Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Buick
  6. /
  7. Regal
Buick · Known Issues

2017 Buick Regal Problems: 4 Known Issues

2017 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2017 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example
Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Buick Regal has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder ($150-$5,500 repair) and Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch ($1,800-$3,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Regal Transmission2
  • Regal Engine2
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Transmission2
  • Engine2
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS202020192018201720162015201420132012201120042003200220012000199919981997

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

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Manually Verified
High Confidence

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

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

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

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Manually Verified
High Confidence

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

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
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.

🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Buick Regal problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Buick Regal. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.

Other Buick Models

Buick Encore25Buick Cascada22Buick Enclave13Buick Envision12Buick Encore GX12Buick LaCrosse11

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 2017 Buick Regal has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder, Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch, Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick Regal reliable?

The 2017 Buick Regal has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder and Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch. 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 $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Regal Aisin AF40 6-Speed Harsh Shifts / Shudder, typically costs $150-$5,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

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.

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.

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 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.