10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
64,031 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 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #26

Feb 132016

Regal 4-cyl

  • 47,000 miles

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

While approaching an intersection at approximately 35 mph my 2011 Buick Regal with less than 48,000 completely stalled out. No warning at all. All the lights were on in the dash including a stabili trac. Light and a message that read engine power reduced. I then blared my horn and cruised thru the intersection on a red light thankful it just turned red and opposing traffic hadn't started across yet. I was finally able to stop the car that had absolutely no power steering and ABS was turned off and shut the car off. I waited a few minutes until my nerves calmed down and restarted the car all the lights were off except the engine light. Drove the car home and called the dealership, who then had it towed to them. By that time the computer restarted itself and no check engine light was on, with that no reading as to what the problem was at the dealership and I was left being looked at as if I didn't know what I was talking about. This happened approximately 3 months ago and I have had the same problem a total of 3 times since then. When is Buick going to step up to the plate and finally do something about this" are they waiting for someone to be killed first? I've read this same problem with the same car numerous times on numerous sites...where is our help???"

- Phila, PA, USA

problem #25

Mar 052016

Regal

  • 109,000 miles
Car stalls while driving on the highway, tremendously dangerous to my family and other drivers. This happens without warning and no check engine lights, the car becomes completely unresponsive but all the lights are still on. This scenario is hazardous to the traveling public on all roadways!

- Fayetteville, GA, USA

problem #24

Feb 292016

Regal

  • 70,000 miles
I have owned my Regal since 2011. As I accelerate the car would shudder and shake, then I would get a service stabilli trac message followed by a message stating that the engine power has been reduced. After I have the issue it will reset itself after restarting and then will run fine for a while. I called on star on several occasions and they told me that it has an engine misfire or the stability trac needs to be serviced or the electronic throttle body is malfunctioning. I have taken the car to the dealer and they tried to fix without any luck. I think part of the trouble with fixing it is the fact that the computer resets itself and therefore they can't find a code. The other issue with trying to fix is the fact that the car only has the issue when it is 35-40 degrees outside and below. Other issues I have had, driver's seat heater not working, outside trunk release not working, passenger side seat belt does not connect properly and of course the recalls for the driver's seat bolt and exterior turn signals. Now for the bad news for myself is that the car is out of warranty. Given the fact that I have read many similar complaints and most of them not being resolved, I find it very hard to bring myself to take it to the dealer and have them guess to what the fix may be at my expense.

- Hunstersville, NC, USA

problem #23

Feb 252016

Regal

  • 56,000 miles

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

While driving down the road yesterday, at around 50 miles per hour, our 2011 Buick Regal, with only 56,000 miles on it, lost power out of the blue and would not drive over 30 miles per hour. It apparently was in reduced power mode due to a faulty throttle body. Thankfully we were not on the expressway, as this would have been a very dangerous situation given the roads were very icy yesterday. Apparently, many 2010 - 2012 Buick Regals are covered for this with a special coverage adjustment so it is a known problem. We believe our vehicle should be included in this adjustment as well. As I mentioned earlier, this could be a very dangerous situation and we believe it needs to be addressed.

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

problem #22

Feb 062016

Regal

  • 75,900 miles
While driving the car, it stalled and cut off while in the midst of making a right hand turn. All power was on temporarily but the engine was unable to turn over after cutting out. The dealership is unable to diagnose the issue, and apparently the issue has occurred before to the previous owner. The car is still under a 5 year 100,000 powertrain warranty. It appears no proper diagnosis has occurred and this issue has been occurring on the car since approx. 52,000 miles current millage is 75,900. I have referenced previous tsb NHTSA id 10037218 to the dealership and have received no response as of yet as to the underlying issue. I have discovered other owners having similar issues on websites such as carcomplaints.com and various Buick Regal forums. This appears to me as a major safety issue as when the car shuts off it does not power back on, and it cuts seemingly randomly.

- Murrietta, CA, USA

problem #21

Jan 082016

Regal

  • 53,000 miles
53000 miles. When car is in motion. Car goes to low power more and check stabili-track message comes on. Car shakes bad at idle, idles too high, (almost to a point where brakes won't hold at a stop). Shut down and restart car goes back to normal conditions for short puerile of time. Check engine light comes on and code for throttle body malfunction is detected. Called Buick service number and was told it would be under warranty. Made appointment with dealership checked code and determined same code issue and it was not covered under warranty. Did. Not have them fix it yet. Cost is excessive and was told under warranty by manufacturer. Waiting on customer service call back. Car is unsafe to drive. Have seen many similar complaints but have seen nothing done by Buick or ntsb.

