MotorDeets

2011 Buick Regal: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2011 Buick Regal: 4 recalls, 280 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
280owner complaints
7mention a crash
24best combined mpg
2011 Buick Regal
Photo: BUICK REGAL · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #12V484000 · 2012 · 120,426 vehicles

What's wrong: 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."

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Gm will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014.

Seats Vehicle recall #14V447000 · 2014 · 414,333 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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.

Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #16V502000 · 2016 · 8,367 vehicles

What's wrong: 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 Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 114, "theft protection…

Why it matters: If the key is removed without the transmission in park, the vehicle May rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: 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.

Seats, Electrical Vehicle recall #16V517000 · 2016 · 42,984 vehicles

What's wrong: The power seat wiring harness May contact the seat frame, causing the wires to chafe.

Why it matters: Chafed harness wires May cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine108
Electrical75
Transmission & drivetrain39
Exterior lights38
Brakes32
Seats29
Stability control19
Steering17

What owners describe

The 2011 Buick Regal has 280 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 29 Regal model years for complaints (2.7× the average Regal year). Complaints peaked in 2017 (47 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 66,900 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (1 complaints, 0 recalls), 2012 (92 complaints, 7 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive203124Gasoline or E85
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive193023Regular
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive182821Gasoline or E85

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Buick Regal.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2011 Buick Regal manual

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FAQ

Does the 2011 Buick Regal have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Buick Regal. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2011 Buick Regal problems?

Owners have filed 280 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (108), electrical (75), transmission & drivetrain (39).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Buick Regal get?

EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2011 Buick Regal repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Regal years

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