2012 Buick Regal Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 23%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Buick Regal, 23% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I got a 2012 Buick Regal I brought it july 2018 my car was died out of nowhere about 5 months prior list and then after I changed my oil my car didn't go anymore it sounded like a chain the first night after they change the oil and then the next day I drove it for 2 hours I don't know if the timing is off or what”
NHTSA complaint #11288951, filed 2019-12, 164 miles“Codes p0016 p0017 DTC p0299 under turbo boost p0010 - fluid leak from transmission - stabilitrak light on and off (2017, 2018, 2019)- { I paid to have the issue fixed and less than a year later it happens again} car will not pick up speed - crank / cam position not plausible - timing chain stretched /stuck.( popping sound coming from under my seat in 2017)these are all issues that happen while driving. I am getting on the on ramp for the highway and my car will not go pass 35 MPH for over 15 seconds, even if I floor it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11208170, filed 2019-05, 86,047 miles“For the past year my vehicle is consuming a large amount of oil. I have to add 2.5 quarts after 1500 miles or so. General maintenance is always done. It will stall at stop lights or stop signs. We have changed the cam shift sensors and solenoids due to the codes thrown. My vehicle is still using 4 quarts before 3,000 miles. I have been at a stop light on highway 34 and my car just stopped when I went to accelerate. I was in peoria at a stop light going up hill and my car stalled 4 times before I could get it to start. All my gauges just drop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11194249, filed 2019-04, 100,000 miles“Since I purchased and drove off from the dealership, within the first few days the car shut down on me when I was in a drive thru, and it happened times again while pulling out a parking space and drove a few feet away the car would shut off and began smelling of gas as well overtime I drove it. The dealership was not very helpful but finally kept my car a few days and said it was only the hoses which were loose. Now 4/24 my car again is making weird noises since last week and actually will not start this evening after being out and parking in a lot.”
NHTSA complaint #11203614, filed 2019-04, 76,000 miles“The 2012 Buick Regal consumes a quart or more of oil in less than 2 weeks or 300 miles. I am putting a quart in it just to get it to read on the dip stick and more if needed. As it consumes oil, the engine gains a noticable ticking noise with a rough start. All of this is noticed while driving on a highway or rural road. The back right tire and or tire area makes a thumping noise at all speeds. The tire is not the issue. The stabilitrak warning light comes on often . I am the 3rd owner to the car with with 164,333 current miles. The car has had routine oil changes etc by all owners.”
NHTSA complaint #11372918, filed 2020-11, 163,247 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 15% |
| 2018 | 5 | 26% |
| 2016 | 5 | 12% |
| 2015 | 9 | 27% |
| 2014 | 9 | 24% |
| 2013 | 9 | 10% |
| 2012 | 21 | 23% |
| 2011 | 108 | 39% |
| 2004 | 18 | 27% |
| 2003 | 26 | 26% |
| 2002 | 33 | 28% |
| 2001 | 52 | 28% |
| 2000 | 28 | 15% |
| 1999 | 49 | 20% |
| 1998 | 29 | 10% |
| 1997 | 11 | 8% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Buick Regal
33 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Buick Regal
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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