NHTSA — Fuel/Propulsion System Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,590 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 fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2011 Buick Regal Owner Comments

problem #14

Sep 212023

Regal

  • miles

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

Preparing to park into a parking space in an off street parking lot the vehicle forcefully and rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into a fence. I was not accelerating. I attempted to stop the car using the brakes but they did not engage quickly enough to stop the rapid, forceful, and without warning acceleration. Buick has been contacted about the defect. Buick ran extensive diagnostics on the car and denies there is a defect. Police came to the scene and advised that given the 2 other incidents that I have experienced, the car is unsafe to drive given potential damage to others. A police report was filed.

- Natick, MA, USA

problem #13

May 122023

Regal

  • miles
When pulling into parking space the car rapidly accelerated on its' own and crashed into the car in the next parking space. I did not have my foot on the gas, the car was simply idling. The acceleration was so rapid that applying the brake was useless.

- Natick, MA, USA

problem #12

Mar 202015

Regal

  • miles
I was parking in marked space. I had turned into space, my foot was off the gas pedal. The car was 3/4 into the space when it malfunctioned and rapidly accelerated into a hardened snow bank. i instantly braked but there was not enough space to avoid collision.

- Natick, MA, USA

problem #11

Jul 082021

Regal

  • miles

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

While the vehicle was driving, there was a loss of power, at that moment sparks was seen emanating from under the hood, then the vehicle completely stopped running. Once pulled over smoke was bellowing out from the hood and subsequently ignited into flames. Fire department was dispatched and fire was extinguished. The vehicle was towed away and is still at the tow yard. The tow operator, based on visual inspection stated the fire did start in the engine compartment and spread to the fire wall, totaling the vehicle.

- Gooding, ID, USA

problem #10

Jan 012019

Regal

  • miles
The oil consumption in the car is horrible, I have to atleat add oil in my car about 5 time in between oil changes, and my oil changes are done regularly, ive also have the issue of my oil and gas mixing, I did take it to the shop once and they fixed a recall that was involved with high pressure fuel pump, but im guessing they didnt fix the issue once that repair was done like they said it would.

- Athens, GA, USA

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problem #9

Jan 022021

Regal

  • 77,000 miles
Engines started to putter. Then engine power reduced came on. Car died then the service stabilitrak came

- Villa Park, IL, USA

problem #8

Feb 012020

Regal

  • 100,000 miles

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

Vehicle dies in the middle of driving at all speeds and can't steer or brake only pray. Also, I turned vehicle off and won't restart tower to service center they said I need new engine!!!! I was just driving it no smoke no smell just won't start he said no oil in engine even though not scheduled for a oil change yet. Radio won't keep date or time or radio stations!

- Saucier, MS, USA

problem #7

Jul 172020

Regal

  • 48,535 miles
I noticed that the car was resisting acceleration a little bit, have 48,545 miles on it and took it for oil change with fuel injection cleaner and full tank of good gas. Got on highway and the acceleration died completely and no gas was getting through, like flooring it in neutral. Pulled off the side and it restarted but continued dying along the way if I try to accelerate.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #6

Sep 122019

Regal

  • 73,000 miles
Reference the below background information on GM's L4 - 2.4L 4 cylinder engines: Please reference document id: 4821148 #12313D: Special coverage - engine balance chain and fuel pump - (June 6, 2017) this special coverage bulletin was provided by my mechanic at midas from the alldatapro.com website. Special extended warranty repairs are supposed to be covered via this bulletin for 120,000 miles or 10 years for GM vehicles that have the L4 engine including the 2011 Buick Regal. My 2011 Buick Regal is definitely exhibiting all symptoms / problems that are well known with the General Motors L4 - 2.4 L four cylinder engine. See information below about oil consumption and engine performance symptoms: Https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/research/seven-engines-to-avoid-like-the-plague/ar-aavz7vm#page=3 I am a former GM powertrain division engineering / salaried employee where I had a 20 year career background with engines and transmissions. The L4-2.4L engine is a known safety hazard as the engine can fail while under normal operation on a highway or city street with potential catastrophic results. Even with the mechanic oe bulletin referenced above, GM refuses to cover expenses for permanent repairs for the 2011 Buick Regal. Instead dealership customer service representatives are instructing vehicle owners to just add oil frequently. (note: The low oil indicator is also defective.) please also reference the class action law suit below: Https://www.classaction.org/media/berman-et-al-V-general-motors-llc-joint-notice-of-settlement.pdf GM corporation customer service, professional mechanics, and GM's dealership network (Buick and Cadillac) all are fully aware of the catastrophic safety consequences that this engine poses to the general public; yet, a comprehensive recall and appropriate extended warranty coverage is being denied.

- Charter Township Of Clinton, MI, USA

problem #5

Oct 182018

Regal

  • 55,000 miles
Nyb car has less than 69K miles and is burning through oil. I bought it used and the dealer liked warranty ended before problems started. My check engine light came on within the first 2000 miles of me driving and the dealer wanted to charge me another $200 for a diagnostic. So I went to a mechanic and he said the engine was burning through oil faster than it should. At this point the car had turned off while under 10mph twice which is dangerous as the brakes lock up along with steering becoming very stiff. A mechanic did work on the car replacing plugs and other parts that had been damaged fue to the oil being gone, but the same engine is still in the car. Now less than a year later along with regular oil changes the car still burns through oil. The engine causes the car to rock when at idle and when moving under 5mph. My fear is that ive car will shut off again. This is a fault of Buick for designing an engine that can't hold oil.

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #4

May 192017

Regal

  • 60,800 miles

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

Takata recall - my Regal is 2011. I have not had any problems prior to this. My service stabilitrak ligh began coming on along with ABS light. I also explained the check engine light would come on after filling the tank and it reduced to 3/4 of tank. Last week all lights came in on car as I was parking. Took the car into to be serviced. The dealer completed a diagnosis advising I had a leak from my fuel pump. Needed new fuel pump, fuel injectors. For the ABS problem needed new bearings and sensors. I drove away for second opinion. The next day while driving slowed for a traffic light and pressed gas to take off the car would not accelerate. The engine was running. I had to turn car on and back off to get to move to the center of the road during rush hour. I sat there for a min. Was able crack and get to a safe place off the major road. I got a second opinion having the car towed to Firestone. They also saw a fuel pump code and mentioned the timing chain. I had car towed to the dealer. They replaced the fuel pump on my way home on the interstate. I slowed for the exit and hit the gas. The car stalled again. I was afraid at that point. The dealer cannot tell me what the exact issue is with the car. It is still there for diagnostic now. They had to escalate and still no answer. They are using trial and error to resolve the issue which is a dangerous and expensive joke.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #3

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 #2

Jul 062015

Regal

  • 80,000 miles
Vehicle continually stalled and died at red lights, stop signs, or when slowing for turning vehicles. Took vehicle to dealership and was told that it was not serious and was scheduled for repair 2 days later. Diagnosed as camshaft indicator. Current recall outstanding on some 2011 Buick Regals but not all. However, based on research on Buick service website, it appears to be widespread problem and was dangerous considering my vehicle died at an exit ramp leaving the interstate.

- Bolivar, TN, USA

problem #1

Nov 032014

Regal 4-cyl

  • 31,928 miles
When I filled the Buick Regal with gas and at speeds 45mph and up, you start to smell gas fumes inside the vehicle. It's cold out so the windows are up and on two occasions, after I got to work I was dizzy and light-headed and my heart was pounding. Two co-workers wouldn't leave my side until my head cleared. They thought I was having a heart attack or something, but my heart and head finally cleared. I'm scared to drive it and I work an hour away and may cause an accident.

- Goldsboro, NC, USA

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