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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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
Owner tips
If buying the 2.0T, demand service records showing regular synthetic oil changes every 5,000 miles max—longer intervals accelerate carbon and ring wear.
Check for timing chain rattle on cold start and walk away if present unless priced for an engine job.
Budget $1,000-1,500 in deferred maintenance around 80k miles: walnut blast, transmission fluid flush, coolant system refresh.
Avoid the eAssist hybrid unless battery health has been verified and you're getting a steep discount—replacement cost eats any fuel savings.
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.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required for start-stop system; located in trunk on passenger side
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Control Modules — 2017 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.
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 2017 Buick Regal 2.0L Turbo I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.