Last updated: 2026-07-25

Buick Regal

0 Buick Regal Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Buick Regal average of 74/100

All Buick Regal years score consistently around the model average of 74/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2020 75/100 and the weakest is 2019 73/100.

Verdict

All Buick Regal years score consistently around the model average of 74/100 (73–75 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2020 75/100 and the weakest is 2019 73/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Buick Regal Problems?

Top reported issues across all Buick Regal model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaints

Most reported in 2018

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

Most reported in 2019

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

Most reported in 2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Most reported in 2018

Best Buick Regal Year to Buy Instead

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Buick Regal

The 2018 Buick Regal has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 19 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Buick Regal. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (4), Electrical System (3), Unknown Or Other (2).

Score: 74/100 (Good)3 recalls19 complaints
View full 2018reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Buick Regal year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Buick Regal Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Buick Regal Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2020 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Buick Regal years should you avoid?
All Buick Regal years in our database score consistently around the model average of 74/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Buick Regal?
The best year for the Buick Regal is 2020, with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 2 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Buick Regal have?
Across all years in our database, the Buick Regal has a total of 8 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Buick Regal worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2020 model year, which scores 75/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 74/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Buick Regal problems?
The most common Buick Regal problems are electrical system (7 complaints), service brakes (5 complaints), power train (4 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Buick Regal reliable long-term?
The Buick Regal has an average reliability score of 74/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Buick Regal generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Buick Regal generation is the Fifth generation (2008) with an average score of 74/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Buick Regal?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Buick Regal is $563 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2020 Buick Regal a good used buy?
Yes, the 2020 Buick Regal is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 2 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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