2011 Buick Regal: engine failure

Filed Jul 1, 2021 · Acceleration, Brakes · WA

ISSUE: BRAKE PEDAL WILL STIFFEN AND SLOW THE CAR DOWN. THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WILL VIOLENTLY SHAKE, AS IF THE CALIPERS ARE STUCK. ONCE PARKED, WHEELS ARE HOT AND OMITS A BURNING SMELL. NARRATIVE: After the car is sitting in the sun, while driving in slow traffic the car is running rough, steering wheel starts shaking back and forth, the brakes start making noise when you stop. When accelerated there is grinding noise and dash light comes on. I pulled to the side of the road and turned off the car for five minutes, I start the car and it runs as normal. This was happening for a few weeks. I had the brakes replaced on 05/19/21 (I paid $737.66 for the brake job). I drove the car for a couple of weeks and brakes seized. I had to have the car towed back to shop (costing me $135.63) and the shop quoted brake pedal replacement. At that point I took the car to the Everett, WA, Clyde Revord Buick Dealership and they replaced the modular for the brake (part # 22997391) and it was expenive because it required removing the dash board and a lot of labor time (costing me another $1347.31). I feel this is a safety hazaard as my brakes could have seized or a fire could have broke out while I was driving on the freeway. Fortunately, the brakes seized in a parking lot. I did some research on this topic and see that it is a common flaw for this make and model and should be covered by the manufacturer as a recall before someone gets killed.

Filed Aug 18, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · MS

Vehicle dies in the middle of driving at all speeds and can't steer or brake only pray. Also, I turned vehicle off and won't restart tower to service center they said I need new engine!!!! I was just driving it no smoke no smell just won't start he said no oil in engine even though not scheduled for a oil change yet. Radio won't keep date or time or radio stations!

Filed Jan 31, 2020 · Engine · 159,000 miles · MN

My 2011 buick regal with the 2.4l 4cyl has been excessively consuming oil. The timing chain was replaced around 60k miles, and shortly after the complete engine was replaced (see carfax image attached, confirmed with dealer). Those repairs have happened before I owned this vehicle. My concern is that there is going to be a failure within my engine and the repairs would be costly to me. I believe this issue needs to be looked into as it's been a common issue with these engines. The vehicle is now at 159k miles and I've been adding a quart or more of oil between changes.

Filed Jan 15, 2020 · Engine · 113,000 miles · KY

113,000 miles, the car said reduced engine power, service stabillitrack and then died. Wouldn't start. Took to repair shop and they pulled the solenoid from the engine and said it was covered with metal shavings. Car was within oil change range but no oil present. Now have to replace the engine and this is an issue with all these 2.4 engines.

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · 67,000 miles · IL

Engine and brakes seized up on me without warning while driving in a parking lot, low speed. Took it in to my mechanic and found out there was an oil consumption issue, even though I was 2k miles under the next change I was also 2 qts low.

Filed May 8, 2019 · Engine · 154,000 miles · IL

Had to replace engine because of detergent in recommended engine oil. With the yearly oil change and high detergent levels it eats away at seals and gasket.

Filed Feb 18, 2019 · Engine · 130,000 miles · SC

Timing chain engine failure

Filed Dec 31, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 64,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 buick regal. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and an abnormal noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to liberty buick gmc (9028 e independence blvd, matthews, nc 28105, (704) 708-8000) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. On another occasion, while driving, there was an abnormal noise coming from the engine. It was discovered that the engine oil was below the low marker on the dipstick. The contact was informed that there was no oil leak evident; however, there was an excessive amount of oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided case number: [xxx]. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000. *tt consumer stated transmission and engine failed.*jb parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 6, 2018 · Engine · 115,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 buick regal. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced engine failure while reversing out of a parking space. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then towed to la fontaine buick gmc of ann arbor (500 auto mall dr., ann arbor , mi 48103, (734)7079368) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain fractured and caused the engine to seize. In addition, metal shavings were found in the engine. The VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Jan 8, 2018 · Engine · 69,926 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 buick regal. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle seized at a red light and never restarted. The contact stated that the timing chain failed and disrupted the engine, leaving the vehicle inoperable. There were no warning indicators illuminated before or after the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was visually diagnosed. The visual diagnosis determined that the failure part was the timing chain. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 69,926. *tt

Filed Dec 15, 2017 · Engine · 156,000 miles · MI

I previously reported an issue in 2016 with engine failure due to timing chain failure where I was driving down the highway in heavy traffic and immediately there was engine failure, loss of power and was put in a very unsafe position. After I coasted my car, with 4 ways on, to the side of the road I called a tow truck which towed me to the nearest gm dealer which was victory chevy in milan michigan. After some diagnosis they informed me of the complete timing chain failure and internal engine damage. At the time I had 111k miles on the odometer. I was informed the car needed a complete rebuild and I voiced my displeasure about the failure so soon after the expiration of the 100k warranty. What gm did agree to was to split the repair 60-40 where I was responsible for approx. $2700 of the rebuild. At that time I complained about the rebuild versus a new motor and was told that was all they would offer me. I again complained that if it's rebuilt I will be back in with the same issue in the future so here I am less than 18 months after a rebuilt motor I take the car to the dealer for a loud noise on startup and smell of an oil leak. The dealer now tells me the timing chain needs replaced again along with a top end rebuild costing approx. $4500 although there is no drivability issue with the car. So I called gm customer center and spoke with the supposed "head service advisor" and was told by him that since the car is out of the 12 month warranty they would offer no assistance. I informed him I have been a gm customer since 2003 and this is the absolute worst vehicle I have ever owned. The timing chain is a known issue in these cars for failure and not just with higher mileage engines. Why is gm not issuing a campaign for these vehicles and their motors? I have replaced so many things on this car I am going to file a complaint with the bbb and pursue lemon law.

Filed May 17, 2017 · Engine · 174,000 miles · IA

Engine consuming oil with no leaks. Tech said that oil is passing through rings and burning during combustion. My car has 174000 miles and has been well cared for. I am very upset that the remedy for this is to overhaul or replace the engine. Also, A/C doesn't work anymore. Tech says compressor has failed. Please remedy. Last american car I buy.