fluid/filter service (fixes many shudder cases). Persistent problems require valve body cleaning/rebuild, accumulator bore repair, or torque converter replacement. Use only the correct GM spec fluid.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $2,500

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2011-2013 Buick Regal, certain 2011-2013 Regals (including Turbo and GS) have rear suspension toe links manufactured with inadequate e-coat corrosion protection. In road-salt states, the toe link can corrode and eventually fracture, causing a sudden loss of rear-wheel control. This has been the subject of repeated GM recalls (2021 campaign 21V423 and a third recall in 2026 covering ~17,050 additional 2012-2013 Turbo/GS vehicles), making it one of the most safety-significant Regal defects.

Common Symptoms

  • Clunking or looseness from rear suspension
  • Rear-end wandering or instability
  • Visible rust/corrosion on rear toe link
  • Sudden loss of vehicle control if link fractures

How to Fix

Under recall, dealers replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners at no cost. Out of recall scope, replace corroded toe links with new parts.

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On the 2012-2013 Buick Regal, buick Regal models from 2012 and 2013 built with the eAssist mild-hybrid system are covered by GM recall 13V173000 (GM campaign 13136), an NHTSA electrical-system recall covering 42,904 vehicles campaign-wide across all of the models included in it. On an affected Regal, the Generator Control Module (GCM) that manages the eAssist system may not function properly. According to NHTSA, this can lead to a gradual loss of battery charge along with illumination of the malfunction indicator light. If the Regal keeps being driven in that condition, the engine may stall and/or the car may fail to start afterward. NHTSA also warns that the failing module can produce a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk — which is where the eAssist hardware lives on this car. Note that this applies only to eAssist-equipped Regals; non-eAssist Regals are outside the recall population.

This issue also affects: Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Cruze, Cadillac CT4

Common Symptoms

  • Malfunction indicator light illuminates
  • Gradual loss of battery charge / battery going flat
  • Engine stalls while driving
  • Vehicle will not start
  • Burning or melting odor
  • Smoke from the trunk area

How to Fix

The repair is free at any Buick dealer. GM notified owners beginning June 11, 2013; dealers test the Generator Control Module and replace it if the test shows a fault, at no cost to the owner. If your 2012 or 2013 Regal has eAssist and you are not sure whether the work was done, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether recall 13V173000 is still open on your specific car — recall repairs remain free regardless of the vehicle's age or how many owners it has had. Owners can also contact GM directly at 1-800-521-7300 and reference campaign 13136. Because the consequence includes smoke and possible fire in the trunk, do not put off the check if the warning light is on or the battery is repeatedly going flat.

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NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.

Campaign #16V10800024/02/2016

SUSPENSION:REAR

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, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. 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 debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

Campaign #21V63300012/08/2021

STEERING

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Improperly torqued fasteners may cause the steering intermediate shaft and the steering gear and/or the lower control arm and the lower ball joint to separate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick Regal problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Buick Regal has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall), Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder, Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick Regal reliable?

The 2012 Buick Regal has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall) and Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder and Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch and Excessive Oil Consumption on 2.4L Ecotec and Timing Chain / Tensioner Failure on 2.0T Turbo (LHU/LNF) and eAssist Generator Control Module Failure — Battery Drain, Stalling and Trunk Fire Risk (Recall 13V173000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Buick Regal problems?

Repair costs for known Buick Regal issues range from $150 to $5,600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2011-2013 Buick Regal Rear Suspension Toe Link Corrosion / Fracture (Salt-Belt Recall)?

Certain 2011-2013 Regals (including Turbo and GS) have rear suspension toe links manufactured with inadequate e-coat corrosion protection. In road-salt states, the toe link can corrode and eventually fracture, causing a sudden loss of rear-wheel control. This has been the subject… Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2017 Buick Regal Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder?

The Aisin AF40 6-speed automatic in 2011-2017 Regal (and 2010-2017 LaCrosse 4-cyl, 2008-2017 Opel Insignia A) develops harsh 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, torque-converter shudder at light throttle, and delayed engagement, usually 80,000-150,000 miles. GM's "lifetime fill" claim is widely… Repairs typically run $150-$5,500. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #14V40900002/07/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Campaign #14V09200021/02/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

Campaign #13V17300006/05/2013

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2011-2017 Buick Regal Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch?

The 2.0L Turbo LHU (2011-2014) and LTG (2014+) in Regal — and shared LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS/CTS — develops timing chain stretch around 80,000-130,000 miles. Symptoms: cold-start rattle, P0008/P0017 codes, eventual loss of cam timing. Aggravated by extended oil intervals and stop-… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2013 Buick Regal Excessive Oil Consumption on 2.4L Ecotec?

2011-2013 Regals with the naturally-aspirated 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder are documented to burn oil at an abnormal rate, with some owners reporting a quart consumed every 1,000-2,000 miles or worse. The problem is tied to worn piston rings/PCV design on this engine family. GM issu… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2013 Buick Regal Timing Chain / Tensioner Failure on 2.0T Turbo (LHU/LNF)?

On 2011-2013 Regals with the 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection engine, the timing chain tensioner and the small bolts securing it into the aluminum cylinder head can loosen or shear, allowing the chain to stretch or jump time. This frequently causes catastrophic internal damage… Repairs typically run $2,000-$5,600. Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2013 Buick Regal eAssist Generator Control Module Failure — Battery Drain, Stalling and Trunk Fire Risk (Recall 13V173000)?

Buick Regal models from 2012 and 2013 built with the eAssist mild-hybrid system are covered by GM recall 13V173000 (GM campaign 13136), an NHTSA electrical-system recall covering 42,904 vehicles campaign-wide across all of the models included in it. On an affected Regal, the Gene… Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2017 Buick Regal Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)?

Like other GM direct-injected engines, the Regal's 2.0T and 2.4L DI engines accumulate carbon deposits on the back of the intake valves because fuel no longer washes the valves clean. Over tens of thousands of miles this causes cold-start misfires, rough idle, hesitation, and red… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2017 Buick Regal 6T70/6T40 Automatic Transmission Shudder, Slipping & Hard Shifts?

Regals equipped with the GM 6T40/6T70 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder, slipping or flare on the 2-6 shift, and harsh/delayed shifts. The 6T40 issue is commonly debris blocking the 2-6 clutch regulator valve circuit; the 6T70 suffers wear in the accumulato… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.