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2012 Buick Regal

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Buick Regal
Pictured: 2020 Buick Regal Sportback (United States) front view (cropped). Photo: AJM STUDIOS, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Base/Eassist, 4dr Sedan Turbo/Gs
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, FFV, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
28 combined · 24 city / 35 hwy
Length
190.6 in
Curb weight
3,580–3,688 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2012 midsize car (23.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Few owner complaints79 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 240 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Buick Regal is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,580 lb (4dr Sedan Base/Eassist).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 35 highway), 17% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.

What changed for 2012

  • New hybrid version
  • Best combined MPG up from 24 to 28

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Regal →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Base/Eassist190.6 in73.2 in58.3 in107.9 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,580 lb58/42
4dr Sedan Turbo/Gs190.6 in73.2 in58.3 in107.9 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,688 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Regal eAssist Hybrid2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 35 / 28+17%$2,400317
Regal FFV2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 31 / 240%$2,800370
Regal FFV2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23-4%$2,900386
Regal2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 30 / 23-4%$2,900386
Regal FFV2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 29 / 22-8%$3,050404
Regal2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-8%$3,050404
Regal FFV2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 28 / 22-8%$3,050404
Regal2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-8%$3,050404
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2012 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Buick Regal.

Similar 2012 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Buick Regal (this car)28 MPGNot rated7
2012 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated8
2012 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated3
2012 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2012 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0
2012 Chevrolet Malibu26 MPGNot rated2
2012 Volkswagen Passat34 MPGNot rated11

Recalls (7)

Suspension › Rear · Feb 26, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V113000 · 17,050 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear suspension toe links may have received improper corrosion protection, which can result in rear toe link fracture.
Risk
Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2026. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N252537580. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall numbers 20V764, 21V633, and 21V00F.
Suspension › Rear · Dec 22, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00F000 · 4,271 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
Suspension › Rear · Dec 21, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V764000 · 220,006 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 23, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · 414,333 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Risk
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Electrical System · May 6, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V173000 · 42,904 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
Risk
If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
Fix
GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal · Oct 4, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V484000 · 120,426 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.
Exterior Lighting · Mar 7, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V093000 · 3,633 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.
Risk
INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
Fix
GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM AT 1-800-521-7300.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Buick Regal is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

79Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
70,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting32
Engine19
Electrical System13
Suspension11
Service Brakes7
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)6
Unknown Or Other5
Seats5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/06: 421/07: 221/08: 121/09: 121/10: 121/11: 121/12: 122/02: 122/04: 122/05: 122/06: 122/09: 122/11: 123/01: 123/04: 123/07: 123/09: 123/10: 124/03: 124/05: 124/11: 125/07: 125/08: 126/07: 121/0621/0921/1222/0522/1123/0724/0325/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Buick Regal buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Exterior Lighting — 32 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Engine — 19 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 13 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Buick Regal. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Regal years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Regal26192.9 inNot rated26
2019 Regal26192.9 inNot rated320
2018 Regal26192.9 inNot rated333
2017 Regal24190.6 inNot rated020
2016 Regal28190.6 inNot rated141
2015 Regal28190.6 inNot rated033
2014 Regal28190.6 inNot rated238
2013 Regal29190.6 inNot rated686
2011 Regal24190.6 inNot rated4238

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →