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).
Regal reliability snapshot
74/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$563
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#13/24
Ranking in midsize cars · better than 46% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Buick Regal before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Service Brakes4
Electrical System3
Unknown Or Other2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Tires1
Seat Belts1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Buick Regal
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Inspect brake pedal firmness and ensure proper brake function
☐Check for persistent check engine light and perform a diagnostic scan
☐Test auto-engine-shutoff feature for delays or jolts when restarting
☐Verify gear shifter does not display 'Shift to Park' message when parked
☐Ensure reversing camera guide lines appear consistently
☐Check climate control system for moisture issues affecting visibility
What owners reported
2018 Buick Regal owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 5 crashes and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Buick Regal. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints5
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Buick Regal report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving excessive pressure needed to depress the brake pedal, which is often more pronounced when reversing. Some complaints are linked to recall number 22V465000, addressing the electronic brake assist system, with issues persisting even after recall repairs. Reported symptoms include firm brakes and trouble codes related to the brake control module, often occurring around 28,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two incidents involving crashes, one resulting in an injury. Buyers should be aware of these potential brake system issues when considering this vehicle.
Owners of the 2018 Buick Regal frequently report issues related to the vehicle's electrical system, specifically involving the check engine light and auto-engine-shutoff feature. Complaints describe the check engine light remaining persistently on, preventing emissions testing and causing delays or jolts when the vehicle restarts from a stop. Additionally, some owners experience the car shutting off and going into neutral at red lights, which resumes once the brake is pressed. Another common issue involves the gear shifter displaying a "Shift to Park" message, which prevents the car from turning off and can lead to battery drain, particularly noted around 50,000 miles. These issues present potential safety implications, such as increased stopping distances and risk of rear-end collisions due to unexpected engine behavior.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Buick Regal report issues with vehicle speed control, including unintended acceleration and hesitation to accelerate. One complaint describes a crash occurring when the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while the brake was applied, resulting in a collision with a pole at a drive-thru. Another complaint highlights hesitation in acceleration when attempting to merge into highway traffic after stopping. The mileage at which these incidents occur is reported at approximately 169 miles for the crash incident. These reports suggest potential safety implications, especially in situations requiring precise speed control.
Owners of the 2018 Buick Regal report issues with the reversing camera and the climate control system. The reversing camera intermittently loses its guide lines, which reappear when shifting from neutral back to reverse. This issue is noted to occur daily and is linked to vehicles with multiple safety features. Additionally, during cold weather, the climate control system reportedly throws moisture into the cabin, leading to significant visibility impairment, even when the defrost is on maximum. This problem has been reported to occur repeatedly since early 2020, with no resolution from service departments. These issues present potential safety concerns, particularly the visibility impairment while driving.
2018 Regal recalls (3)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Regal. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 18V230000Apr 12, 2018
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 18V576000Aug 30, 2018
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 22V465000Jun 30, 2022
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.
2018 Buick Regal on the road
14,118 2018 Buick Regal units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 Buick Regal stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
The 2018 Buick Regal scores slightly above the segment average, indicating moderate reliability. With three recalls, the recall count is moderate, suggesting some attention to manufacturing issues. The total number of complaints is relatively low, with a noticeable concentration in service brakes, which could be a focal point for potential buyers.
Other issues, such as the electrical system and vehicle speed control, are less prevalent but still notable. Given these factors, the reliability of the 2018 Buick Regal is mixed, with certain areas requiring closer scrutiny.
Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal presents a moderate reliability risk, with some concerns warranting consideration.
What you get in a 2018 Buick Regal report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
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2018 Buick Regal — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Buick Regal reliable?
The 2018 Buick Regal scores slightly above the segment average, indicating moderate reliability. With three recalls, the recall count is moderate, suggesting some attention to manufacturing issues. The total number of complaints is relatively low, with a noticeable concentration in service brakes, which could be a focal point for potential buyers.
How many recalls does the 2018 Buick Regal have?
3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Buick Regal. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Buick Regal problems?
The most-reported 2018 Buick Regal problem areas are: Service Brakes (4), Electrical System (3), Unknown Or Other (2).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Buick Regal?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Buick Regal, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
