Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Buick Regal problems

Owners filed 91 complaints about the 2013 Buick Regal with NHTSA between Jan 2014 and May 2026. The most-cited component is exterior lighting (37).

Complaints
91
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Exterior lighting37
  2. Electrical system36
  3. Power train9
  4. Engine9
  5. Vehicle speed control7
  6. Structure6
  7. Service brakes6
  8. Steering4
  9. Fuel/propulsion system4
  10. Suspension2
  11. Electronic stability control (esc)2
  12. Engine and engine cooling1
  13. Wheels1
  14. Air bags1

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 Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20145
20156
20165
20172
201814
201917
202014
202110
20225
20237
20242
20251
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Exterior lighting

37 reports1 crash1 fire1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front driver's side headlight was replaced by the dealer six years ago. The contact stated that the front passenger's side front headlight was inoperable and replaced three years ago; however, the contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side headlights have since become inoperable due to heavy condensation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with failed front driver's and passenger's headlights due to condensation. The contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 5, 2024Exterior lightingODI 11563741

Electrical system

36 reports1 crash1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light and depressing the brake pedal, the hybrid battery would power off as intended; however, when the brake pedal was released, the vehicle would lose automotive power before suddenly independently powering on before jolting. The check engine light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 13V173000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 8, 2026Electrical systemODI 11736608

Power train

9 reports1 crash1 fire
“I have a continuous problem where the vehicle goes into limp mode/reduce power mode it studders and stalls out. The check engine and stabilitrak light comes on. It is extreamly dangerous at it happens on the road and in traffic. I have thousands of dollars, a new thortle body sensor, a new crank positioner, new timing chain, new ECM, new gaskets and so much more.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 13, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11648213

Engine

9 reports1 fire
“While driving the vehicle, I received an alert message on the instrument panel that stated “Remote Not Detected,” then the vehicle immediately shutdown in the middle of the road. I lost all power to the vehicle, I couldn’t put the vehicle in gear, neutral or anything to get it out of the road. I immediately replaced the key fob battery, no change vehicle didn’t start or power didn’t return. The vehicle had to be towed. After a couple hours power was restored and the vehicle started up again. I have replaced key fobs, had the dealership replace the car battery and the problem persists. This appears to be a defect, could you please advise on how to proceed with dealership?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2023Electrical system, EngineODI 11534492

Vehicle speed control

7 reports2 crashes
“Second time, the car has basically shut down. Brake assist, ABS and traction control lights on. Stabilitrak Service light. Had to slow down to 25 miles an hour because it was shaking so bad and limped it home. Last time they said it was a bearing in one of the tires. Also states said it has multiple misfires. Having it towed tomorrow to see what it is now.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 23, 2024Vehicle speed control, Service brakesODI 11573720

Structure

6 reports3 crashes
“While in motion at about 25-30 miles per hours, slightly stepping on the brake to slow down, the car just… wouldn’t, I was forced to swerve, preventing damage to cars ahead, I went over a curb”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 5, 2026Steering, Structure, Unknown or otherCrash reportedODI 11735927
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

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