2017 Buick Regal

2017 Buick Regal

Overview

The 2017 Buick Regal, a mid-size sedan, offered a blend of comfort, performance, and premium features. It was available with a choice of turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. While generally considered a reliable vehicle, like any car, it has specific areas where owners have reported issues. This analysis focuses on documented technical problems beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential concerns for prospective buyers or current owners. The Regal aimed to compete in a segment with strong rivals, and its reliability record reflects a generally solid but not flawless performance.

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Engine

2.0L Turbocharged I4 (LFZ)

Turbocharger Lag/Failure

• Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling noises from the engine bay, check engine light illumination.
• Solution: Turbocharger inspection, repair, or replacement.
• Cost: $800 - $2000

Oil Leaks

• Symptoms: Visible oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level.
• Solution: Inspection and replacement of seals, gaskets, or oil pan.
• Cost: $150 - $500

2.0L Turbocharged I4 (LTG)

Timing Chain Issues

• Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup; check engine light.
• Solution: Replacement of timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
• Cost: $700 - $1500

Coolant Leaks

• Symptoms: Overheating, visible coolant puddles, sweet smell from engine bay.
• Solution: Inspection and repair/replacement of hoses, water pump, or radiator.
• Cost: $200 - $700

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (M3X/M5TR)

Harsh Shifting / Hesitation

• Symptoms: Jerky gear changes, delayed engagement, transmission warning light.
• Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, or internal transmission repair/rebuild.
• Cost: $300 - $2500

Transmission Fluid Leaks

• Symptoms: Leaking fluid under the vehicle, burning smell, potential for transmission damage if low.
• Solution: Inspection and replacement of seals, lines, or transmission pan.
• Cost: $150 - $500

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Worn Struts/Shocks

• Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, clunking noises over bumps.
• Solution: Replacement of struts and/or shocks.
• Cost: $400 - $800

Control Arm Bushing Wear

• Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front end, vague steering feel.
• Solution: Replacement of control arm bushings or entire control arms.
• Cost: $300 - $600

Electrical

Infotainment System

Screen Freezing/Unresponsiveness

• Symptoms: Touchscreen fails to respond, system freezes or reboots randomly.
• Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment module.
• Cost: $300 - $1000

Battery Drain

No major issues reported for this configuration.

Exterior

Body Panels & Trim

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: N/A
• Cost: N/A

Interior

Climate Control System

AC Compressor Failure

• Symptoms: Air conditioning blows warm air, unusual noises from the engine bay when AC is on.
• Solution: Replacement of the AC compressor and potentially other AC system components.
• Cost: $700 - $1500

Seat Actuators

Power Seat Malfunction

• Symptoms: Power seats fail to move forward, backward, or adjust height.
• Solution: Replacement of seat motor or control module.
• Cost: $200 - $500

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Summary Verdict

The 2017 Buick Regal presents a generally reliable option in the mid-size sedan segment. The most commonly reported issues tend to revolve around the powertrain, specifically the turbocharged engines and automatic transmission, with concerns like turbo lag, oil leaks, and occasional transmission harshness appearing. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system and battery drain, are also noted. Suspension components like struts and bushings can wear over time, leading to ride quality issues. While not plagued by widespread critical failures, potential buyers should be aware of these specific areas and ensure thorough pre-purchase inspections, especially for higher-mileage examples. Regular maintenance remains key to mitigating many of these potential problems.