The 2016 Buick Regal shares GM's Epsilon II platform with mixed reliability. The 2.0L turbo (LTG/LHU) is prone to serious internal engine failures including piston ring land collapse and bearing wear, while the eAssist hybrid variants add complexity with mild reliability gains.
Piston Ring Land Failure & Excessive Oil Consumption
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Oil consumption 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Loss of power under boost, Check engine light with misfire codes, Carbon buildup on intake valves
Fix: Common failure where piston ring lands crack, causing catastrophic oil consumption. Requires complete engine rebuild or short block replacement. 18-24 labor hours for short block swap, includes timing components and reassembly. This is a known LTG/LHU engine defect affecting thousands of vehicles.
Estimated cost: $5,500-8,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping near radiator area, Low fluid warning light, Harsh shifting when cold, Pink fluid visible under vehicle, Burnt transmission fluid smell
Fix: Cooler lines corrode where they connect to the radiator or transmission. Replace both supply and return lines as a set, flush cooler. 2.5-3.5 hours labor. Often discovered during routine service before catastrophic failure occurs.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Electric Power Steering Assist Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Steering assist cuts out intermittently, Heavy steering at low speeds, Warning message: 'Power Steering Assist Fault', Complete loss of power assist, No audible pump noise (since it's electric)
Fix: Electric power steering motor or control module fails. Subject to NHTSA recall for some VINs but many fall outside coverage. Replacement requires steering column removal and programming. 4-6 hours labor for motor, 2-3 hours for module.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,400
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle & Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine bay on cold start, Loss of boost pressure, Check engine light with underboost codes P0299, Sluggish acceleration, Turbo whistle changes pitch
Fix: Wastegate actuator rod wears or internal wastegate flapper breaks. Requires turbocharger replacement as internal components aren't serviceable. 5-7 hours labor including coolant/oil line work and heat shield removal.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive, Excessive engine movement visible when accelerating, Vibration at idle in gear, Transmission shifter feels loose
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount fails internally, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Replace mount and inspect nearby mounts while accessible. 1.5-2 hours labor. Easy diagnosis by visual inspection.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle, Misfires on cold start, Reduced fuel economy, Hesitation during acceleration, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes
Fix: Direct injection engines have no fuel washing over intake valves, leading to heavy carbon deposits. Requires walnut blasting or manual scraping of intake valves. Remove intake manifold, 4-6 hours labor for proper cleaning of all four cylinders.
Symptoms: Reduced fuel economy, Auto start-stop not functioning, Battery warning light, Electric assist not engaging, Fan runs constantly to cool battery
Fix: Lithium-ion battery pack in trunk loses capacity. GM warranty covered 8yr/100k but many are now outside coverage. Battery pack replacement required, no cell-level service available. 3-4 hours labor for R&R.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000
Owner tips
Check oil level every 500 miles religiously on turbo models — early detection of consumption can save the engine
Use TOP TIER gasoline exclusively and add intake valve cleaner every oil change to slow carbon buildup
Verify electric power steering recall 14V394 was completed; if steering feels heavy, address immediately
Budget $1,000/year for major repairs after 70k miles on turbo models; consider extended warranty
Avoid the 2.0L turbo entirely if buying used over 80k miles unless engine rebuild history is documented
Hard pass on high-mileage turbo models due to catastrophic engine failure risk; eAssist hybrid is marginally better but adds battery replacement concerns — buy only with comprehensive service records and pre-purchase compression test.
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.
Fitment notes: H6 group also compatible; battery located in trunk under floor panel
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Control Modules — 2016 Buick Regal
Every control module on the 2011-2017 Buick Regal — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVC)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrwith rear vision camera▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with rear camera assembly in trunk lid handle area
🔧 MDI or aftermarket with camera alignment
⚠️ Requires camera alignment and configuration after replacement
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Regal Vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to February 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power-steering assist system that may fail.
Consequence: A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21510.
Vehicle Info — 2016 Buick Regal
Performance
Horsepower
259hp
Torque
295lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.6sec
Quarter mile
15.0sec
Top speed
130mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
20mpg
Highway
29mpg
Combined
24mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Curb weight
3,649lb
Seating
5seats
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Wiper blades
2011-2017 fifth generation Regal sedan, no rear wiper
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2016 Buick Regal 2.0L Turbo I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.