2016 Buick Regal Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 12%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Buick Regal, 12% of the 41 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,500 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.
“Engine has a defect that causes a piece of the engine to break off and end up in the oil lines, ends up in oil pan. This defect causes the engine to freeze and owner must replace the engine. My vehicle only had 50k miles and I am unable to drive it. I now need a brand new engine and Buick knows about defect but won't issue recall or fix the defect. I was driving on highway when engine shut down”
NHTSA complaint #11414614, filed 2021-04, 50,000 miles“I was entering a city street from a shopping mall. As I found a small break in the traffic I pulled out and attempted to accelerate. My car did not change gears. I was forced to pull off the road quickly to prevent my car from getting hit from the rear. I had been driving around all day on the interstate and various shopping centers without any indication something was wrong with my car. I had it towed to the dealership. This is the 2nd transmission problem with this car in 4 months with now with only 27k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11122934, filed 2018-08, 27,000 miles“My Buick stops when driving unknown when it’s a surprise lights and dash go off almost got hit took to mechanics it’s the 2016-17 “throw away motor” ad they call it does not last and gets”metal pieces” to ruin motor and turbo as I have noticed speed issues and dying unexpectedly it’s the regal turbo 2.0 v-6 motor a should be recall I’ve seen online since at mechanic and a large issue why no recall and I’m reporting this ty”
NHTSA complaint #11667836, filed 2025-06“We purchased this vehicle in May 2016 and from the beginning had strange issues with the engine. It was in and out of the dealer with them trying to figure out the exact problem. They could not, so they contacted GM for approval for an engine replacement. We were concerned about going this route but were assured it would be taken care of for the life of the car. After the replacement in July 2016, the car seemed to be better but other weird issues arose. The engine always made a squealing noise that we were told was fine. We have done all required maintenance, recalls, and regular service. …”
NHTSA complaint #11430409, filed 2021-08“When accelerating the vehicle after coming to a stop or slowing down stumbling/stuttering occurred along with the check engine light coming on and the stabilitrak/ traction control light. Continued on into the next day with the same problems except the check engine light turned off and came back on with an oil light. Waiting on dealership to inspect. Dealership mentioned multiple cars there with the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11405282, filed 2021-03Related 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…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11017263Mar 25, 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…
- 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.
- 11011900Nov 22, 2024This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
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 2016 Buick Regal
10 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 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