- Rockford, IL, USA

problem #20

Jun 022015

Regal

  • 88,750 miles

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

The check/service engine light comes on. After a few days it goes away. I have had the codes read and the issue cannot be determined. Sometimes the acceleration from stop does not respond timely. It makes it difficult when merging on freeways. I was almost involved in a car accident when the first incident occurred due to slow response of acceleration. Maf has been clean. The a new maf was installed. Nothing has changed. Also I am not sure if this is related but I cannot run my air conditioner until the car has been running for a few miles. If I do the compressor will make an awful noise. An odor has started to come from the vents when the air is not running.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #19

Aug 192015

Regal

  • 59,374 miles
The car stalled today after reversing out of my parking spot and shifting into drive. This is the 3rd time in my 14 months of owning the car that this has happened. It only happens right after turning the car on. The steering goes out and the engine stalls, but the electronics remain on, it's a lot like what happens when you run out of fuel but my tank is full. The dealer cannot replicate the issue and will not do anything. They claim they've never heard of this issue before.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #18

Jul 062015

Regal

  • 107,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal.while driving approximately 45 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing change failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.

- Wixom, MI, USA

problem #17

Jun 242015

Regal

  • 22,775 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. While the vehicle was being inspected by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the cam shaft position actuator solenoid valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in a manufacturer's recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,775.

- Milford, CT, USA

problem #16

Jun 102015

Regal

  • 96,000 miles

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

I was driving down the highway, 78 mph in rush hour and my engine died/no power, no brakes, no steering. Heavy traffic, no control. I made it to shoulder, very difficult to ease the vehicle over. No warning lights. Engine just died. No control. Once the car stopped after rolling at a high speed, I tried to start my engine. Engine started, and able to proceed. Next day, similar incident happened I was turning a corner. The same thing happened, I was going a lower speed. I had less control after the engine died, no warning lights etc.very difficult to maneuver. I turned the key and it started. I took it to the dealer. They said needed oil change, and 3 quarts low on oil. And I was 1000 miles over. They were sending me home with oil change, I pleaded to look into further as I was in fear of my life driving. The service sheet indicated the car had multiple cam actuator system failure codes. The service manager said low on oil, and was safe, he went to get the car. The car stalled on him...no power, no alarms, no service engine soon lights, etc. Eventually, I convinced them to give me a vehicle to drive after initial denial. 1 week later, they have found nothing wrong. Said exhaust cam shaft actuator was broken. They replaced the timing chains, the actuators, and selenoids. Still no explanation why my car died driving down the road at 78mph they said sometimes it takes 3 failures or key cycles before an alarm will be set. Not sure if they truly found the problem so they have asked to drive my car for several days to see if the default continues to show up. I am very concerned that an engine should stop while traveling at high speeds 3 times before an alarm system or warning would ever be given to the driver that there may be a problem. I am still very concerned and am not sure if I should be driving this vehicle or not for fear of my life.

- St. Johns, MI, USA

problem #15

Jun 052015

Regal

  • 63,000 miles
Engine keeps stalling., it happens at intersections and randomlly after accelerating. The car dies. I have had this checked by dealers and several mechanics. Very loud noise when vehicle starts up. Runs rough and does not accelerate correctly. Shakes whenever idle and turns off randomlly. Possible ECM software update needed based on internet search for the similiar issue with this model and year. Dealer was unable to assist or even comment on any updates to software without going in and paying for inspection again. Fuses, air intake, O2 sensors filers, everything has been checked.

- Belleville , MI, USA

problem #14

May 042015

Regal

  • 40,102 miles
Engine stalling in intersection, and in a parking lot. Was attempting to cross an intersection and car just died, started it again it moved very roughly and died again. It was hot outside and I had the air running. No dtc codes present. It has now happened several more times while just letting off the gas and pulling into a parking spot. It's very random and I am afraid to have my wife or daughter drive the vehicle and have it die in a cross road or intersection. Lots of posts on similar issues, but no recalls from Buick.....will someone have to die first?

- Williamsport, OH, USA

problem #13

Apr 182015

Regal 4-cyl

  • 47,920 miles
On Saturday, 4/18/15, I was in the intersection waiting to make a left hand turn; the vehicle was not moving. When it was clear to complete the left hand turn, I placed my foot on the accelerator and the vehicle would not move forward. By this time, the light changed to red, permitting traffic in the opposite direction to move forward. However, I am in the middle of the intersection unable to move. I shut the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle at which time, I was able to maneuver my vehicle out the away and complete my left hand turn. I took it to the Buick dealership located at 7400 w cermak road in North riverside, il on 4/20/15 and they found nothing wrong with it. So I picked up my vehicle home 4/20/15 and drove it home. On the ride home, it performed with no issues. Then on Tuesday, 4/21/15, I was sitting at a red light. Once the light turned green which permitted me to move forward, I placed my foot on the acceleration. The vehicle jolted forward an inch or so and would not move forward any longer. The van behind me had to swing to the right of my vehicle to avoid rear ending me. This is a very dangerous situation. This could cause accidents and/or injury and fatalities. I also had my 13 yr old daughter in the vehicle with me during both incidents. I've seen numerous complaints about this same problem. This needs to be addressed as the could end someone's life or seriously injure someone.

