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Research · Midsize Cars

2012 Buick RegalRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 92 owner complaints for the 2012 Buick Regal. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (33) and engine (21). The EPA rates it 22–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

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Combined MPG
22–24mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
7campaigns
Latest Feb 2026
Owner complaints
92
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

7 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear suspension toe links may have received improper corrosion protection, which can result in rear toe link fracture.

SuspensionReported Feb 26, 2026NHTSA 26V113000

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

SuspensionReported Dec 22, 2021NHTSA 21V00F000

Suspension: rear

Remedy pending

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.

SuspensionReported Dec 22, 2020NHTSA 20V764000
See all 7 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

92 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2012 – Jul 2026
  1. Exterior lighting33
  2. Engine21
  3. Electrical system18
  4. Suspension11
  5. Service brakes8
  6. Power train7
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)7
  8. Vehicle speed control6
  9. Seats6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Regal model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996207
1998312
1999252
2000196
2001194
2002129
2003104
200466
2011280
201292
201391
201438
201533
201641
201720
201819
201920
20202
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
4
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11676449

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 13, 2021Suspension, Electrical system, EngineODI 11432711

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 26, 2024Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11627455
All 2012 Regal problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 2.4L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd · Automatic (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 Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Regal
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; FFV · Front-Wheel Drive
203124$2,600370
Regal
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV · Front-Wheel Drive
193023$2,700386
Regal
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive
193023$2,700386
Regal
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; FFV · Front-Wheel Drive
182922$2,850404
Regal
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; FFV; Sport Transmission · Front-Wheel Drive
182822$2,850404
Regal
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive
192622$2,850404
Regal
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive
192622$2,850404
  • Regal
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; FFV
    20 city · 31 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Regal
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV
    19 city · 30 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Regal
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI
    19 city · 30 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Regal
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; FFV
    18 city · 29 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Regal
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; FFV; Sport Transmission
    18 city · 28 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Regal
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI
    19 city · 26 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Regal
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI
    19 city · 26 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Buick Regal 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Buick Regal 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 Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 6701Vehicle 6503
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2012 Regal questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Buick Regal have?

7 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2012 Buick Regal problems?

Owners filed 92 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 get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Buick Regal at 22–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

How safe is the 2012 Buick Regal?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Buick Regal 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026