2018 Buick Regal TourX

The 2018 Buick Regal TourX is a station wagon that offers a blend of practicality and near-luxury features. It was generally praised for its spacious cargo area, comfortable ride, and responsive handling. However, some owners have reported experiencing certain issues with their vehicles. The TourX was offered with a single engine option, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired exclusively with an Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission. Some drivers found the engine somewhat unrefined and the fuel economy not as good as expected.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder (LTG)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can lead to engine damage if not monitored and addressed. Symptoms include low oil level warnings, visible smoke from the exhaust, and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: The root cause varies. Some cases have been attributed to faulty positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valves or worn piston rings. Repair options range from replacing the PCV valve to a more extensive engine rebuild involving piston ring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (PCV valve) - $3000+ (engine rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the turbocharger, including premature failure or reduced boost pressure. Symptoms can include a loss of power, unusual noises from the engine, and/or a check engine light with codes related to turbocharger performance.
  • Solution: Diagnose the turbocharger for damage or leaks. Replace the turbocharger assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Aisin 8-Speed Automatic (AWF8F35)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing harsh or jerky shifts, particularly when shifting between lower gears. Hesitation when accelerating from a stop or when downshifting is also a reported symptom.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission control module (TCM) software update can resolve these issues. In more severe cases, valve body issues or internal transmission damage may require replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (TCM reflash) - $4000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature failure of the rear shock absorbers. Symptoms include excessive bouncing, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per shock
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system occasionally freezes, crashes, or becomes unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. In more severe cases, the infotainment system head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software update if available) - $1000+ (Head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s battery draining overnight or over a few days of non-use. This can result in difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of parasitic drain in the electrical system. This could involve identifying and replacing faulty modules, switches, or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof/Moonroof Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks from the sunroof/moonroof area, especially during heavy rain. This can lead to water damage in the interior.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof/moonroof seals and drainage channels. In some cases, the seals or sunroof assembly may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100 (cleaning/lubrication) - $500+ (seal/assembly replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters fail to function properly or stop working altogether.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2018 Buick Regal TourX, while praised for its practicality and comfort, has shown some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The most concerning appear to be related to the engine (oil consumption, turbocharger issues) and transmission (harsh shifting). Electrical and suspension problems also crop up. The severity of these issues can range from relatively minor inconveniences to more costly repairs. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s maintenance history and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential problems. While no recalls specific to these issues have been identified, it’s always advisable to check the vehicle’s VIN with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure that all applicable recalls have been addressed.