- Hillside, IL, USA

problem #12

Apr 182015

Regal 4-cyl

  • 40,040 miles
I was driving about 35 mph and was coming into an intersection in which I needed to turn. Stoplight turned red, so I stopped. As soon as I stopped, the car just died. Would not restart. Had to call a tow truck. My daughter was in the car! we could have seriously been hurt. Someone please figure out what is going on. Have had my car at dealer before and mentioned stalling, but nothing has been done. Will be having it towed back in Monday.

- Ossian, IN, USA

problem #11

Oct 152014

Regal

  • 53,000 miles
I bought this 2011 Buick Regal with about 53000 miles on it from a private seller. From the day I got it the stereo, clock, navigation have been a problem. The clock doesn't hold the time, stereo turns off my itself or sometimes makes a loud pop noise and doesn't work. The navigation is in the state of Washington, I live in N.Y. the drivers heated seat doesn't work. The bumper to bumper warranty was up 3000 mile ago, at this point. Later, the timing chain needed to be replaced. The motor made a loud knock and would surge, hesitate and stall. With the timing being off, the transmission wouldn't downshift and was hard to stop the car. Two months later the same symptoms re-occurred. The dealer charged me to diagnose and told me it was down 2 quarts of oil. They changed the oil 2 months prior. Now, I noticed the rear brakes are dragging and don't release sometimes. GM, Buick and two dealer won't do anything about any of this. An expensive car that is barely years old with all these problems. I've seen the service bulletins on all off these problems. No help from GM, just index card readers from the philippines who apologize every thirty seconds and make excuses!

- Amherst, NY, USA

problem #10

Jan 302015

Regal

  • 44,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle started to shake and stalled intermittently. The contact stated that the failure occurred during cold weather conditions. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate over 36 mph. The contact also stated that the vehicle would accelerate independently intermittently. The contact mentioned that the electronic stability control, the engine and the oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,000.

- Elizabeth, NJ, USA

problem #9

Nov 142011

Regal

  • 6,000 miles
Purchased car in summer of 2011. During the first cold weather car would give a warning to service stabiliti trac and that the engine power had been reduced. I decided to pull over and restart the vehicle and it would reset the computer and the warning lights would turn off. I took this to the dealer and they could not replicate the issue. I started to let the car warm up in the winter and this seemed to help until recently. Within the last few weeks I have been having similar problems even after letting the car warm up. The car will automatically reduce engine power even while on the highway making it difficult to get out of the way of traffic. After these incidents the check engine light will come on but will go off after turning the car off and restarting. I have contacted onstar and they tell me the same thing that the warning lights do. I have also had issues with the car trying to accelerate on its own while at a stoplight. After going to the dealer and having them not able to diagnose the problem or try to repair it and not fix the issues, I feel at a loss of what to do at this point. I do not have the time or money to keep going to the dealer only to leave with the same problems. I would think that the manufacturer would be more inclined to fix these issue before people are injured or any fatalities occur due to their negligence. I feel that after reading about other people's similar issues that this is something that should call for a recall.

- Grand Ledge, MI, USA

problem #8

Jan 312015

Regal 4-cyl

  • 18,000 miles
The vehicle lost most of its power, the engine light came on and it would not even accelerate to 40 mph. This is a very dangerous situation on the highway where the minimum speed is 45 mph. Apparently, this is not uncommon with that engine. I am now paying $611 to replace the throttle body that apparently is the source of the problem on this essentially new car.

- West Bloomfield, MI, USA

problem #7

Jul 242014

Regal 4-cyl

  • 33,000 miles
Well first there are a few complaints, first few months, car alarm going off at random, then trunk popped at random, brought in two separate occasions to dealer for service was said to be fixed. Then left signal outage few occasions brought in with the other work, had no idea about the bulbs till this site, then radio on and off intermittent, battery or other car dies charges will drive all day end of day after a battery jump stutters as driving or feels like going to just die. Got home on 7/21/2014 and noticed all the recalls on news had no clue it was this make, model, year, etc., my 18 has driven on numerous occasions (god forbid) ! also I'm reading where this make takes off at random has happened numerous times in drive thru assumed I hadn't applied enough pressure to brake. I'm furious and honestly with young adult drivers scared to death now! ohhh and never received any recall info on this vehicle ever! oh and my key broke to only thing is it bent and had replaced ! and seat was loose also.

- East Haven , CT, USA

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