Last updated: 2026-10-10

2018 Buick Regal
RELIABILITY SCORE: 74/100 (GOOD)

2018 Buick Regal Reliability Report

The 2018 Buick Regal has good reliability, but brake complaints, including hard pedals and fading stops, are the main thing to check.

Recalls

3

Complaints

19

Complaint Rate

13.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$563

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,750–$3,100

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity65/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity81/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Rated good and above its class, but marked by brake complaints and three recalls, two of them for hydraulic service brakes.

Top Issues to Watch

  • SERVICE BRAKES (5)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2018 is 4 years after the minor facelift refresh.

  • Year 8 in the Fifth generation (2008) (2011–2020).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 5th generation Regal (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2011: Fifth generation (2008) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2014: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is 4 years after the minor facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2018 Buick Regal?

Reliability holds up well here. Standing is good, above average among 2018 sedans, and in the middle of the Regal's three scored years. Owners filed 19 complaints. The 2019 rates about the same, so neither year has a clear edge. Estimated repair cost across the Regal runs $563 a year against $526 for the class.

Brakes are the problem to know about. Five complaints describe a pedal that turns hard and needs heavy pressure, or braking that fades until the pedal is pushed nearly to the floor. Reports call it intermittent and worse in reverse. Two involve crashes, one with an injury. Federal recall records list three recalls: one for seat belts and two for hydraulic service brakes. Owners also report a check engine light that stays on, stop-start restarts that lag at red lights, and surging or hesitation when accelerating.

Ask the seller for proof that all three recalls were completed, especially the brake ones. Test the brakes going forward and in reverse, and watch the stop-start restart at a light. The 2019 is a fair alternative.

Compared to the 2019 Buick Regal, which scored 1 points lower.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (12%)
  • +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

  • −Moderate recall count
  • −SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (5 complaints)
  • −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Check engine light stays on or flickers on and off, and one owner cannot pass... (3 complaints)

Compare 2018 Buick Regal With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • SERVICE BRAKES (5)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2018 Buick Regal. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

13.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 25.7

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

5

Crashes

0

Fires

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Buick Regal Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Buick Regal. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

18V2300002018-04-12

SEAT BELTS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Buick Regal vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the rear seat belts may have been improperly routed around the bolster bracket on the rear outboard seats, which can cause inadequate restraint of the passengers.

Consequence

If the seat belt fails to adequately restrain the passengers in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear outboard seat belts, correcting the routing of the seat belts as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 14, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 18117.

18V5760002018-08-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

22V4650002022-06-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."

Consequence

A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the EBCM software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Buick's customer service at 1-800-521-7300.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Buick Regal? Check its history first

Service brakes problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Buick Regal, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2018 Buick Regal NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso (Rear Seat)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Buick RegalRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$563

vs $526 avg for midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

12%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Regal
$563
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

22–26 MPG

Running cost: $3,300–$3,650/yr

Fuel + repair

19–22 city / 27–32 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Regal AWD 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)192722$2,750
Regal 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)223226$2,850
Regal AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)212924$3,100
Regal TourX AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)212924$3,100

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Buick Regal.

  • Press the brake pedal hard with the engine running, both forward and in reverse; walk away if it feels rock hard.

  • Scan for stored trouble codes, especially brake control module codes, even if no warning lights are showing.

  • Check the VIN for open recalls and ask for paperwork showing completed brake work.

  • Confirm the check engine light goes out after startup and the car can pass an emissions test.

  • At several stops, let stop-start shut the engine off and feel for delayed restarts or jolts when releasing the brake.

  • Shift into Park and switch the car off several times; watch for a stuck Shift to Park message.

  • Run the heater and defrost on a cold day; watch for windshield fogging, cabin moisture, or musty vent smells.

  • Shift into reverse repeatedly and confirm the backup camera guide lines appear every time.

2018 Buick Regal Common Problems by Component

19 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

5
3
2
2
3
SERVICE BRAKES (5)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)TIRES (1)SEAT BELTS (1)SEATS (1)STEERING (1)Other (3)

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaintsSafety-related

The brake pedal turns hard and needs heavy pressure to stop the car, or braking fades suddenly until the pedal is pushed nearly to the floor. Reports call it intermittent and worse when reversing, with one dated to about 28,000 miles. Two of the 5 complaints involve crashes, one with an injury, where the car would not slow down or lurched forward when the brake was released. Some owners say a recall part was unavailable. Another says the firm pedal and brake control module trouble codes came back after a dead battery.

5 complaints total2 crashes1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

The check engine light stays on or flickers on and off, and one owner cannot pass an emissions retest because of it. Several reports describe the auto stop-start system shutting the engine off at red lights, then restarting with a long delay or an engine and transmission jolt when the brake is released. Owners see that delay as a rear-end collision risk. A separate complaint describes a stuck "Shift to Park" message at around 50,000 miles. Because of it, the car will not turn off and the battery drains.

