2014 Buick Regal
The 2014 Buick Regal offered a blend of near-luxury features, a comfortable ride, and available turbocharged performance, making it a popular choice for buyers seeking a more refined sedan. Engine options included a standard 2.4L four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine generating 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.0L eAssist mild-hybrid engine. Transmission options consisted primarily of a 6-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciated the Regal’s stylish design, quiet cabin, and available technology features. Common dislikes included a sometimes cramped rear seat and the infotainment system’s complexity.
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Engine
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, reduced power, and a check engine light illuminated. Often accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to fuel pressure.
- Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $900+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining or screeching noises from the engine, reduced power and acceleration, excessive oil consumption.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.4L Naturally Aspirated Engine
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Low oil level between oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust, possible engine damage if oil level is critically low.
- Solution: In some cases, piston ring replacement may be needed. More often, owners simply need to check the oil level regularly and add oil as needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+ for piston ring replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic (All Engines)
- Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed shifts between gears, particularly when cold. May also experience hesitation when accelerating.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and fill. Software re-programming of the transmission control module (TCM) may also be necessary. In severe cases, valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild/replacement may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 for fluid flush and re-program. $800 - $1500 for valve body replacement. $3000 - $5000+ for transmission rebuild/replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut Mount Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension when going over bumps, reduced ride quality, and potential tire wear issues.
- Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per strut (including labor).
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response times, failure to connect to Bluetooth, and other general glitches with the infotainment system.
- Solution: Software updates or replacement of the head unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 for software update. $500 - $1200+ for head unit replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The car battery drains overnight or within a few days of sitting. The car struggles to start or does not start at all.
- Solution: Have the electrical system tested for parasitic draws to locate and repair the source of the drain. Common culprits include aftermarket accessories, faulty modules, or wiring issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for diagnosis. Repair costs vary greatly depending on the source of the draw.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Water Leaks (Sunroof)
- Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin, especially around the headliner or near the sunroof.
- Solution: Cleaning and unclogging the sunroof drain tubes.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Heater Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters fail to heat or only heat intermittently.
- Solution: Replacement of the heating element or switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per seat.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2014 Buick Regal can be a reliable vehicle but owners should be aware of potential issues, particularly with the 2.0L turbo engine and the 6-speed transmission. The high-pressure fuel pump and turbocharger issues on the 2.0L turbo engine can be costly to repair. While the transmission issues aren’t always severe, they can lead to expensive repairs if neglected. Overall, pre-purchase inspections are recommended, and diligent maintenance, including regular fluid changes, can help mitigate some of these problems.