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2011 Buick Regal electrical problems

75 complaints (27% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 71,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
75
of this car's complaints
27%
typical mileage
71,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Instrument cluster/panel
    3
  • Wiring
    2
  • Starter assembly
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Buick Regal electrical problems in other years

199019952000200520152020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Buick Regal electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 6

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignitionReported July 5, 2016 · 8,367 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick 1‑800‑521‑7300, and GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Recall number 16V502000 · Recall details

What 2011 Buick Regal owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

While driving on the highway at 60 mph, warning on dash came on saying “engine power reduced” and drop down speed to around 25 mph and I could not accelerate more than 25 mph on the highway which could have caused an accident because of the traffic flow behind me. I put a code scanner under the dash and it read code P2138, Throttle pedal position sensor switch.

Filed Jun 11, 2023 · Airbags, Brakes · AZ

The two systems that failed are the airbag release on the front passenger side and the stabilitrak system. Both systems show error lights on the dash. The front seat passenger does not have airbag protection. The stabilitrak system error light appears intermittently and when the traction system goes off the car brakes almost stop the car while driving. We go to Royal Buick in Tucson, Arizona. We worked with Germaine Kendrick. I've attached the dealer service invoice dated April 14, 2023. The invoice summarized the problem and stated that 1) a new seatbelt assesmbly is needed and 2) the service technician states that they can not replicate or repair the traction problems. Today is June 11, 2023. We are still waiting for the seatbelt assembly to "arrive". There is no solution for the traction system. We have phoned and texted 4 times. The most recent conversation on June 5th with "Chris" was interesting; Chris stated that the seatbelt part was NEVER ORDERED and furthermore, is not needed to repair the airbag warning light problem.

Filed Sep 25, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · MA

After heavy rain in mid-September 2022, both headlights just stopped working. The dashboard will usually display a warning or pop up symbol that something is not working, but I had no warning and got pulled over driving at dusk with no headlights. There has been been other issues with this vehicle too! The other issues include: Bluetooth connection not working at all, the transmission has “jerking” issues while changing gears and the engine revving too high while only going 30mph while driving in suburban Massachusetts. The car has less than 70k miles, these issues should not be happening. The main issue is the headlights, considering they cost around $200/ea and just stopped working with no notice.

Filed Jul 11, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · GA · fire · 1 injury

I was driving on a back road when my car started smoking and blazed up on passenger side headlights an I see were people have been saying this was seriously fire issue now I'm out of work no car and I was only owner fa 5 months

Filed Sep 7, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 140,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and accelerating to enter the highway, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the traction, stability, and engine power reduced warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated she was able to park on the side of the road for 30 minutes before continuing to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact also stated that she was unable to open the doors due to the battery not charging. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Aug 14, 2021 · Electrical, Transmission · IN

When I shift the car from park to drive it does a VERY HARD jerk. And vehicle has no codes on dash or anything

Filed Jul 20, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · ID · fire

While the vehicle was driving, there was a loss of power, at that moment sparks was seen emanating from under the hood, then the vehicle completely stopped running. Once pulled over smoke was bellowing out from the hood and subsequently ignited into flames. Fire department was dispatched and fire was extinguished. The vehicle was towed away and is still at the tow yard. The tow operator, based on visual inspection stated the fire did start in the engine compartment and spread to the fire wall, totaling the vehicle.

Filed Jul 1, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · WA

Front headlamp burned out due to moisture in the assembly. There is an issue with the ballast in the headlamp assembly for the turbo model. The seal may be faulty due to the headlamp shorting out except for the daytime running lights. I realized that it had malfunctioned and there was moisture in the assembly itself. My repair shop quoted $1500.00 for the repair/replacement as the whole assebly needs to be replaced. This is definitely a safety hazard and a common one for this make and model. This should be a recall due to the faulty headlamp assembly.

Filed Dec 28, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 127,000 miles · CA

Headlight keeps burning out. It has been replaced 5 times also driver seat heating works for 1 min and turns off

Filed Sep 1, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 55,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 buick regal. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact called john hiester chevrolet located at 3100 n main st, fuquay-varina, nc 27526, (919) 552-4944, to notify the dealer of the failure. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic who was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact received notification of tsb 99-01-39-004g which was related to the failure. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.*dt

Questions about the 2011 Buick Regal electrical

Does the 2011 Buick Regal have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 75 complaints about the electrical of the 2011 Buick Regal, 27% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2011 Buick Regal electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 71,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Buick Regal electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V502000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Buick Regal have the most electrical problems?

The Buick Regal model years with the most electrical complaints are 2011 (75 complaints), 1998 (51 complaints) and 1999 (42 complaints).

Other 2011 Buick Regal problems

Engine 111Transmission 39Lights 38Brakes 34Seats 29Driver assistance 20Fuel system 17Steering 17Acceleration 13Airbags 8Suspension 7Body 4Tires 3Seat belts 2Locks 1Visibility 1Wheels 1

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