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Buick Regal grinding brakes problems

42 of the 2,973 owner complaints about the Buick Regal describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 1995 model year.

owner complaints
42
worst model year
1995
typical repair cost reported
$1,347
typical mileage
100,000
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2019
    1
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    1
  • 2013
    3
  • 2012
    1
  • 2011
    4
  • 2005
    1
  • 2002
    1
  • 2001
    3
  • 2000
    2
  • 1998
    2
  • 1997
    1
  • 1996
    2
  • 1995
    6
  • 1994
    4
  • 1993
    2
  • 1992
    1
  • 1991
    2
  • 1990
    3

Often reported together

ABS 5Brake failure 4Jerking 3Engine failure 3Stalling 2Won't start 1Wipers 1Transmission failure 1

Trouble codes mentioned

P0171 1P0131 1P0017 1P0016 1P0014 1

What owners say

Filed Feb 13, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MN

PCV system failed causing excess pressure to blow out the rear main seal and crankcase seal resulting in an oil leak. No lights and no codes were on the dashboard. The only symptom was a high pitched squealing sound during very cold weather. The problem has been reproduced by the dealer. The problem first appeared the first winter owning the vehicle.

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 May 31, 2023 · Engine · 100,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. While inspecting under the hood of the vehicle, it was discovered that the tensioner pully was very loose. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated that the pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that the tensioner pulley had been replaced on three previous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Sep 19, 2022 · Suspension · OH

I made a right hand turn on a 25 mph street in my vehicle and the butt end of my vehicle kicked out and i temporarily lost control of my vehicle. I then heard a high pitch squealing and a thud. I was able to gain control of my vehicle and safely pull into a parking lot where my i saw my rear pass side tire jammed into the wheel well. I had my vehicle towed to the dealership Classic Painesville as it is under warranty. I found out that the toe link fractured due to corrosion and bent the passenger side trailing arm when it snapped. My warranty company will not cover the 1650 dollar repair due to corrosion, and the dealership will not cover the safety recall since my VIN is not listed under the recall notice. I pointed out that the General motors website motorsafety.org provides details on the "salt belt: area concerning this same issue. 2012 – 2013 Buick Regal 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2010 – 2013 Buick Lacrosse Recall summary The recall concerns the toe links at the rear underside of the car, which hold the rear wheels straight. The toe links are coated to protect them from road debris and corrosion, but the supplier applied too much coating, paradoxically making the protective layer more likely to chip off. GM has issued the recall in specific states in the “Salt Belt,” where salt is used to de-ice roads in the winter. Without their protective coating, salt can corrode the metal toe links and cause them to break. The recall will include models that were sold or ever registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. My vehicle had no previous issues and was just into the dealership for an oil, change-tire rotation and a 50 point inspection 2 wks ago. There were no warning and the failure was sudden.

Filed May 26, 2022 · Suspension · 180,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was a squeaking noise coming from the wheels and the vehicle was driving very loosely. The contact noticed that the lower control arm in the rear of the vehicle was fractured. The contact was a certified mechanic and diagnosed that the rear suspension needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · OH

We purchased this vehicle in May 2016 and from the beginning had strange issues with the engine. It was in and out of the dealer with them trying to figure out the exact problem. They could not, so they contacted GM for approval for an engine replacement. We were concerned about going this route but were assured it would be taken care of for the life of the car. After the replacement in July 2016, the car seemed to be better but other weird issues arose. The engine always made a squealing noise that we were told was fine. We have done all required maintenance, recalls, and regular service. For the past 2 months, the car has had strange shifting issues. It was taken in to be looked at and nothing was found. The transmission received its' routine maintenance on schedule. It still was a problem and we were told to drive it until a code appeared. The car got progressively worse and had great difficulty shifting, which had us involved in a few close calls. Took it to a different dealer that also didn't find a problem. They said since there was no code, but seemed transmission related, they would drain it and replace the fluid. This also didn't work. We continued to drive the car and almost ended up stranded in the middle of the night while driving the freeway. The car became almost uncontrollable. We made it home. But, the following day while driving it to work, the car was jerking, stalled, and then lost the capability of reverse and neutral. We had to have it towed and a new transmission put in. We were told by the dealer that there was an explosion in the transmission, and we were lucky we were somewhere safe when the car died. It's very frustrating paying for a vehicle that didn't seem right from the beginning. We have put well over $6,500 in trying to repair a car that seems like it was never right in the first place. We have been fortunate that neither of us, or any of our children, have been hurt considering the major issues with our car.

