2016 Buick Regal Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 12%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Buick Regal, 12% of the 41 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,900 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.
“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“I was driving down the highway in texas, and was in the process of changing lanes to the left and accelerating when all of a sudden my vehicle completely lost power and would not go into gear. My transmission light immediately came on. The psl was 70 and thankfully I was able to move back into the right lane and navigate to the shoulder without getting hit. I eventually coasted off the hwy and had aaa tow my car to the dealership where it was determined my transmission needing rebuilding. This occurred around 30k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11162135, filed 2018-12, 35,000 miles“Shift to park is displayed on the dashboard even when the car is in park. Dash lights and accessories remain on until you jiggle the shifter in and out of park several times.”
NHTSA complaint #11302298, filed 2020-01, 32,800 miles“Car computer is suceptible to hacking and reprogramming while driving suspension is lowered or raised engine looses power whole car components rattle or radio bass loud while driving transmission doesnt shift to correct gear stuck on second or third and gear shift knob pops up while driving dealer says is normal brakes loose pressure taking long to complete stop engine shakes while in motion or idle radio and other components apps traction ABS disabled hacked or controlled wireless/bt”
NHTSA complaint #10993854, filed 2017-06, 18,000 miles“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 2021-08Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
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 2016 Buick Regal
10 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
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 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