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2016 Buick Regal problems

The most common problem on the 2016 Buick Regal is steering. Its complaint count is close to a typical Regal model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
72/100
Owner complaints
41
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
1,213
Worst area
Steering
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
22-28mpg

The worst 2016 Buick Regal problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Steering
    10
  • Electrical
    6
  • Engine
    6
  • Lights
    6
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Body
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Wheels
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Buick Regal

Headlights 7

Recalls 1

Steering: electric power assist systemReported February 24, 2016 · 74 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.
Risk
A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300. GM's number for this recall is 21510.

Recall number 16V108000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2016 Buick Regal

Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Buick Regal 1,213

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,213 bulletins for the 2016 Buick Regal

2016 Buick Regal crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Buick Regal 4 DR AWD5454
Buick Regal 4 DR FWD5454
Buick Regal eAssist 4 DR FWD5454

2016 Buick Regal fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cyl HybridFWD243528
2.0L 4‑cylFWD20-2129-3024
2.4L 4‑cylFWD193023
2.0L 4‑cylAWD192722

What 2016 Buick Regal owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 18, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · IL

My Buick stops when driving unknown when it’s a surprise lights and dash go off almost got hit took to mechanics it’s the 2016-17 “throw away motor” ad they call it does not last and gets”metal pieces” to ruin motor and turbo as I have noticed speed issues and dying unexpectedly it’s the regal turbo 2.0 v-6 motor a should be recall I’ve seen online since at mechanic and a large issue why no recall and I’m reporting this ty

Filed Feb 12, 2025 · Steering · SC

My steering failed and started pulling left into traffic. It was hard to keep it in my lane. Had to have it towed by AAA. Took to my mechanic and he said it was the electric belt drive rack &pinion steering. He told me there was a recall on it. When I checked I was told that my vin # was not included. I think it should have been because its the same problem.it is not safe to drive.

Filed Sep 25, 2024 · Tires · WI

My tires were Black when I bought them at Wittlins in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin in 2020. They have been continualy turning brown on the outside of tire. Now they are a beige color on the outside of tire. It seems the tires are aging terribly. I complained to Wittlins a few times about tires discoloration and the manager keeps telling me the tires are wearing fine and said discoloration is normal. Maybe a little discoloration but not like this and I do not even live in a warm climate. 235/50R18/SL (Tires)

Filed May 19, 2024 · Lights · NC

I purchased the 2016 Buick Regal used in 2021 with 40,000 miles., it now has close to 70,000 miles. It’s still in well cared for mint condition, except for the driver side headlight. Condensation appeared and has been getting worse, dealership says the only option is buying another complete headlight assembly for $1200.00. The LED part of that headlight has stopped working., it’s inevitable that the bulbs themselves with fail also. This is a safety issue. It’s absurdly cost prohibitive for me and most everybody else to spend that kind of money to fix a headlight.., and $1200.00 is the cost of the part alone, we’d be adding labor to that. This is a manufacturer defect that so many people are suffering with. They say we’re getting no relief from this because not enough people have filed complaints to the federal safety agency. GM should be compelled to provide this part to us at a much more reasonable price. I’m just a poor widower dad with a daughter in college. Thank you.

Filed May 16, 2024 · Steering · 43,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

Filed Apr 25, 2024 · Engine · 85,900 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started sputtering. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle for 5-10 minutes. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the failure was no longer present. The contact drove to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cylinder #1 coil pack and spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where all the coil packs and sparks plugs were replaced; however, the failure recurred several days later. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure was related to TSB Number: 16-NA-383 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the TSB was VIN specific, and the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,900.

Filed Aug 2, 2023 · Lights · GA

My head lamps have water in them, and is making my lights too dim to

Filed Jun 8, 2023 · Steering · 127,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed during rainy weather, and making a left or right turn, the steering wheel intermittently made a grinding and clicking sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was made aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V108000 (Steering). The vehicle was then taken to another dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Filed Jan 30, 2023 · Lights · 90,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that condensation and moisture was present inside the front headlight assemblies, which caused the headlight illumination to be diminished and created a visibility hazard while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front headlight assemblies were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Dec 20, 2022 · Electrical · IL

Condensation on passenger headlight. (80%) Just noticed condensation on driver side (15%)

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2016 Buick Regal before you buy

Compare the 2016 Buick Regal

Other model years

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Questions about the 2016 Buick Regal

Is the 2016 Buick Regal reliable?

Owners have filed 41 complaints about the 2016 Buick Regal, close to a typical Regal model year.

What is the 2016 Buick Regal year score?

The 2016 Buick Regal scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Buick Regal: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Buick Regal?

Steering, with 10 complaints. Next is electrical (6).

How many recalls does the 2016 Buick Regal have?

1 recall, covering steering.

Is the 2016 Buick Regal safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2016 Buick Regal scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (3 versions tested).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Buick Regal get?

Official estimates for the 2016 Buick Regal range from 22 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 24 city and 35 highway.

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