10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
66,542 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Buick Regal engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Buick Regal Owner Comments (Page 3 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #62

Feb 072018

Regal

  • 70,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The throttle body has a defect which shuts off all power to vehicle with no notice. The engine and transmission lock up you lose all steering control and no brakes. Also no lights so when it happens at night it is pitch black. GM does know about the problem and when I questioned them about the loss of life like what happend with the Chevy Cruze all members of GM are told to hang up the phone. It has happend on several occasions and the dealership sent me back on the road knowing the problem. Dealer rep said if I was a better customer thay may have done more for me.

- Petoskey, MI, USA

problem #61

May 102018

Regal

  • miles
We are big fans of our Buick's, as of now we've owned three and have had no problems. But now with only 87,000 miles on it the timing chain guide tensioner has to be replaced. It was diagnosed in an emissions test. We've looked on line for a recall and all we see are so many others with the same issue and no help. This is extremely frustrating to us as Buick owners. I'm asking that you recall this issue and keep us Buick owners. It's a very costly issue to replace and for less than 90,000 miles on our Regal that's not normal. I am asking you to contribute/reimburse us for at the very least a portion of the cost. With a baby on the way we had no choice but to take it in for the repairs. We'd love to continue with purchasing Buick in the future but if this will not be looked into we will have to rethink GM products. Please help all your loyal customers. Whatever you can do will be greatly appreciated..

- Twin Lakes, WI, USA

problem #60

May 182018

Regal

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced engine failure while reversing out of a parking space. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then towed to la fontaine Buick GMC of ann arbor (500 auto mall dr., ann arbor, mi 48103, (734)7079368) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain fractured and caused the engine to seize. In addition, metal shavings were found in the engine. The VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

- Saline, MI, USA

problem #59

Apr 242018

Regal

  • 78,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. While driving various speeds, the vehicle made a loud whining noise. The vehicle was taken to copple Chevrolet GMC in louisville, Nebraska where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the timing chain failed and was also replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000. The VIN was not available.

- Eagle, NE, USA

problem #58

Nov 172017

Regal

  • miles
The vehicle seems to want to cut off while at a traffic light! I simply do not understand why the engine seems to be so loud. I had both shocks and struts replaced after purchasing this vehicle. The entire frame seems to nose dive or "wander" while I am driving on the highway, totally uncomfortable feeling. Tires are basically new I just don't know what seems to be going on with this car!

- Elizabethtown, KY, USA

problem #57

Oct 032016

Regal

  • 70,703 miles
Vehicle still stalling; replaced belt and tensioner 3rd time since Aug 2014

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #56

May 292015

Regal

  • 48,507 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle running rough and stalling; 2nd replacement of timing chain, fuel pump tensioner/belt

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #55

Dec 312015

Regal

  • 58,161 miles
Engine noise at start-up and idle; excessive oil consumption

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #54

Sep 042014

Regal

  • 35,943 miles
Broken purge valve

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #53

Aug 292014

Regal

  • 35,564 miles
Unexplained engine stalling; rough idle and noise on start. Vehicle sputters

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #52

Nov 202017

Regal 4-cyl

  • 69,926 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. While driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle seized at a red light and never restarted. The contact stated that the timing chain failed and disrupted the engine, leaving the vehicle inoperable. There were no warning indicators illuminated before or after the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was visually diagnosed. The visual diagnosis determined that the failure part was the timing chain. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 69,926.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #51

Nov 282017

Regal

  • 156,000 miles
I previously reported an issue in 2016 with engine failure due to timing chain failure where I was driving down the highway in heavy traffic and immediately there was engine failure, loss of power and was put in a very unsafe position. After I coasted my car, with 4 ways on, to the side of the road I called a tow truck which towed me to the nearest GM dealer which was victory Chevy in Milan Michigan. After some diagnosis they informed me of the complete timing chain failure and internal engine damage. At the time I had 111K miles on the odometer. I was informed the car needed a complete rebuild and I voiced my displeasure about the failure so soon after the expiration of the 100K warranty. What GM did agree to was to split the repair 60-40 where I was responsible for approx. $2700 of the rebuild. At that time I complained about the rebuild versus a new motor and was told that was all they would offer me. I again complained that if it's rebuilt I will be back in with the same issue in the future so here I am less than 18 months after a rebuilt motor I take the car to the dealer for a loud noise on startup and smell of an oil leak. The dealer now tells me the timing chain needs replaced again along with a top end rebuild costing approx. $4500 although there is no drivability issue with the car. So I called GM customer center and spoke with the supposed "head service advisor" and was told by him that since the car is out of the 12 month warranty they would offer no assistance. I informed him I have been a GM customer since 2003 and this is the absolute worst vehicle I have ever owned. The timing chain is a known issue in these cars for failure and not just with higher mileage engines. Why is GM not issuing a campaign for these vehicles and their motors? I have replaced so many things on this car I am going to file a complaint with the BBB and pursue lemon law.

- Adrian, MI, USA

problem #50

Dec 082017

Regal

  • 90,000 miles
The morning of Dec 8 I was pulling into my job parking lot and the engine shut off 3 times. After work on the way home I noted a rough idle. I pulled into a gas station and it shut off again. I was about 100 yards from my GM dealership so I parked it there for service/repair the next day. I was called on the 10th and was told it was the timing chain and this repair would cost approx. $2200. I was then told on the 12th that the timing sprocket and cam shaft would have to be replaced adding cost to this poor material or poor workmanship. I remember a recall on a engine earlier in the year that I thought the dealership repaired which I believe was something involved with the cam shaft but I know they had to go into the engine. This shutting off while the vehicle is in operation really scared me and the cam shaft, cam shaft sprocket and timing chain should have been made of a better material, a stronger material. $2000 spent earlier plus the $2200 estimated no I could have purchased an engine for $4200. My vehicle is currently at burns Chevrolet being repaired since Dec 8th. This is a real safety issue that should be looked into.

- Rock Hill, SC, USA

problem #49

Nov 092017

Regal

  • 96,351 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. While driving 40 mph, there was a misfire in the engine and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain fractured and caused severe damage to the engine. The vehicle was then towed to countryside GM (N8167 kellom rd, beaver dam, wi 53916, (920) 885-3301) to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,351.

- Beaver Dam, WI, USA

problem #48

Oct 242017

Regal

  • 32,000 miles
The car stalls when shifting gears. At first, it was only when I was stopped then began to drive and the car was shifting into first gear. However, it recently got worse. I was recently on the freeway and when I reached 60 mph, it stalled, began to shake, and decrease in speed. It wouldn't let me accelerate. Once I got off the freeway and reached under 10 mph, it began to work again but still stalled every time it shifted gears. I've taken it to the dealer and they say they can't find anything wrong with it.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #47

Feb 242016

Regal

  • 39,562 miles
Vehicle was being driven off of main highway into a shopping center parking lot when the engine shut off causing the vehicle to lose power steering and brakes. Vehicle would not restart and needed to be towed to lester glenn Buick that night. The next day after sitting in the dealership parking lot, the vehicle was able to start and the dealership stated they were"unable to duplicate the problem" and found nothing wrong with the vehicle. I presently own two(2) 2011 Buick Regal and both have experienced this same problem with loss of steering and braking. I have contacted G M numerous times and have received no calls back from their "senior " adviser. Have also read about similar complaints on the internet with these vehicles. Hopefully G M will address this serious safety issue before someone gets seriously hurt

- Toms River, NJ, USA

problem #46

Jul 262017

Regal

  • 69,579 miles
Vehicle has 69,579 miles. While turning onto side street off of main road, engine shut off causing loss of power steering and brakes. Vehicle was able to be restarted after a minute and driven home. Vehicle was taken to lester glenn Buick dealership for this problem. The dealership was "unable to duplicate the problem" and there were no codes showing a problem. I was told that the issue was that the vehicle was 100 miles overdue for and oil change and was a little low on oil. When I questioned this I was told it is a "safety feature" to protect the engine from damage because of low oil. I asked if it was a "safety feature" than why was my son able to restart the vehicle within a minute. Still have not received an answer. I have made numerous calls to G M about this issue but all I have gotten were two calls to my house phone when I was not home when I specifically left my cell phone number to be called. I have called an additional three times and left a message for a senior adjuster to call me back and still have not received a response. As luck would have it, I own two 2011 Buick Regals and my daughters car is experiencing the same issues, but that will be listed as another complaint. Appears to be multiple issues on the internet with this same concern, but nothing seems to get done

- Toms River, NJ, USA

problem #45

Jul 112017

Regal

  • 61,000 miles
Last nite, 9:30 pm we came out of publix parking lot doing an easy left. The engine shut off, all lights lit up on dash and center console lit up saying "lower driver window.." followed by "lower passenger window"!! we coasted to side of road, put it in park then it started and we got home. This morning, a easy right onto highway and locks opened and closed by themselves at about 30 mph! during the hwy drive, at 75mph car stutters, engine whines then catches itself, all dash lights come on and the engine light blinks 3 times then goes out! what the he**.. could have died!

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

problem #44

Jul 062017

Regal

  • 67,000 miles
Buick Regal 2011 is currently at 67K, the vehicle had transmission replaced at 63K. The automobile continues to stall as there seems to be concerns related to the acceleration/power of the car at times, vehicle doesn't display the power it should be driving with. In addition automobile is making a squeaking noise from the water pump or belt when vehicle air conditioning is ran (either in motion or stationary).

- Hammond, IN, USA

problem #43

Jun 252017

Regal

  • 64,000 miles
Only 64,000 miles on the car and the engine light came on and the timing chain was bad. I believe it is a defective timing chain

- Willowick, OH, USA

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