The 2017 Buick Regal shares the Epsilon II platform with the LaCrosse and runs either GM's 2.0L turbo or the eAssist hybrid. The turbocharged 2.0T (LTG/LHU) is prone to carbon buildup and timing-chain issues, while both powertrains suffer from transmission cooling problems and surprisingly catastrophic engine failures tied to piston-ring defects.
Piston Ring Failure / Excessive Oil Consumption (2.0T)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: burning through a quart of oil every 500-1,000 miles, blue smoke on cold start or hard acceleration, misfires and rough idle as rings deteriorate, eventual loss of compression and engine failure
Fix: This is a ring-land fracture problem tied to direct-injection carbon andringland stress. Proper fix requires short-block replacement or complete engine rebuild with updated pistons. Expect 18-24 labor hours for short block, 22-28 for full tear-down rebuild. Many owners find out too late when the engine grenades.
Estimated cost: $5,500-8,500
Timing Chain Stretch (2.0T LTG)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: rattling noise on cold start that fades after 5-10 seconds, Check Engine Light with timing correlation codes (P0016, P0017), rough idle or hesitation, complete failure results in catastrophic valve/piston contact
Fix: The 2.0T uses a timing chain on the rear (firewall side) that's a nightmare to access. Full job requires pulling the engine or dropping the subframe. Replace chain, guides, tensioner, and both VVT solenoids. 14-18 hours labor. Do NOT ignore the rattle—this engine is an interference design.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: red ATF puddles under the car near the radiator, transmission slipping or delayed shifts when fluid gets low, occasional burnt smell, low transmission fluid warnings on vehicles with dipstick
Fix: The steel cooler lines rust through where they connect to the radiator or run along the frame. Sometimes the plastic quick-connects crack. Replace affected lines and top off fluid; flush if contaminated. 2-4 hours depending on how many lines need replacement and access.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (2.0T)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle and hesitation on acceleration, misfires, especially on cold start, reduced fuel economy, Check Engine Light with multiple misfire codes
Fix: Direct injection means no fuel washing over intake valves. Carbon cakes on and chokes airflow. Walnut-blasting the valves is the proper fix—media blasting without removing the head. 4-6 hours labor. Catch-can installation helps prevent recurrence but doesn't fix existing buildup.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, excessive vibration at idle, especially with A/C on, visible engine rocking when revving in park, harsh shifts under acceleration
Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount fatigues and the fluid leaks out or the rubber tears. Very common on this platform, especially if the car sees spirited driving. Replace the mount—it's a 1.5-2 hour job from underneath. OEM or quality aftermarket recommended; cheap ones fail in 20k miles.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Water Pump Failure (2.0T)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant leak from the front of the engine, whining or grinding noise from accessory belt area, overheating, especially in traffic or under load, coolant light or temperature warning
Fix: The 2.0T water pump is belt-driven and sits low on the engine. When the bearing or seal fails, coolant dumps out quickly. Replace pump, thermostat, and serpentine belt as an assembly. 3-5 hours. If it fails catastrophically and the engine overheats, see piston/head gasket problems above.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
eAssist Battery Degradation (Hybrid)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: reduced fuel economy, loss of electric assist during acceleration, Check Engine or hybrid system warning lights, battery unable to hold charge, frequent engine cycling
Fix: The lithium-ion hybrid battery pack in the eAssist starts losing capacity. GM dealers can test and sometimes recondition individual modules, but full pack replacement is often needed. 4-6 hours labor, but parts cost is brutal—$2,500-4,000 for the pack alone. Aftermarket/refurb options exist but quality varies.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
The 2.0T is a ticking time bomb if not meticulously maintained; pass unless you have full records and a pre-purchase inspection clears the timing chain and compression. The non-turbo hybrid is slower but slightly more reliable if the battery checks out. Better options exist in this price range.
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.