Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 91 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Buick Regal, and it carries 6 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 26 | 29% |
| Electrical system | 16 | 18% |
| Electrical system | 5 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 3 | 3% |
| Power train | 2 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 2% |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light and depressing the brake pedal, the hybrid battery would power off as intended; however, when the brake pedal was released, the v
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
While in motion at about 25-30 miles per hours, slightly stepping on the brake to slow down, the car just… wouldn’t, I was forced to swerve, preventing damage to cars ahead, I went over a curb
NHTSA complaint: Steering
, while driving, doing a steady 25-30 mph my vehicle completed transformed behavior, literally, I could only guess the problem(s)
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I have a continuous problem where the vehicle goes into limp mode/reduce power mode it studders and stalls out. The check engine and stabilitrak light comes on. It is extreamly dangerous at it happens on the road and in
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Second time, the car has basically shut down. Brake assist, ABS and traction control lights on. Stabilitrak Service light. Had to slow down to 25 miles an hour because it was shaking so bad and limped it home. Last time
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front driver's side headlight was replaced by the dealer six years ago. The contact stated that the front passenger's side front headlight was inoperable a
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
Projector lights in headlamp assembly go out and moisture gets into headlamp causing poor visibility after sundown or poor weather. General Motors Case Number: 9-10416199921
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
While driving the vehicle, I received an alert message on the instrument panel that stated “Remote Not Detected,” then the vehicle immediately shutdown in the middle of the road. I lost all power to the vehicle, I couldn
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2013 Buick Regal. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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
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 a
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-
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
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 nu
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, Missou
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
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and 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, N
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. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were maile
| Reliability raw | 64 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 67 | good |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 70 | good |
| Performance | 52 | average |
| Efficiency | 41 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 91 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and exterior lighting is the most reported area with 26 of them (29%). There are 6 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 64/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 67/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2013 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.