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EnginePart report

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 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2019315%
2018526%
2016512%
2015927%
2014924%
2013910%
20122123%
201110839%
20041827%
20032626%
20023328%
20015228%
20002815%
19994920%
19982910%
1997118%
199621%
199511%
199411%
199211%

Other parts of the 2012 Buick Regal

Exterior lighting
33 complaints
Electrical system
18 complaints
Suspension
11 complaints
Brakes
9 complaints
Electronic stability control
7 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Other or unknown
6 complaints
Seats
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints
Fuel 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