Last updated: 2026-10-10

Buick Regal

Buick Regal Years to Avoid

3 scored model years (2018–2020) · model average 74/100

No Regal year is one to avoid, since none falls well below the model's own average. What changes between years is the complaint rate, highest for 2019 and lowest for 2020, and the recall count, three for 2018 and 2019 against two for 2020. The 2020 is the year to buy.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2020 75/100
Model average
74/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Buick Regal Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018

2019: A "Shift to Park" warning shows up after shutdown with the car already in park.

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaints

Most reported in 2018

2018: 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.

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

Most reported in 2019

2019: A false "Shift to Park" or "Place in Park" message appears even when the shifter is already in park.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018

2019: The automatic engine stop-start feature can stay inactive when the car is new and then start working without warning, in one case after about 600 miles of driving.

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

Most reported in 2019

2019: Persistent instability and poor ride quality return even after repeated dealer visits, in one case over two years.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Most reported in 2018

2018: The car surges forward or hesitates when the driver doesn't expect it.

Best Buick Regal Year to Buy Instead

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Buick Regal

The 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.

Score: 75/100 (Good)2 recalls2 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2020 Buick Regal has 2 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

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

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Buick Regal Years by Generation

Buick Regal Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Buick Regal years should I avoid?
None. Every tracked year, 2018 to 2020, has good reliability, and no year falls well below the model's own average. The 2019 draws the most complaints for its sales, so give it a closer inspection than the 2020.
Which Buick Regal year is the most reliable?
The 2020 is the safest choice. Its complaint rate is the lowest of the three years, and it has two recalls where the others have three. Owner reports are few, covering one electrical issue and one tire issue.
Which Buick Regal years have power train problems?
The 2019 has the most power train reports, with four owner complaints. Across all years, owners describe a false "Shift to Park" message that can stop the car from shutting off fully. One dealer diagnosed a failed shifter unit and console.
Is the 2018 Buick Regal a good used car?
It is a reasonable buy, with good reliability and a lower complaint rate than 2019. Its most reported problems are service brakes and electrical issues. It has three recalls, so check that all recall work has been completed.
Does the 2019 Buick Regal have more problems than other years?
It has the highest complaint rate of the three years, but not by enough to call it a year to avoid. Its top complaints are power train and electrical system, four each. It also has three recalls.

How we score every Buick Regal model year

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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