2016 Buick Regal: headlights failing or too dim

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 Aug 2, 2023 · Lights · GA

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

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%)

Filed Dec 5, 2021 · Body, Lights · NY

Water leaking into both front headlights results in dimming of headlights making it hard to see during nighttime driving and a real concern that the HID ballast wiring will short out causing complete loss of headlight operational function. There are many reports online of customers complaining that their HID headlights blew out due to water leakage and they were unable to see properly during nighttime driving. This is huge safety issue. Dealer Confirmed fault with both front headlight assemblies and verified significant water leakage into headlight assemblies. Customer called GM customer service where issue was escalated to senior advisor. Senior advisor was unable to offer any cost assistance to customer despite significant safety concerns, due to vehicle age of 5 years and 2 months. Total cost approximately $2300.

Filed Oct 12, 2021 · Lights · 25,700 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Regal. The contact stated that moisture had entered the vehicle's headlight module which caused the headlights to dim while in operation. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was given three options on how to repair the vehicle, all three options included him paying out of pocket for the repair which he declined. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but the contact had yet to receive a callback. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,700.

Filed Apr 11, 2016 · Visibility · 125 miles · MN

When backing out of a dark area (such as a garage) into bright light, or when leaving a dark tunnel into bright light, the backup display or forward navigation display become unusable due to contrast ("washout") issues. The system in the buick is a single sensor system (it also controls the automatic head lights) that requires 20-30 seconds to adjust contrast after a transition from dark to light. This 20-30 second delay is critical when backing up because you lose the view offered by the review camera unless you stop while the system adjusts. There are many situations where you can't stop backing (especially for 30 seconds) once you have started. The "washout" of the display when using the navigation map is also a potential safety issue. If trying to follow the map/directions when exiting a tunnel (the tunnel is dark enough to require the auto headlights to turn on) you lose the ability to see the map for 20-30 seconds while the system adjusts to the change in lighting. At the very least this causes a distraction for the driver trying to follow the map. Buick touts the backup camera and the big navigation display as vehicle safety aids, but the implementation is flawed and a danger to the driver or others.