3 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaintsSafety-related

The car surges forward or hesitates when the driver doesn't expect it. In the crash-related report, the car accelerated into a pole in a drive-thru while the brake pedal was pressed, at very low mileage. It appears to be the same incident that was also filed under service brakes. The other complaint describes sluggish acceleration when pulling away from a highway stop, which makes merging into traffic risky. Neither report mentions a dealer diagnosis or repair.

2 complaints total1 crash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

In cold weather, the climate system blows moisture into the cabin and fogs the windshield enough to block the view, even with defrost on maximum. The reports also mention the AC switching on by itself, a smell from the vents, and a service department that could not reproduce the problem. In a separate issue, the backup camera's guide lines disappear at random and return only after shifting to neutral and back into reverse. A module was replaced 4 times without fixing it.

2 complaints total
TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint
2023-11-15

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal equipped with General Tires, Tire Line: Unknown, Tire Size: 245/45R18, and DOT Number: Unknown. The contact stated that after traveling over 3,000 miles and driving at an undisclosed speed, upon reaching his destination, he became aware that an abnormal buddle had developed on the side wall of the front passenger side tire. The tire was taken to the dealer, who determined that the bubble was the result of the vehicle having been driven over a pothole. All four tires were replaced. The tires were not original to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,500.

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaintSafety-related
2023-08-14Crash reported2 injuries

On Monday, August 14th, at approximately 5 pm, my wife and I were traveling in our 2018 Buick Regal towards a red streetlight. I began applying my brakes to come to a stop. I was several car lengths behind a vehicle that was up ahead. My car's engine then revved up and our vehicle kept on going and jerking front and back although I was applying the brakes. Our car failed to stop so I struck the stationary vehicle. I kept on applying the brakes, but the car kept on going and jerking until I struck the car in front a second time. Our vehicles engine continued to revve up and the brakes continued to fail and I struck the rear end of the car in front of me again. The other driver crossed the intersection with us traveling right behind with no control over our vehicle. When we crossed the intersection there was an incline, so this slowed down our car since our brakes did not work, I pulled the steering wheel to the right towards the cement curb, then I put the transmission into Park, then the car's engine revved up once again and made a loud noise. Both vehicles sustained damage. I then was able to turn the engine off. This action was the only maneuver which stopped our car. Both my wife and I had injuries which we were checked at a hospital emergency room. We have our vehicle parked at our home's driveway and it it available for inspection. The fact that our vehicle's brakes failed to function placed me and my passenger and others at risk. My wife called our dealership the following day, and a manager stated we needed to report this incident. Our vehicle has not been inspected at this point. There were no symptoms of the problem that appeared other than the engine making a sound like increasing in speed and the brakes failing. At the hospital I was diagnosed with a concussion. My wife was diagnosed with neck pain since her head kept snapping back and forth and hitting the dashboard area and the headrest. The seatbelts plus the airbags also failed to properly function.

SEATS (1 complaints)

SEATS

1 complaint
2022-11-26

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat failed to move forward or backward. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver's seat metal frame to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,164.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint
2020-02-02

STEERING WHEEL JERKS BACK ON AUTO START AFTER AUTO STOP. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS THE ISSUES HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND AT RANDOM. REPORTED THE ISSUE EARLY FEBRUARY 2020 AGAIN IN EARLY MAY 2020 AFTER FAILURE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT.REPORTED THE ISSUE AGAIN EARLY OCTOBER AFTER THE ISSUE WAS WORSE. ACCORDING TO GM FIELD SPECIALIST THE STEERING RACK WAS THE ISSUE, IT WAS REPLACED BUT THE ISSUE WAS STILL PERSISTENT AND THEY CONTINUED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A MONTH. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED BACK TO ME WITH A SHARPENING NOISE AND A STEERING WHEEL GOING LEFT. HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FOR REPAIRS.

POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint
2020-02-02

WHILE BEING DRIVEN THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT GEARS WHILE RPMS ARE REGISTERED THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO RESPOND AND LACKS POWER. I WAS FORCED TO SHIFT MANUALLY TO TRY AND GET THE GEARS TO SHIFT WITH NO LUCK AFTER QUICKLY MAKING THE SWITCH BETWEEN AUTOMATIC TO MANUAL TWICE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RESPONDED WITH A LOUD CLANK AS IF THE SEMI BEHIND ME HAD HIT ME AND THE RESPONDED WITH ACCELERATION. THE ISSUE WAS REPORTED FIRST EARLY FEBRUARY 2020 AGAIN IN EARLY MAY 2020 AND RECENTLY EARLY OCTOBER 2020 SERVICE DEPARTMENT FAILS TO DUPLICATE ISSUE. MY DASHCAM CAPTURED VIDEO WHILE BEING DRIVEN BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSING THE STRANGE FEELING THE TRANSMISSION WOULD GIVE THEM WITH TORQUE AND SHIFTS.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related
2018-10-23Crash reported1 injury

