Last updated: 2026-10-10
Buick Regal Reliability by Year
Buick Regal reliability is good for 2018 to 2020, and the 2020 is the pick. Check for stop-start delays and a stuck "Shift to Park" message.
Buick Regal Reliability Overview
Reliability is good across the 2018 to 2020 Regal, and it rates above average among sedans. The 2020 is the year to favor. Watch for a false "Shift to Park" message that can keep the car from shutting off and drain the battery, and for a stop-start system that restarts slowly after red lights.
Current generation: 6th gen (2018–2023), facelifted 2020.
Best & Worst Buick Regal Years
Best Buick Regal Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 2020 has the lowest complaint rate of the three years and the fewest federal recalls, two against three each for 2018 and 2019. It has also been on the road long enough for problems to show up. Its reports are light, with one electrical and one tire complaint.
Buick Regal Years to Avoid
No Buick Regal years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 73 and 75 across 3 scored model years.
Buick Regal Reliability Score Trend
Buick Regal reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 75/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2020 Buick Regal
2 recalls · 2 complaints
Final year of the fifth generation and the best-rated of three scored Regal years, with just two owner complaints and two recalls.
2019 Buick Regal
3 recalls · 18 complaints
Weakest of the three scored Regal years, with a recurring false Shift to Park warning that drains batteries and three recalls, two involving brakes.
2018 Buick Regal
3 recalls · 19 complaints
Rated good and above its class, but marked by brake complaints and three recalls, two of them for hydraulic service brakes.
Found Your Buick Regal? Check Its History
Electrical system (1) problems come up most in Buick Regal owner complaints, and 8 recalls cover the years we track. A VIN check shows whether the car you found had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Buick Regal Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$563
Repair Frequency
0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk
12%
$37 above the midsize cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #13 of 24 among midsize cars.
Buick Regal Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Buick Models
Compare all Buick models by reliability
Compare Buick Regal With Similar Sedans
The Buick Regal competes with other midsize sedans such as Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata.
Regal vs Toyota Camry
9 years tracked · 1604 complaints
Regal vs Honda Accord
9 years tracked · 3503 complaints
Regal vs Hyundai Sonata
9 years tracked · 1050 complaints
Regal vs Nissan Altima
9 years tracked · 741 complaints
Regal vs Kia K5
6 years tracked · 370 complaints
More Buick Regal comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Buick Regal reliable?
- Yes, reliability is good for the 2018 to 2020 model years, and the Regal rates above average among sedans on this site. Complaints are modest in number. The main concerns are electrical quirks, a false park message, and a handful of serious brake reports.
- What is the best Buick Regal year?
- The 2020 is the best pick. Owners have filed few complaints against it relative to sales, and it carries fewer recalls than the other two years. It has also been on the road long enough to judge fairly.
- What are the most common Buick Regal problems?
- Electrical system complaints lead, followed by service brakes, power train, and vehicle speed control. Typical symptoms are a check engine light that stays on, stop-start restarts with a delay, and a "Shift to Park" message that appears when the car is already in park.
- How much does it cost to maintain a Buick Regal?
- Independent repair-cost data puts the estimated annual repair cost at $563. That is a bit above the $526 average for midsize cars. The gap is small, so repair costs should not be the deciding factor for most buyers.
- Does the Buick Regal have brake problems?
- A few owners report them. Five brake complaints describe a hard pedal that needs heavy pressure, or braking that fades suddenly. Two of those involved crashes, one with an injury. Test the pedal feel on a drive before buying, and ask whether any recall work was done.
How we score the Buick Regal
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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