CarBrief

Owners filed 92 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Regal, and exterior lighting leads the list[1][2]. The car also has 7 recalls on file, so check which ones apply to a specific car before you buy[3].

92owner complaints[1]
7recalls[3]
22–28MPG combined (EPA)[4]
5★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 92 owner complaints for the 2012 Regal[1]. Three mention a crash, two a fire and four an injury. None report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

The biggest groups are:

Headlights. In the sample of lighting complaints we read, 9 of 11 different texts describe water or condensation inside the headlight[2]. Owners describe bulbs or ballasts failing, and some quote dealer prices for a new assembly[2].

Engine. In the engine sample we read, 3 of 12 texts describe a car using oil quickly[6]. 5 of 12 describe the car stalling or shutting off[6]. The engine group has 1 fire report[6].

Electrical. In the electrical sample we read, 6 of 12 texts describe a battery that drains, a loss of power or a car that will not start[7].

Suspension. In the suspension sample we read, 7 of 10 texts are from owners who got a recall letter about the rear toe link and were told repair parts were not yet available[8][13]. These samples are small, so they show what owners describe, not how often it happens.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this model year, newest first[3].

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions. The eAssist model is the most efficient at 28 combined MPG. Combined ratings for the other versions run from 22 to 24 MPG. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
eAssist 2.4L, automatic[4] 24 / 35 / 28 $2,400
2.4L, automatic[20] 19 / 30 / 23 $2,900
2.0L turbo, manual[21] 20 / 31 / 24 $2,800
2.0L turbo, automatic[22] 18 / 29 / 22 $3,050

EPA also lists other turbo and fuel combinations, with 22 combined MPG[23][24][25]. Some versions run on gasoline or E85[22][26].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the 4-door all-wheel-drive Regal at 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover[5]. Rollover risk is 10.9%[5]. The front-wheel-drive sedan has the same ratings[27].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 220 to 270 hp depending on version[28]. The 2.4L 4-cylinder is rated 182 hp[29]. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[30].

Spec Base/eAssist Turbo/GS
Length[30][31] 191 in 191 in
Width[30][31] 73 in 73 in
Height[30][31] 58 in 58 in
Wheelbase[30][31] 108 in 108 in
Curb weight[30][31] 3,580 lb 3,688 lb

How 2012 compares with other years

1995: 173 complaints, 8 recalls19951996: 204 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 302 complaints, 6 recalls19981999: 246 complaints, 6 recalls2000: 184 complaints, 8 recalls20002001: 187 complaints, 6 recalls2002: 117 complaints, 3 recalls20022003: 101 complaints, 3 recalls2004: 66 complaints, 2 recalls20042011: 280 complaints, 4 recalls2012: 92 complaints, 7 recalls9220122013: 91 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 38 complaints, 2 recalls20142015: 33 complaints, 0 recalls2016: 41 complaints, 1 recalls20162017: 20 complaints, 0 recalls2018: 33 complaints, 3 recalls20182019: 19 complaints, 3 recalls2020: 6 complaints, 2 recalls2020
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Regal model year. The 2012 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951738
19962043
19983026
19992466
20001848
20011876
20021173
20031013
2004662
20112804
2012927
2013916
2014382
2015330
2016411
2017200
2018333
2019193
202062

NHTSA counts for the Regal show 2011 with 280 complaints and 4 recalls[3]. 2012 has 92 complaints and 7 recalls[3]. 2013 has 91 and 6, and 2014 has 38 and 2[3]. Since 2011, only 2011 has more complaints than 2012, and no year since 2011 has more recalls[3]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2012 Regal?

The 92 complaints are fewer than the 280 filed for 2011[3], but headlight moisture is a repeated theme in the sample we read, and replacement quotes can be high[2]. Seven recalls mean you should confirm with a dealer that every one that applies to the car was done. That matters most for the rear toe link recalls, since one recall text said parts were not available[13]. Fuel economy varies by version, with eAssist the best at 28 combined MPG[4]. Safety ratings are good at 5 stars overall[5][27].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Buick Regal?
Exterior lighting has the most complaints at 33 of 92[1][2]. Engine has 21 and electrical 18[6][7].
Has the 2012 Buick Regal been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls, including rear toe link recalls such as 26V113[14][3].
How many miles per gallon does a 2012 Buick Regal get?
EPA combined ratings run from 22 MPG for turbo versions to 28 MPG for the eAssist[22][4].
Is the 2012 Regal safe?
NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, 4 stars frontal and 4 stars rollover[5][27].
Is 2012 a good year for the Buick Regal?
It has 92 complaints, fewer than 2011 at 280, and 7 recalls, more than any other year from 2011 on[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 92 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Buick Regal (3 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 4 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 33 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Buick Regal model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Regal eAssist, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 35 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 21 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 18 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 11 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 9 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 7 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,074). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 7 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,149). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 6 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 20V764, filed December 21, 2020: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 26V113, filed February 26, 2026: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 21V00F, filed December 22, 2021: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 14V447, filed July 23, 2014: Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 13V173, filed May 6, 2013: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 12V484, filed October 4, 2012: Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 12V093, filed March 7, 2012: Exterior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
  20. EPA rating for Regal, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Regal, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 31 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Regal, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 29 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Regal, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Regal, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Regal, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Regal, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Buick Regal with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 220 to 270 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  29. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Buick Regal with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 182 hp. www.epa.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, REGAL 4DR SEDAN BASE/eAssist: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,580 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, REGAL 4DR SEDAN TURBO/GS: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,688 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.