try.vin
Log in

NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Buick Regal Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2012 Buick Regal has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 92 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Buick dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Buick Regal, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2012 Buick Regal owner complaints

Owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Buick Regal, describing incidents dated March 2, 2012 to July 10, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Exterior Lighting 33 complaints
  • Engine 21 complaints
  • Electrical System 18 complaints
  • Suspension 11 complaints
  • Service Brakes 9 complaints
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 7 complaints

Of the 92 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 92 complaints, owners report 4 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11750502 · Filed

    Rear passenger side toe link did fracture causing vehicle to spin out of control.

  • ODI #11682127 · Filed

    The contact owns a Safety 1st Car Seat, Model Name: Disney Baby Jive 2-in-1 Convertible, Model Number: CC286-GAD, Manufactured Date: August 17, 2022. The contact stated that the forward-facing safety seat head detached from the seat with the screws still attached. The contact attempted to tighten…

  • ODI #11676449 · Filed

    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…

Read all 92 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2012 Buick Regal in 2 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Rear Toe Links May Fracture

NHTSA #26V113000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported February 26, 2026 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 17,050 vehicles

Repair completion: 31.23% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N252537580 · Owners notified April 3, 2026 · Vehicles built January 3, 2012 – August 7, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2026. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N252537580. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall numbers 20V764, 21V633, and 21V00F.

Rear Toe Links May Fracture

NHTSA #21V00F000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported December 22, 2021 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 4,271 vehicles

Repair completion: 57.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N212346640 · Owners notified January 27, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Rear Toe Links May Fracture

NHTSA #20V764000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported December 21, 2020 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 220,006 vehicles

Repair completion: 76.9% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N202308930 · Owners notified August 19, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Seat Height Adjuster Bolt may Fall out

NHTSA #14V447000 · Seats — Front Assembly — Power Adjust · NHTSA notice

Reported July 23, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 414,333 vehicles

Repair completion: 75.49% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14271 · Owners notified December 26, 2014 · Vehicles built May 31, 2011 – August 1, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Safety consequence

If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Hybrid Charging System/Possible Fire or Stall

NHTSA #13V173000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported May 6, 2013 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 42,904 vehicles

Repair completion: 93.84% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 13136 · Owners notified June 11, 2013 · Vehicles built March 2, 2011 – December 4, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

Safety consequence

If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Turn Signal Bulbs/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #12V484000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal · NHTSA notice

Reported October 4, 2012 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 120,426 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.68% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 12212 · Owners notified September 8, 2014

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Safety consequence

If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PARKING LAMPS/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #12V093000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported March 7, 2012 · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

Potentially affected: 3,633 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 12048 · Owners notified March 29, 2012 · Vehicles built February 22, 2011 – February 22, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.

Safety consequence

INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM AT 1-800-521-7300.

Notes

GENERAL MOTORS RECALL NO. 12048.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Other Buick Regal model years

Check your 2012 Buick Regal VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Buick Regal at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Buick VIN