repaired · 2024 Q2
Control module: software
Risk. A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 Buick RegalProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 19 owner complaints about the 2018 Buick Regal, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-465 the manufacturer reports only 78% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 11, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Buick Regal has problems
19 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
7Service brakes4 crash/fire/injury
5Engine
3Electrical system
2Visibility/wiper
2Power train
2Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
2Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Steering
44 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 7 | 4 |
| Engine | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 1 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2018 Buick Regal recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Disc: caliper
Risk. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk. If the seat belt fails to adequately restrain the passengers in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Buick.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Regal year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Regal median. How we score
'73'74'75'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Buick Regal safety ratings
2018 Buick Regal 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Buick Regal, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Regal owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My car was part of recall number 22V465, which was supposed to fix a problem with the electronic brake assist system. The recall repair was done in 2023, but after my battery recently died, the same problem has come back — my brakes are very firm, and I have to press hard to stop. The car is…
Was driving home from work and my brakes suddenly stopped working, if I press all the way down on the brakes they somewhat work. Checked brake fluid and brake lines and everything seems fine. Could this be from vacuum power brake assist fail?
Increased stopping distance during certain brake vacuum loss events. My check engine light goes on and off periodically. When I’m at a red light my whole car shuts off and goes into a neutral mode then once I press the brake it starts back up.
Own a 2018 Regal?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.