DecodedCars2018 Buick Regal
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- Sportback, Tour X Wagon
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic, automatic, 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 192.9–196.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,096–4,295 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints33 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 117 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 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Buick Regal is a large car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,096 lb (Sportback).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 13% better than the 2018 large car average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2018
- New body dimensions: 2.3 in longer, wheelbase +3.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 24 to 26
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Regal →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Russelsheim, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Regal configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportback | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 63 / 63 in | 4,096 lb | 58/42 |
| Tour X Wagon | 196.5 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 111.4 in | 63 / 63 in | 4,295 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regal | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +13% | $3,150 | 344 |
| Regal AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +4% | $3,400 | 366 |
| Regal TourX AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -19% | $3,400 | 366 |
| Regal AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 403 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Buick Regal.
Similar 2018 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Buick Regal (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2018 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module › Software · Jun 30, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V465000 · 23,734 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 30, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V576000 · 210,628 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other · Apr 12, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V230000 · 8,738 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the seat belt fails to adequately restrain the passengers in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2018 Buick Regal is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Buick Regal buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 9 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 9 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 22,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Buick Regal. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Regal years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Regal | 26 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 Regal | 26 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2017 Regal | 24 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 20 |
| 2016 Regal | 28 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2015 Regal | 28 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 33 |
| 2014 Regal | 28 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 38 |
| 2013 Regal | 29 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 86 |
| 2012 Regal | 28 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 79 |
| 2011 Regal | 24 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 238 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →