2018 Buick Regal Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 26%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Buick Regal, 26% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,000 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.
“While being driven the vehicles transmission fails to shift gears while rpms are registered the transmission fails to respond and lacks power. I was forced to shift manually to try and get the gears to shift with no luck after quickly making the switch between automatic to manual twice the automatic transmission responded with a loud clank as if the semi behind me had hit me and the responded with acceleration. The issue was reported first early february 2020 again in early may 2020 and recently early october 2020 service department fails to duplicate issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11384104, filed 2020-12, 22,000 miles“During the cold weather while being driven the AC unit or heater throws moisture into the cabin resulting in complete vision impairment. This happened first while going up a mountain road and the car had to be completely stopped hoping not to get hit. The defrost was maxed and the impairment was still possible, no matter how hot it got in the cabin the moisture was to much, taking my and wiping the moisture of the windshield water dripped down. It continues to occur now with the AC turning on by itself while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11384109, filed 2020-12, 22,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal. When the vehicle was stopped at a red light, the engine was designed to shut down to preserve fuel. Instead, the engine rpms would rev and increase to 3,000 and the vehicle accelerated. The driver immediately shifted into neutral to prevent the vehicle from driving through a busy intersection. The contact stated that the failure also occurred once while reversing out of a driveway. The vehicle was taken to mcelveen Buick (117 farmington rd, summerville, sc), but the failures could not be diagnosed or duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11139943, filed 2018-10, 300 miles“The check engine light is always on and has not been diagnosed (as of yet) by Circle Buick - Highland, IN. There is an auto-engine-shutoff feature when the vehicle stops at traffic lights, and when you resume driving there can be a lengthy delay and/or an engine & transmission jolt after the brake pedal is released. The vehicle must be retested every two years for emissions compliance for IN, but cannot do so because of the check engine light never going off. This is a safety issue not to get hit from behind in local traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11473573, filed 2022-07Related 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…
- 11019503Apr 18, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California…
- 11017443Apr 2, 2025This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P3055 Set.
- 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.
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 2018 Buick Regal
8 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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