AI Damage2016 Buick Regal: common problems
Owners of the 2016 Buick Regal filed 41 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and electrical system. The maker issued 878 service bulletins for this year. We found 1 repair videos on YouTube. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 41
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 878
- YouTube repair videos
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Steering 24% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 15% of all complaints
- 3 Exterior lighting 15% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 12% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 12% of all complaints
- 6 Vehicle speed control 12% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 7% of all complaints
- 8 Service brakes 7% of all complaints
- Steering: 10 complaints (24% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 22.
- Electrical system: 6 complaints (15% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 186.
- Exterior lighting: 6 complaints (15% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 10.
- Engine: 5 complaints (12% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 72.
- Powertrain: 5 complaints (12% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 62.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- 2.4 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2.4 L · hybrid · 4 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
- manual, 6-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 41 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 10 | 0 | 22 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 0 | 186 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 0 | 10 |
| Engine | 5 | 0 | 72 |
| Powertrain | 5 | 0 | 62 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 33 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 | 29 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 | 21 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 45 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 91 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 34 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 19 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
My Buick stops when driving unknown when it’s a surprise lights and dash go off almost got hit took to mechanics it’s the 2016-17 “throw away motor” ad they call it does not last and gets”metal pieces” to ruin motor and turbo as I have noticed speed issues and dying unexpectedly it’s the regal turbo 2.0 v-6 motor a…
My steering failed and started pulling left into traffic. It was hard to keep it in my lane. Had to have it towed by AAA. Took to my mechanic and he said it was the electric belt drive rack &pinion steering. He told me there was a recall on it. When I checked I was told that my vin # was not included.
My tires were Black when I bought them at Wittlins in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin in 2020. They have been continualy turning brown on the outside of tire. Now they are a beige color on the outside of tire. It seems the tires are aging terribly.
It’s still in well cared for mint condition, except for the driver side headlight. Condensation appeared and has been getting worse, dealership says the only option is buying another complete headlight assembly for $1200.00.
The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer.
The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started sputtering. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle for 5-10 minutes. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the failure was no longer present.
The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed during rainy weather, and making a left or right turn, the steering wheel intermittently made a grinding and clicking sound. No warning lights were illuminated.
The contact stated that condensation and moisture was present inside the front headlight assemblies, which caused the headlight illumination to be diminished and created a visibility hazard while driving at night.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 960 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 46% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Regal has 17 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 41, above average.
What to check before buying
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic…
This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high pressure fuel pump…
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size…
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a…
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced…
This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have…
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions…
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle…
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and…
This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
NHTSA lists 878 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Buick Regal?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, electrical system, exterior lighting. Total complaints: 41. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: steering or power steering problems (20%), warning lights, check engine (20%), headlights and tail lights (15%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 Buick Regal?
NHTSA lists 878 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 Buick Regal from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.