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 Sep 14, 2020 · Engine, Steering · 81,290 miles · IN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick regal. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle loss acceleration, steering wheel became difficult to turn. In another when turn off the engine, the vehicle failed to start. A warning light illuminated roll driver side window up, the trunk open and the windshield wiper independently start to function. The vehicle was towed to ed martin buick gmc, 9896 n michigan rd, carmel, in 46032, and was diagnosed that the timing chain detached. The vehicle was not repair due to the repair fees. Five code also came up, p0131, p0016, p0017, p0014 and p0171. And leaving the dealer, the vehicle failed to start and was towed to an independent mechanic where the timing chain, balance chaff, chain kit, timing cover gasket set, cam cover gasket set and two camshaft sensors, were replaced. The while leaving the independent mechanic, the vehicle loss acceleration, heat blowing at the flow board an unknown odor entered the vehicle cabin coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic and was informed to take the vehicle to a buick dealer. While on the way to the dealer, the park to drive gear was clunking and jerking from 3rd to 2nd and 4th to 3rd. The vehicle was taken seven times to the same dealer. The contact mentioned that she taken the vehicle to a transmission shop but was unable to determine a failure. On another occasion, the vehicle loss acceleration and jerking in gears, heat entering the vehicle cabin and squealing. No check engine light illuminated and the battery cover was melted on one side. No indication on the overheat that level the temperature gage. The failure mileage was approximately 81,290.

Filed Aug 20, 2018 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 63,000 miles · IL

After the car sitting in the sun, driving in slow traffic the car is running rough, the gas millage dropped, the brake making noise when you stop. When accelerate there is grinding noise. I pulled to the side and turn off the car for five minutes, I start the car and it run as normal. This was happening before for 2 month. Take it to the dealer 3 times, they advise there is nothing wrong. Last time they clean the bearings and it did not help. Finally they advise to replace the modular for the brake and the accelerator and it required remove the dash board and lot of labor time. They are not sure 100% it will work as it is not shown on the scan

Filed Jul 6, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 67,000 miles · IN

Buick regal 2011 is currently at 67k, the vehicle had transmission replaced at 63k. The automobile continues to stall as there seems to be concerns related to the acceleration/power of the car at times, vehicle doesn't display the power it should be driving with. In addition automobile is making a squeaking noise from the water pump or belt when vehicle air conditioning is ran (either in motion or stationary).

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: softwareReported June 30, 2022 · 23,734 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."
Risk
A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the EBCM software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Buick's customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300.

Recall number 22V465000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported August 30, 2018 · 210,628 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Recall number 18V576000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drumReported May 17, 2000 · 18,754 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes. The bolt head(s) on the rear spindle rod can separate.
Risk
The rear wheel can shift, causing rear steering of the vehicle. The driver could lose control and a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear spindle bolts.

Recall number 00V143000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported July 9, 1999 · 168,559 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Some of these vehicles with the key in the "on" position, exhibit a condition in which the antilock brake system (ABS) motor shorts to its case and grounds through a flexible brake fluid pipe.
Risk
This short can cause extreme heating of the flexible brake pipe where it can melt a nearby flexible plastic fuel hose, which could result in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a ground cable from the electronic brake control module (ebcm) to the engine compartment body rail.

Recall number 99V170000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported November 14, 1997 · 4,387 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The right front brake pipe can contact the piower steering assembly causing the brake line to wear through.
Risk
This condition can result in the loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of half of the vehicle brake system.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for proper clearance between the brake line and power steering assembly. Assemblies found to be out of position will be repositioned and all assemblies secured to maintain proper clearances. Additionally, those brake lines found to have been damaged will be replaced and properly routed.

Recall number 97V223000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported April 19, 1996 · 43,213 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The left front brake line can contact the transaxle mounting bracket or attachment bolt.
Risk
This condition can cause the brake line to wear through, resulting in loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of one-half of the vehicle's brake system, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper brake line clearance and reposition those brake lines found to have less than minimal clearance. Additionally, those brake lines found to have an indentation caused by the contact will be replaced and properly routed.

Recall number 96V069000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported March 22, 1995 · 199,572 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The rear wheel brake hose(s) can contact the rear suspension components causing the brake hose(s) to wear through.
Risk
This condition can cause loss of brake fluid and eventual loss of the vehicle braking system increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for proper brake hose position and replace those hoses in an incorrect position with new hoses and correctly routed.

Recall number 95V061000 · Recall details

Questions about the Buick Regal grinding brakes

Which Buick Regal years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1995 (6 complaints), 1994 (4 complaints) and 2011 (4 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix grinding or squealing brakes on the Buick Regal?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,347 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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