The 2013 Buick Regal is a rebadged Opel Insignia with two distinct powertrains—the 2.0L turbo is the more common engine and brings European complexity to GM ownership, while the eAssist hybrid is rare. Both suffer from specific patterns of expensive failures, particularly in powertrain cooling and internal engine durability.
2.0L Turbo Piston Ring Failure and Oil Consumption
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000 miles or worse), Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Carbon buildup on intake valves causing rough idle and misfires, Check engine light with P0300-series misfire codes
Fix: Piston ring failure requires complete engine teardown—either full rebuild with new pistons, rings, and valve cleaning, or short block replacement. Figure 20-30 labor hours for rebuild, 12-16 hours for short block swap. Many shops recommend replacing rather than rebuilding given labor costs.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks and Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking near radiator or under vehicle front, Transmission overheating warnings on instrument cluster, Harsh shifting or slipping after highway driving, Pink/red fluid dripping from lower radiator area
Fix: The quick-connect cooler lines corrode and leak at the crimped fittings, and the cooler itself can crack internally. Requires cooler replacement, both hard and soft lines, plus fluid flush. Some mechanics see cross-contamination between coolant and ATF if ignored. 4-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Rear Suspension Trailing Arm Bushings Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or knocking from rear over bumps, Unstable rear-end feel during lane changes or cornering, Uneven rear tire wear (inner or outer edge), Visible cracks or tears in rubber bushings during inspection
Fix: The trailing arm bushings deteriorate faster than expected—GM issued multiple recalls (check VIN) but not all were covered. Requires replacing trailing arm assemblies or pressing in new bushings. Most shops replace the arms complete. 3-4 hours labor both sides.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Timing Chain Stretch and VVT Solenoid Issues (2.0T)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine on cold start that lasts 5-10 seconds, Check engine light with P0011 or P0014 (cam timing over-advanced/retarded), Rough idle and reduced power, Timing chain 'slap' noise at idle when warm
Fix: The 2.0T stretches its timing chain if oil changes were delayed. Requires front engine disassembly, new chain, guides, tensioner, and both VVT solenoids. If caught early, chain replacement prevents valve contact. If ignored, valves kiss pistons. 10-14 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
Torque Converter Shudder and Transmission Slippage (6T70)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Shudder or vibration during light acceleration between 25-45 mph, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement into gear, Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts, Transmission fluid appears dark or burnt-smelling
Fix: The 6T70 six-speed auto develops torque converter clutch shudder, often fixable with fluid/filter service and friction modifier additive. If worn internally, requires converter replacement or full rebuild. Try fluid service first (2 hours), full rebuild is 12-16 hours if needed.
Estimated cost: $300-3,800
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Boost Control Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Metallic rattling noise from engine bay during acceleration, Check engine light with P0234 (overboost) or P0299 (underboost), Loss of power under acceleration, Rattling stops once boost builds or at idle
Fix: Wastegate actuator arm wears or the wastegate flapper itself rattles in the housing. Sometimes cleaning and lubing the actuator works temporarily, but most need turbo replacement or rebuild. Turbo is accessible but requires coolant/oil line work. 6-9 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,400-2,800
Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Leaks (2.0T)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant seepage from front of engine or around thermostat housing, Low coolant warning light, Engine overheating or running hotter than normal, Visible coolant residue on front timing cover area
Fix: The plastic thermostat housing cracks, and the water pump develops weep leaks at the gasket. Often replaced together since you're in the area. Timing cover must come off for pump access. 4-6 hours labor for both components.
Estimated cost: $700-1,200
Owner tips
Change oil religiously every 5,000 miles with full synthetic—the 2.0T turbo is brutal on oil and the direct injection creates carbon buildup without good oil quality
Use only Dexos-spec oil and consider regular intake valve cleaning every 40,000-50,000 miles to prevent carbon issues
Flush transmission fluid every 50,000 miles despite GM saying 'lifetime fill'—the 6T70 lives longer with fresh fluid
Check for open recalls on rear suspension before purchase—GM extended coverage on some trailing arm bushings
Budget for a pre-purchase inspection with compression test and oil consumption check on any used 2.0T—these engines either run forever or grenade by 100k
Solid driving dynamics and upscale interior, but the 2.0T powertrain is a maintenance gamble—buy only with documented religious oil changes and expect $1,500-2,000/year in unexpected repairs after 80k miles.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 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.
Consequence: Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 · 21V00F000
2021-12-22
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.
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 · 21V633000
2021-08-12
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, 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 fracture.
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 mailed on January 3, 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 N212330130.
SUSPENSION:REAR · 20V764000
2020-12-21
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.
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 13V173000
2013-05-06
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 · 12V484000
2012-10-04
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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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