Research · Midsize Cars
2012 Buick Regal EassistRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 90 owner complaints for the 2012 Buick Regal Eassist. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (33) and engine (21). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
28mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
90
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2012 Buick Regal Eassist as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
90 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2012 – Jul 2025
- Exterior lighting33
- Engine21
- Electrical system18
- Suspension10
- Service brakes8
- Power train7
- Electronic stability control (esc)7
- Vehicle speed control6
- Seats6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Exterior lighting
33 reports1 crash
“There is a water seal leak around the driver side headlight. I have photos showing proof of standing water. It has now caused the headlight, left turn signal, and drivers side brake light to fail. My passenger side headlight is doing the same. I have no headlights, no driverside lights period. I drive 2 children around in this car and it's gotten very dangerous. I contacted GM, and the local dealership and they won't fix it. I'm a [XXX] and don't have the $3200-$5000 I was told the repair would be. It is a problem in certain GM models, Cadillac Srx 2010-2015 having the same issue and the recall being fixed for those drivers. So, I have no choice but to drive around with no headlights, no left blinker, and no driver side brake light with two you children. I have to work and have no other options. It's a catastrophe waiting to happen, I live in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia. Please help me with this, I am terrified to drive this car around. I've had two people flag me down at a red light to let me know my brake light is out which is terribly dangerous and if it starts raining while I am out I have no headlights. This has become an emergency situation…”
Engine
21 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start up, and while at a stop light the entire vehicle would shake and vibrate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact indicated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 72,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Electrical system
18 reports1 crash
“[XXX] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring and dying around 65 mph then the motor blew, it had some issues starting but nothing like what happened within that few seconds. Im out of a car now because it drove perfect and i never have to give it thought.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regal eAssist Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 35 | 28 | $2,300 | 317 |
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Buick Regal eAssist 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 6738
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2012 Regal Eassist questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Buick Regal Eassist have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 Buick Regal Eassist problems?
Owners filed 90 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (33), engine (21), electrical system (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 Buick Regal Eassist get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Buick Regal Eassist at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2012 Buick Regal Eassist?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Buick Regal Eassist 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026