2012 Buick Regal Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 36%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Buick Regal, 36% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My passenger headlight went out and did know till I got a ticket. I have taken it to a repair shop for repair two times and they found that it is not sealed properly. There is corrosion under the headlight assembly due to it collecting water. How can this be fixed I have heard that this is a big issue please advise on what can be done to help everyone affected.”
NHTSA complaint #11403376, filed 2021-03, 65,000 miles“Both headlights let water from rain in. Both hid bulbs have been replaced several times. I've had headlights go out at night. Had to park car and call someone to come pick me up. Gm needs to fix this problem before someone gets killed from there headlights going completely out at night and causing an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11302802, filed 2020-01, 70,000 miles“In the 2 years I've owned this vehicle, I have had to replace both rear turn signal bulbs 4 times. The socket looks melted. On october 3, 2020...the front passenger seat adjustment stopped working. It can recline back, but not return to the upright position”
NHTSA complaint #11362783, filed 2020-10, 88,450 miles“Condensation issue in drivers side headlight.this is a manufacturers defect as thousands have complained about this issue and nothing is being done. The entire hid headlight assembly cost $1,320.95 at the dealer without taxes. This is appalling to me that I should have to pay for this problem when clearly this is a manufacturers defect. This is a very serious safety issue. My car did not even have 45,000 miles on it when the headlight went out.”
NHTSA complaint #11209085, filed 2019-05, 43,000 miles“Tamara recall I noticed that there was water in the front left headlight and as I was driving down the road the bulb burnt out. When I took the light out the water ran down into the ballast this the second headlight that I have brought and the same problems exist. This is very dangerous especially driving on a back dark road I did research on this problem and I noticed everybody was having the same problem. Gm had discontinued the headlight because they was aware of this problem. I think they should replace these headlights as it is a safety concern”
NHTSA complaint #11162783, filed 2018-12, 66,000 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
- 12V093000Mar 7, 2012General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 buick regal vehicles manufactured from february 22, 2011, through february 22, 2012 for failing to…Covers: Buick Regal 2012
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 2012 Buick Regal
21 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 29, 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