2012 Buick Regal Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,074miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Buick Regal, 8% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,074 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving on highway at 70mph and car completely shut down almost causing a serious accident and dash board went haywire brakes locked and service stabiliktrack system and ABS assist warnings and it smelled like my car was on fire brakes locked steering and lost power totally shut down glad someone was in car to help me steer to side of road out of traffic had to have towed and there was a recall for this problem before apparently GM didnt get it right I could have died and they are refusing to repair problem since the previous owner had it done before I purchased it and there are other owners…”
NHTSA complaint #11022715, filed 2017-09, 34,149 miles“Difficult to shift manual transmission in cold weather, along with gear noise. Took vehicle to dealer on jan 16, 2015 and all they did was give us a copy of GM's corporate bulletin 03-07-29-004i: manual transmission operating characteristics (dec 19, 2014). This document told us to shift slowly in cold weather, but then we cannot shift it at all. Took vehicle to another dealer on feb 20, 2015. The service manager test drove it and agreed there was a shifting issue. They replaced the transmission, which is much easier to shift. Unfortunately, we now have a vibration in 2nd gear.”
NHTSA complaint #10700804, filed 2015-03, 3,800 miles“Vehicle turns off when going in reverse. Vehicle also makes weird sputtering noise when started. This has been happening since I bought the car brand new in 2011 but dealers can never replicate the problems!”
NHTSA complaint #10550010, filed 2013-10, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while decelerating from 35 MPH, the vehicle violently jerked forward. The vehicle was taken to several different dealers. The first dealer was unable to diagnose the problem while the second stated that the shift adapter needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired but the failure worsened. The failure mileage was 12,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10578094, filed 2014-04, 12,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel went blank, and the turn signals failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that vehicle briefly lost motive power but independently restarted while making turning in either direction. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while at a complete stop with the brake pedal firmly depressed. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11530401, filed 2023-07, 160,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10252775Mar 28, 2024This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of seeing a Shift to Park Message Displayed in DIC.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | 30% |
| 2018 | 2 | 11% |
| 2017 | 2 | 10% |
| 2016 | 5 | 12% |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% |
| 2014 | 6 | 16% |
| 2013 | 9 | 10% |
| 2012 | 7 | 8% |
| 2011 | 39 | 14% |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 7% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 11 | 6% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 12 | 4% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 6 | 5% |
| 1992 | 19 | 13% |
| 1991 | 7 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
| 1989 | 5 | 5% |
| 1988 | 10 | 8% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2012 Buick Regal
33 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
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