2011 Buick Regal Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 14%of 280 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2011 Buick Regal, 14% of the 280 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,500 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Both sealed headlight assemblies have failed and now have condensation inside of them. The lights are still functional but I am afraid of a short circuit. The dealer wanted $1,000 per headlight assembly to replace. This vehicle still has under 50,000 miles on it. It happened while it was just sitting there, but I do drive through rain.”
NHTSA complaint #11184998, filed 2019-03, 40,000 miles“The passenger headlight keeps melting the harness the light bulb goes into. I've replaced it 2 and this will be the 3rd time.noticed when I was pulled over for a fix it ticket. Second time I noticed the lights were uneven and the 3rd time it was pointed out by a toll booth attendant”
NHTSA complaint #11258219, filed 2019-09, 85,000 miles“The driver side light bulb & connector melted. Bulb can not be replaced because housing is damaged. Contacted the dealer and I was told this is not covered by any recalls. I would be responsible for any parts. This is definitely a factory defect and car is not safe to drive. The only way to fix this per the dealer is to replace complete headlamp assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #10787038, filed 2015-10, 95,000 miles“The passenger side light bulb melted. Bulb can not be replaced because housing is damaged. Contact the dealer and I was told this is not covered by any recalls. I would be responsible for any parts. This is definitely a factory defect and car is not safe to drive. I have ordered part and I'm still waiting for replacement from dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10654059, filed 2014-11, 71,000 miles“Takata recall - there is an issue with the ballast in the hid headlamp assembly for the cxl turbo model. The seal may be faulty due to the headlamp shorting out except for the daytime running lights. They shorted out right after a heavy downpour and I was stopped by a police officer and told that they (the headlights) were out. I got out of the vehicle and looked at the the lights only to realize that they had malfunctioned and there was moisture in the assembly itself.”
NHTSA complaint #11231437, filed 2019-07, 126,000 milesRelated recalls
- 12V484000Oct 4, 2012General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with…Covers: Buick Regal 2011–2013, Chevrolet Malibu 2013
Related service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 10% |
| 2016 | 6 | 15% |
| 2015 | 8 | 24% |
| 2014 | 3 | 8% |
| 2013 | 37 | 41% |
| 2012 | 33 | 36% |
| 2011 | 38 | 14% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 6 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% |
| 2000 | 7 | 4% |
| 1999 | 7 | 3% |
| 1998 | 22 | 7% |
| 1997 | 8 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% |
| 1994 | 9 | 8% |
| 1993 | 3 | 4% |
| 1992 | 5 | 3% |
| 1991 | 8 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 4% |
| 1988 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2011 Buick Regal
108 complaintsElectrical system
75 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
39 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsSeats
29 complaintsElectronic stability control
19 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Buick Regal
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology