2018 Buick Regal Sportback

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is a stylish and practical hatchback offering a blend of comfort and sporty handling. Engine choices include a 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 producing 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GS trim features a 3.6L V6 producing 310 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Many owners appreciate the Regal Sportback’s sleek design and spacious cargo area. Common complaints include some infotainment system quirks and occasionally harsh ride quality, depending on the trim level.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring more frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings, smoky exhaust, and the need to add oil regularly.
  • Solution: Monitoring oil levels frequently and addressing leaks promptly is crucial. In severe cases, piston ring replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the turbocharger, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6

• No Issues Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (Paired with 2.0L Turbo)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifts between gears, particularly at low speeds or during acceleration. Hesitation or delays when shifting.
  • Solution: Software update to the transmission control module (TCM) may resolve the issue. In some cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission rebuild may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $3,000+ (transmission rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

9-Speed Automatic (Paired with 3.6L V6)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission experiences hard or jerky shifts, especially during light acceleration or deceleration. Some owners report a “clunking” sound when shifting between certain gears. Hesitation to shift can also occur, especially when downshifting.
  • Solution: A software update for the transmission control module (TCM) can sometimes correct the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or even a full transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (software update) - $4,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor handling, clunking noises when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Strut replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 per strut (depending on location and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes and restarts unexpectedly. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve the issue. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment module may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $1,000+ (module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use. This can lead to difficulty starting the car or a completely dead battery.
  • Solution: Diagnose parasitic drain and replace faulty component. Replace battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the component causing the drain), $200 (battery replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may leak, become stuck, or make excessive noise when opening or closing. This can be caused by faulty seals, motor issues, or problems with the sunroof mechanism.
  • Solution: Replacing the sunroof seals, lubricating the mechanism, or replacing the sunroof motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ (depending on the specific issue and parts required)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters fail to work, either on one side or both sides. This can be due to a faulty heating element or a problem with the seat heater control module.
  • Solution: Replace the seat heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (depending on the part and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, while generally reliable, has potential issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. The most concerning issues involve the engine and transmission, with excessive oil consumption in the 2.0L turbo and rough shifting in both the 8-speed and 9-speed automatic transmissions being relatively common. These issues can lead to significant repair costs. Electrical glitches, such as infotainment system problems, are also present. While some issues are minor and easily resolved, others can be quite costly to fix. Pre-purchase inspections are highly recommended to identify any potential problems before purchasing.