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION: 'DRIVING THROUGH AN EMPTY PARKING LOT. 'FOLLOWED ROAD AROUND THE BUILDING. 'BLINDED BY SUNLIGHT. 'HIT STATIONARY POLE HEAD ' ON. WEATHER CONDITIONS : HEAVY RAIN : PRIOR TO 2:00PM LIGHT RAIN AND SUNSHINE BETWEEN : 2:45PM AND 3:04PM FAULT OR PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: KNEE / LOWER EXTREMITY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. HIGH RISK OF LOWER EXTREMITY INJURY FOR BOTH IN-POSITION AND OUT-OF-POSITION SMALL FEMALE DRIVERS. MY LEFT FOOT WAS FORCED UPWARD DUE TO THE FORCE OF CRASH. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE, IT SNAPPED MY LEFT FOOT DOWNWARD. THE RESULT IS A LEFT ANKLE DISLOCATED AND SEVERE LEFT TIBIA / FIB FRACTURE. BASICALLY, I BROKE EVERY BONE IN MY LEFT FOOT APART FROM MY HEEL AND TOES. SURGERY, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2018: OPEN REDUCTION / INTERNAL FIXATION (ORIF) WITH LEFT BIMALLEOLAR ANKLE FRACTURE / DISLOCATION WITH CLOSE MANAGEMENT TALUS FRACTURE / SUBTALAR SURGERY. I NOW HAVE A PLATE AND SIX (6) SCREWS INSIDE THE BONE TO HOLD THEM IN THE CORRECT PLACE SO THE BONES DO NOT HEAL ABNORMALLY. THE ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON INFORMED ME, DUE TO THIS TYPE OF INJURY, ARTHRITIS WILL SET IN MY ANKLE. I MAY WANT TO CONSIDER ANKLE FUSION SURGERY IN THE FUTURE. THE FUSION SURGERY WOULD HELP REDUCE THE CHRONIC PAIN. FUSION SURGERY WOULD RESULT THE INABILITY TO USE MY ANKLE, I.E., TO FLEX, POINT, BEND ANKLE, AND ROTATE THE ANKLE AT ALL. THE FUSION SURGERY IS PERMANENT. COMPONENT PART OR SYSTEM THAT MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE SAFETY RISK: DRIVER LOWER EXTREMITY RESPONSE AND INJURY WITH KNEE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE RELATED TO YOUR COMPLAINT: WILL BE SCANNED AND SENT LATER.

Best & Worst Buick Regal Years

Best Buick Regal Years to Buy

Top Pick
75
Good

2020

2Recalls
2Complaints
74
Good

2018

(Current Model)

3Recalls
19Complaints
73
Good

2019

3Recalls
18Complaints

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

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Buick Regal reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201874/100Good
201973/100Good
202075/100Good

Buick Regal Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202075/100+2Good22
201973/100-1Good318
2018(selected)74/100—Good319

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Buick Regal reliable?
Yes, it rates good overall. It scores above average against other 2018 sedans and sits in the middle of the three scored Regal years. Owners filed 19 complaints, and the main concern is the braking system. Repair costs run a bit above the class average, so budget accordingly.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Buick Regal?
Service brakes lead with five complaints, followed by the electrical system with three and vehicle speed control with two. Brake reports describe a hard pedal or fading stops. Electrical reports cover a lingering check engine light, stop-start delays, and a stuck Shift to Park message. Speed control reports describe surging or sluggish acceleration.
Does the 2018 Buick Regal have brake problems?
Yes, brakes are the top complaint area. Owners describe a pedal that gets hard to press or braking that fades suddenly, sometimes only in reverse. Two of the five brake complaints involve crashes, one with an injury. Federal records also list two recalls for hydraulic service brakes, so confirm the repairs were done.
How many recalls does the 2018 Buick Regal have?
Federal recall records show three recalls. Two cover hydraulic service brakes and one covers seat belts. Before buying, ask the seller for paperwork showing each recall was completed, or have a dealer check the VIN. The brake recalls matter most given the brake complaints.
Is the 2018 Buick Regal better than the 2019?
Not clearly. The 2019 also rates good and comes out about the same, with 18 complaints against 19 for the 2018. Both years carry three recalls. Pick based on the individual car's condition, recall completion, and service history instead of the model year alone.

Don’t buy a 2018 Buick Regal without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2018 Buick Regal

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Buick Regal does best on how many systems draw complaints (81/100) and worst on complaint severity (65/100). 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.

Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Buick Regal.

No spam. Only data updates for this model.

See incorrect data? Report an issue