2012 Buick Regal
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Base/Eassist, 4dr Sedan Turbo/Gs
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,580–3,688 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2012 midsize car (23.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints79 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 240 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Buick Regal is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,580 lb (4dr Sedan Base/Eassist).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 35 highway), 17% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2012
- New hybrid version
- Best combined MPG up from 24 to 28
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Regal →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Oshawa #1 (Osh), Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Regal configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Base/Eassist | 190.6 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 107.9 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,580 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo/Gs | 190.6 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 107.9 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,688 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regal eAssist Hybrid | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 35 / 28 | +17% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Regal FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 31 / 24 | 0% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Regal FFV | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 30 / 23 | -4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Regal | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 30 / 23 | -4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Regal FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 29 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Regal | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Regal FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Regal | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Buick Regal.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Buick Regal (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 27 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
Recalls (7)
Suspension › Rear · Feb 26, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V113000 · 17,050 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012â2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, 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, or Wisconsin. The rear suspension toe links may have received improper corrosion protection, which can result in rear toe link fracture.
- Risk
- Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2026. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N252537580. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall numbers 20V764, 21V633, and 21V00F.
Suspension › Rear · Dec 22, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V00F000 · 4,271 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in 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, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
- Risk
- A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
Suspension › Rear · Dec 21, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V764000 · 220,006 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in 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, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
- Risk
- A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · 414,333 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
- Risk
- If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Electrical System · May 6, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V173000 · 42,904 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal · Oct 4, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V484000 · 120,426 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.
Exterior Lighting · Mar 7, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V093000 · 3,633 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 ÂLAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.
- Risk
- INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
- Fix
- GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM AT 1-800-521-7300.
Not every 2012 Buick Regal is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Buick Regal buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 32 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Engine — 19 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 13 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Buick Regal. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Regal years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Regal | 26 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 Regal | 26 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2018 Regal | 26 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 33 |
| 2017 Regal | 24 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 20 |
| 2016 Regal | 28 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 41 |
| 2015 Regal | 28 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 33 |
| 2014 Regal | 28 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 38 |
| 2013 Regal | 29 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 86 |
| 2011 Regal | 24 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 238 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →