Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2020 Buick Regal Reliability Report

The 2020 Buick Regal has good reliability and few owner complaints. Confirm the seat and brake recalls were completed before you buy.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

8.1per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$563

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,750–$3,100

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity72/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Final year of the fifth generation and the best-rated of three scored Regal years, with just two owner complaints and two recalls.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
TIRES (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2020 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (2008).

Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
6 years after the last refresh (2014).
5th generation Regal (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

2011: Fifth generation (2008) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2014: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2020: This Model Year

2020 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (2008).

Should You Buy the 2020 Buick Regal?

Good reliability puts this final-year Regal ahead of most 2020 sedans, and it ranks first among the three Regal years with a score. Owners filed only 2 complaints, a low rate for the number sold. The 2019 model rates about the same, so the two are close, though it has 18 complaints.

The one problem the data places in time is tire failure, reported in the first 1,000 miles of ownership. Federal recall records list 2 recalls, covering the seats and the hydraulic service brakes. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs for the Regal at $563, a little above the class figure of $526.

Ask the seller for proof that both recalls were completed, and settle any open brake recall first. Check the tires and ask whether any were replaced early. If a 2020 is priced out of reach, the 2019 is a fair alternative, but it has 3 recalls to verify.

See also the 2019 Buick Regal for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (12%)
+Low recall count

Cons

−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
−TIRES (1)

Compare 2020 Buick Regal With

2020 Honda Accord

Reliability: 73/100

Good

2020 Toyota Camry

Reliability: 75/100

Good

2020 Hyundai Sonata

Reliability: 62/100

Good

2020 Nissan Altima

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2020 Kia Optima

Reliability: 72/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

MODERATE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
TIRES (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2020 Buick Regal carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

8.1

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.9

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

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

2020 Buick Regal Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Buick Regal. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

19V7620002019-10-24

SEATS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.

Consequence

Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crossbar welds on the front seats. If the crossbar is improperly welded, the seat back frame will be replaced, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 26, 2019. Owners received a second notice and the recall began February 20, 2020. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N192278300.

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 2020 Buick Regal? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Buick Regal, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2020 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/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso (Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (None)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

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 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Regal AWD 3.6L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S9)	19	27	22	$2,750
Regal 2.0L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S9)	22	32	26	$2,850
Regal AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	21	29	24	$3,100
Regal TourX AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	21	29	24	$3,100

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Buick Regal.

Inspect all tires for bubbles or uneven wear
Check tire pressure monitoring system functionality
Test proximity door unlock system for consistent operation
Verify key fob battery is new and functioning properly

2020 Buick Regal Common Problems by Component

2 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2020-03-10

Proximity door unlock system rarely works goes in and out even with key fob in pocket and within Proximity. I've reported the problem to buick/Chevrolet many times, changed fob batteries and etc with no fix

TIRES

1 complaint

2022-01-01

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Regal GS equipped with Continental ProContact TX Tires, Tire Size: 245/40/R19, DOT Number: 6Y66WBR71819. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the TPMS warning light indicated that the rear driver’s side tire air pressure was low. The tire lost air pressure and became flat. Also, later the front passenger’s side tire developed bubbles and had to be replaced. Within the first 200 miles of driving the vehicle, a dealer employee experienced a blowout of the front passenger’s side tire. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with the tires when it was purchased new. The contact stated that three of the four tires had experienced a failure. The contact was informed that the tire size was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21T001000 (Tires). The failure mileage was 200.

When Do 2020 Buick Regal Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

0–1,000 milesTire failures

Best & Worst Buick Regal Years

Best Buick Regal Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2020

(Current Model)

2Recalls

2Complaints

Good

2018

3Recalls

19Complaints

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.

See full Buick Regal years-to-avoid analysis

Buick Regal Reliability Score Trend

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

Buick Regal reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	74/100	Good
2019	73/100	Good
2020	75/100	Good

Buick Regal Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2020(selected)	75/100	+2	Good	2	2
2019	73/100	-1	Good	3	18
2018	74/100	—	Good	3	19

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Buick Regal reliable?

Yes, it has good reliability and is above average among 2020 sedans. It is also the best of the three scored Regal years. Owners filed 2 complaints, which works out to 8.1 per 10,000 sold. It is the final year of its generation.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Buick Regal?

Tire failure is the only problem the data places by mileage, and it appears within the first 1,000 miles. Owner complaints are very few. Federal records also list recalls for the seats and for the hydraulic service brakes, so recall work is the other item to check.

Has the 2020 Buick Regal been recalled?

Yes. Federal recall records show 2 recalls for this model year. One area is seats and the other is the hydraulic service brakes. Use the VIN to confirm that both were repaired, since an open brake recall is worth settling before you drive the car.

How much does it cost to maintain a Buick Regal?

Independent repair-cost data estimates $563 a year for the Regal. The figure for its class is $526, so the Regal runs somewhat higher. That estimate covers the model across its years, not the 2020 alone.

Is the 2020 Buick Regal better than the 2019?

The 2020 scores as the best Regal year, but the 2019 rates about the same, with good reliability. The 2019 has more owner complaints at 18 and 3 recalls, compared with 2 complaints and 2 recalls for the 2020. Either is reasonable if the recalls are done.

Don’t buy a 2020 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 2020 Buick Regal

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Buick Regal does best on repair costs (80/100) and worst on complaint severity (70/100). 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.

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