KnownCarProblems2013 Buick Regal Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 91 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Buick Regal, most often about the lights (41% of complaints, typically around 63,000 miles). It is 7th of 19 Regal model years by number of complaints and has 6 recalls.
Most common 2013 Buick Regal problems
Lights
37 complaints · 41%Half of these problems showed up before 63,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights.
Prior to this event the radio and interior and exterior light would flicker and the radio would turn off completely. The battery was the original battery so we replaced it. But it wasn't completely shot at that point. During the same time of this happening the battery in the key fob went bad also. So I thought that…
My drivers side hid headlight assembly developed condensation inside the assembly causing a headlight failure. Though the car is a 2013, it had only 64000 miles on it when the condition occurred. This is obviously a manufacturing defect since there has been no impact to the headlight assembly and no visible break in…
Electrical
36 complaints · 40%Half of these problems showed up before 61,500 miles.
Driving approximately 40 MPH when the vehicle became resistant to acceleration attempts. The vehicle started to downshift independently despite the brake pedal not being depressed. Then I lost the power steering, the instrument panel started flickering. It then lost all power and left me stranded on the interstate…
Prior to this event the radio and interior and exterior light would flicker and the radio would turn off completely. The battery was the original battery so we replaced it. But it wasn't completely shot at that point. During the same time of this happening the battery in the key fob went bad also. So I thought that…
Engine
10 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 81,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle would not immediately start. Additionally, while driving the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Also, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator…
When driving the vehicle it stops out of nowhere and cuts back on. There is a burning/melting smell coming from the back of the vehicle. Once the car is off sometimes the battery is drained. The driver side head light keeps getting moisture inside and causes the bulb to go out.
Other or unspecified
9 complaints · 10%The front seat head restraints are head "constraints." both the angle of the braces supporting the head restraints and the thickness of the padding of the head restraints are excessive. When the seat is upright, a position of good posture, the head restraint forces the head down to look at the lap. Raising the head…
I have a Buick power add on system that is 50 state carb legal called the stage one kit offered by gm the kit consists of an air intake and a software calibration. Among all the issues I have been having with the car their final solution was to install the OEM calibration and fuel tables but leave the the stage one…
Transmission
9 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 53,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. While the driver attempted to parallel park, the vehicle accelerated without warning and crashed into two parked vehicles. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was damaged and was driven to the contact's residence. The…
I pulled into a parking space and stopped. I took my foot off the break and the car lurched forward, running into a wooden rail fence. The fence which was old, was knocked down. It all happened so quickly, I wasn't sure if I had hit the accelerator. Two days later I made a normal stop in traffic. After breaking, the…
Speed control
7 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. While the driver attempted to parallel park, the vehicle accelerated without warning and crashed into two parked vehicles. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was damaged and was driven to the contact's residence. The…
Driving approximately 40 MPH when the vehicle became resistant to acceleration attempts. The vehicle started to downshift independently despite the brake pedal not being depressed. Then I lost the power steering, the instrument panel started flickering. It then lost all power and left me stranded on the interstate…
Body and structure
6 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: body.
The trim panel near the driver's left foot is not tightly secured and there is a space between trim panel and carpet. Driver's shoe sole gets caught under edge of panel and driver is unable to lift foot I order to apply clutch and therefore unable to control vehicle. Three very close calls accidents to date.
I pulled into a parking space and stopped. I took my foot off the break and the car lurched forward, running into a wooden rail fence. The fence which was old, was knocked down. It all happened so quickly, I wasn't sure if I had hit the accelerator. Two days later I made a normal stop in traffic. After breaking, the…
Brakes
6 complaints · 7%The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. While driving in a parking area to approach and enter a parking space at 5 MPH, the contact's vehicle independently surged with a high rate of speed above 60 MPH and crashed into another vehicle. The contact applied extreme force to the brake pedal for an extended period of time to…
Brake pedal does not raise after apply, brakes remain applied or brake lights on. Discovered while driving. Vehicle felt sluggish. I am able to pull the brake pedal up by hand when vehicle is parked.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2013 Buick Regal recalls
Suspension: rear
Risk: Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
General motors, llc (gm) is recalling certain 2012â2013 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.
Suspension: rear
Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Suspension: rear
Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on september 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on january 3, 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 n212330130.
Full defect summary
General motors, llc (gm) is recalling certain 2013 buick regal, chevrolet malibu, and 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 fracture.
Suspension: rear
Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: electrical system
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Lights: turn signal
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Sands chevrolet/hybrid system fire/stall
Summary
Nhtsa opened aq14-001 to determine whether sands chevrolet of surprise, arizona complied with the requirements of the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act, 49 u.s.c. Chapter 301 (safety act) and its implementing regulations. The safety act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with federal motor vehicle safety standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell and deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 u.s.c. ?? 30112(a), 30120(I)).NHTSA issued an information request (ir) letter to sands chevrolet on may 5, 2014.sands chevrolet responded to thi
Generator control module fires
Summary
On july 5, 2013 the office of defects investigation (odi) opened recall query rq13-003 to investigate whether the service procedures utilized in recall bulletins 13136 and 13142 for safety recall 13v-173 were sufficient to identify the safety defect in the subject vehicles.these safety recalls were issue on may 3, 2013 to address the improper function of the generator control module (gcm) in certain model year (my) 2012-13 buick lacrosse and regal and my 2013 chevrolet malibu eco equipped with eassist.this condition may result in a loss of battery charge, engine stall and/or inability for the vehicle to start.in severe cases it may also lead to odor, smoke and possibly a fire in the trunk.du
Questions about the 2013 Buick Regal
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Buick Regal?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: lights (37 complaints, typically around 63,000 miles); electrical (36 complaints, typically around 61,500 miles); engine (10 complaints, typically around 81,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2013 Buick Regal have?
- 6 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from February 26, 2026 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2013 a bad year for the Buick Regal?
- It is 7th of 19 Regal model years by number of complaints, with 91 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.