Model year report

2011 Buick Regal: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2011 Buick Regal

On the 2011 Buick Regal, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, and the reports cluster around 50,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other speed control problem, reported by a median of 25,000 miles. Overall it scores 73 out of 100, high risk for a 2011.

High risk for a 2011 — 103rd riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. 441 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

What breaks on the 2011 Buick Regal

Owners have reported 47 named failure modes on the 2011 Buick Regal, and the three most-reported carry 31% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.

Other engine problem leads with 53 reports, about 1.2 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 35k to 77,500 miles.

Other electrical problem follows with 49 reports, usually reported between 41k to 95,000 miles. 5 of those reports mention a fire.

Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure follows with 35 reports, usually reported between 59k to 92,500 miles.

By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (126), electrical (82) and lighting (38).

When these failures get reported

317 of the reports on the 2011 Buick Regal came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 69,000 miles.

Cumulatively, 32% by 50,000 miles, 78% by 100,000 miles and 95% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.

The busiest stretch is between 60,000 and 70,000 miles, which alone holds 11% of the dated reports.

21% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.

In the order they tend to show up: other speed control problem around 24k, control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure around 30k, other driver assistance problem around 44k and other body or interior problem around 48k.

Median

Other engine problem

49k
Other electrical problem

59k
Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure

80k
Other body or interior problem

48k
Headlight failure or clouding

95k
Other powertrain problem

73k
Excessive oil consumption

73k
Wiring harness or short circuit

94k
Other driver assistance problem

44k
Misfire or rough idle

70k
Other brake problem

64k
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure

30k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 47. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 69k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

Severity, and what it costs

Across the named modes, 13 mention a crash, 14 a fire and 8 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.27, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, other electrical problem at $250–$2,000, timing chain, belt or tensioner failure at $1,200–$4,500 and other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

38% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
Other engine problem	engine	53	44	35k	49k	79k	1.2	$300–$4,000	High
Other electrical problem	electrical	49	28	41k	59k	95k	1.1	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure	engine	35	32	59k	80k	93k	0.8	$1,200–$4,500	Critical
Other body or interior problem	body	27	12	870	48k	94k	0.6	$200–$2,000	Moderate
Headlight failure or clouding	lighting	24	16	69k	95k	129k	0.6	$150–$1,800	Moderate
Other powertrain problem	transmission	24	16	45k	73k	109k	0.6	$400–$4,500	High
Excessive oil consumption	engine	19	16	66k	73k	86k	0.4	$900–$6,500	High
Wiring harness or short circuit	electrical	17	13	40k	94k	126k	0.4	$400–$3,500	High
Other driver assistance problem	adas	15	13	17k	44k	64k	0.3	$250–$1,800	High
Misfire or rough idle	engine	12	9	63k	70k	70k	0.3	$250–$1,600	Moderate
Other brake problem	brakes	12	7	—	64k	—	0.3	$300–$1,800	High
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure	electrical	9	9	12k	30k	74k	0.2	$700–$3,000	High
Loss of braking	brakes	9	9	40k	70k	96k	0.2	$400–$3,000	Critical
Other fuel system problem	fuel	9	5	—	55k	—	0.2	$300–$2,200	High
Other speed control problem	adas	9	8	7k	24k	62k	0.2	$250–$2,000	Critical
Tail light, brake light or signal failure	lighting	8	5	—	95k	—	0.2	$100–$900	Moderate
Complete transmission failure	transmission	7	7	—	45k	—	0.2	$2,800–$8,000	Critical
Seat belt or retractor failure	airbag	6	3	—	134k	—	0.1	$200–$900	High
Loss of power steering	steering	6	6	—	71k	—	0.1	$600–$2,800	Critical
Other lighting problem	lighting	6	3	—	59k	—	0.1	$120–$1,200	Moderate
Parking brake failure	brakes	5	5	—	129k	—	0.1	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Other steering problem	steering	5	4	—	76k	—	0.1	$350–$2,400	High
No-start or intermittent start failure	engine	4	4	—	100k	—	0.1	$200–$1,800	Moderate
Fuel pump failure	fuel	4	2	—	149k	—	0.1	$600–$2,600	High
Engine sensor failure	electrical	4	4	—	69k	—	0.1	$180–$900	Moderate
Stalling while driving	engine	3	1	—	109k	—	0.1	$300–$2,500	Critical
Overheating	cooling	3	3	—	60k	—	0.1	$400–$3,500	High
Transmission will not engage a gear	transmission	3	3	—	60k	—	0.1	$1,500–$6,000	Critical
CVT failure	transmission	3	0	—	—	—	0.1	$3,000–$8,500	Critical
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure	electrical	3	3	—	40k	—	0.1	$250–$1,500	High
Instrument cluster or gauge failure	infotainment	3	1	—	5k	—	0.1	$350–$1,400	Moderate
Airbag inflator rupture	airbag	3	1	—	118k	—	0.1	$0–$0	Critical
Cruise control failure	adas	3	3	—	98k	—	0.1	$200–$1,400	High
Other suspension problem	suspension	3	0	—	—	—	0.1	$350–$2,000	Moderate
Other wheel or tire problem	wheels	3	1	—	35k	—	0.1	$200–$1,500	High
Water pump failure	cooling	2	2	—	67k	—	0.0	$500–$2,200	High
Audio or connectivity failure	infotainment	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$150–$900	Low
Premature brake pad or rotor wear	brakes	2	2	—	50k	—	0.0	$300–$1,400	Moderate
Strut, shock or spring failure	suspension	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$500–$2,000	Moderate
Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure	suspension	2	1	—	180k	—	0.0	$400–$2,200	High
Rust or structural corrosion	body	2	1	—	96k	—	0.0	$500–$6,000	High
Sunroof failure or glass breakage	body	2	2	—	143k	—	0.0	$700–$4,500	High
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure	fuel	1	1	—	36k	—	0.0	$250–$1,800	Moderate
Master cylinder or brake booster failure	brakes	1	1	—	158k	—	0.0	$450–$2,200	Critical
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault	airbag	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$300–$1,600	High
Lane keep or steering assist fault	adas	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$200–$1,600	High
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure	steering	1	1	—	98k	—	0.0	$700–$2,600	High
Unclassified problem	other	14	10	24k	61k	89k	0.3	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2011 Buick Regal draws about 10 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 92nd percentile of complaint rates among 2011 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 42,984 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2011 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure

