2011 Buick Regal

The 2011 Buick Regal marked the return of the Regal nameplate to the North American market. It was positioned as a sporty, near-luxury sedan, offering a blend of comfort and performance. Engine options included a 2.4L Ecotec inline-4 (182 hp, 172 lb-ft torque), a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec inline-4 (220 hp, 260 lb-ft torque), and, later in the model year, a 2.4L eAssist mild-hybrid system (182 hp, 172 lb-ft torque plus a small electric boost). All engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. People generally liked the Regal’s styling, comfortable ride, and relatively affordable price point. Common complaints included some reliability issues, smaller-than-expected rear seat space, and occasionally uninspired handling compared to European rivals.

Engine

2.4L Ecotec Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can manifest as low oil level warnings and, in severe cases, engine damage.
  • Solution: In some cases, a revised PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve has been implemented. More severe cases require piston ring replacement or engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (PCV valve) to $2,000+ (engine replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Wear/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain can stretch or fail prematurely, leading to rough running, misfires, and a check engine light. A rattling noise from the engine may also be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Ecotec Inline-4

• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported turbocharger failure, leading to reduced power, excessive oil consumption, and/or a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Harsh Shifting/Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced harsh or delayed shifting, particularly between certain gears. This can be more pronounced when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: A transmission flush, software update, or, in more severe cases, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild/replacement may be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (flush) to $3,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Strut/Shock Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported premature failure of the struts and shocks, leading to a bouncy or unstable ride.
  • Solution: Replacement of the struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced unexplained battery drain, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle, especially after it has been sitting for a few days.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the source of the parasitic drain (e.g., faulty module, short circuit) and repair/replacement of the affected component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Stabilitrak/ABS Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: False activation of the Stabilitrak system, along with related ABS warnings. This can stem from a faulty wheel speed sensor.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected wheel speed sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture build-up inside the headlight housings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headlight housings or resealing the existing housings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, leak, or not open/close properly.
  • Solution: Sunroof track lubrication, motor replacement, or complete assembly replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Buick Regal, while offering a stylish and comfortable experience, does have some common issues owners have reported. The most significant of which seem to be the excessive oil consumption in the 2.4L engine and transmission issues. These, along with potential electrical and suspension problems, can lead to moderate to high repair costs. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and have a pre-purchase inspection performed to identify any existing problems.