I received a letter from buick which said my balancing belt (timing chain) could break causing engine damage. They would not do anything about it until it broke. They extended the warranty in case that happened. If the timing chain breaks and the engine stops, I will lose steering control which is a comforting thought. If I am on interstate doing 70 MPH and lose steering, good bye! *tr

17,000 miles NHTSA complaint 1045810 filed 2014-03-13

Timing chain and water pump chain and all the other good things that go along with this needed to be replace on my 2011 buick regal 2.4l engine just under 25000 milesthis should not have happened at this mileage. What if this decided to go while I was on the highway..this seems like a problem that needs to be investigated. *tr

24,997 miles NHTSA complaint 1088208 filed 2014-07-19

Recalls on the 2011 model year

NHTSA has issued 4 recall campaigns covering the 2011 Buick Regal, affecting an estimated 88,011 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover electrical system:wiring, power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/t, seats:front assembly:power adjust and exterior lighting:turn signal. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.

16V517000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

42,984 vehicles 2016-07-07

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured November 3, 2009, to March 25, 2011, equipped with 8-way power adjustable front seats. The power seat wiring harness may contact the seat frame, causing the wires to chafe.
Consequence: Chafed harness wires may cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, and repair any chafed wires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 30710.

16V502000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

8,367 vehicles 2016-07-05

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor…
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

14V447000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

414,333 vehicles 2014-07-23

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Consequence: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

12V484000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

120,426 vehicles 2012-10-04

Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2011 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2011 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

How 2011 compares with the other years

High risk for a 2011 — 103rd riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.

Across the 18 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2004 comes out best at 57 and 2018 worst at 79, with 2011 itself at 73.

If the model year is negotiable, 2004, 2017, 2015, 1999, 1998, 2002, 2003, 1997, 2019, 1996, 2013, 2012 and 2000 score lower than 2011 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.

Within the 2008–2013 generation specifically, 2013 is the strongest year at 69 and 2011 the weakest at 73.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 2008-2013 generation, 2013 Buick Regal scores best at 69 and 2011 Buick Regal worst at 73.

What to look at before buying one

The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other body or interior problem from about 870, other speed control problem from about 7k, control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure from about 12k and other driver assistance problem from about 17k.

On a 2011 Buick Regal with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other body or interior problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.

None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.

Where these figures stop being useful

441 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 441 reports, 317 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 72% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Buick Regal?

The most-reported failures are other engine problem (53 reports, median 50,000 miles), other electrical problem (49 reports, median 60,000 miles) and timing chain, belt or tensioner failure (35 reports, median 80,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

At what mileage do 2011 Buick Regal problems start?

Other speed control problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 25,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 5,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 69,000 miles.

Is the 2011 Buick Regal reliable?

It scores 73 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 103rd riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2011 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the Buick Regal is best?

Within the 2008–2013 generation, 2013 scores best at 69 out of 100 and 2011 worst at 73. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 30 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed