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2012 BUICK REGAL Complaints and Recall Information

The 2012 BUICK REGAL has 3 complaints and 6 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report water seal leaks around the driver side headlight assembly that allow standing water inside. This issue causes failure of headlights, turn signals, and brake lights on the driver side, creating a hazardous driving condition with reduced visibility and signaling. Another complaint involves a car seat defect unrelated to the vehicle itself.

Common Issues

  • Headlight water intrusion. Water leaks around the driver side headlight cause standing water inside the assembly, leading to failure of headlights, left turn signal, and driver side brake light.
  • Lighting system failure. Both driver and passenger side headlights may fail due to condensation and water pooling within headlight housing, disabling essential exterior lights.
  • Dealer repair refusal. Some owners report local dealerships and GM will not cover repairs related to the headlight seal issue, requiring costly out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Emergency lighting malfunction. Emergency flashers and signals have been reported as non-functional after water intrusion damage.
  • Child safety seat defect. A separate complaint concerns a detachable headrest from a forward-facing child car seat, although the manufacturer was not notified and the seat was not replaced.

There are 6 recalls impacting various systems on the 2012 Buick Regal. The recalls address issues related to exterior lighting, electrical control modules, power seat adjusters, and rear suspension components that could affect vehicle safety and operation.

Recalls

  • Front turn signal bulbs. (NHTSA 12V484000) Approximately 120,426 vehicles have two front turn signal bulbs where a failure of one bulb is not indicated to the driver. This defect risks unnoticed turn signal failure potentially causing crashes. Dealers will update body control module software free of charge.
  • Parking lamp software error. (NHTSA 12V093000) In 3,633 vehicles, parking lamps do not activate with the headlamps due to a software issue, reducing vehicle visibility. GM will reprogram the body control module at no cost to owners.
  • Generator control module (GCM) malfunction. (NHTSA 13V173000) About 42,904 vehicles equipped with eAssist may experience loss of battery charge, engine stalling, and possible fire risk in the trunk. Dealers will test and replace the GCM as needed free of charge.
  • Power seat height adjuster bolts. (NHTSA 14V447000) The bolts securing power height adjustable front seats may fall out in 414,333 vehicles, causing sudden dropping of the seat which can distract the driver and increase crash risk. GM will replace bolts free of charge.
  • Rear suspension toe link corrosion. (NHTSA 20V764000) Excessive electrocoating on rear toe links in 220,006 vehicles can chip away, exposing metal to corrosion and causing fracture. This affects vehicle control and crash risk. GM will replace suspension components free of charge, but parts are currently unavailable.
  • Rear suspension toe link corrosion expansion. (NHTSA 21V00F000) An additional 4,271 vehicles face the same rear toe link corrosion risk due to improper electrocoating. GM will replace affected parts free of charge with owner notification completed in 2022.

Owners of 2012 Buick Regal vehicles dealing with repeated repairs related to lighting failures or unresolved recall issues, especially those affecting safety systems like suspension and electrical control, may have rights under their state lemon laws. Consulting an attorney experienced in consumer protection and lemon law may help address persistent problems.

2012 BUICK REGAL Summary

2012

Model Year

3

Total Complaints

6

Total Recalls

805573

Vehicles Affected

Recalls

2012 BUICK REGAL

4271 vehicles affected

21V00F000

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

2012 BUICK REGAL

220006 vehicles affected

20V764000

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

2012 BUICK REGAL

414333 vehicles affected

14V447000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

2012 BUICK REGAL

42904 vehicles affected

13V173000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Risk: 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.

2012 BUICK REGAL

3633 vehicles affected

12V093000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.

Risk: INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.

2012 BUICK REGAL

120426 vehicles affected

12V484000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

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."

Risk: 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.

Complaints

2012 BUICK REGAL

ID: 2122160

CHILD SEAT

The contact owns a Safety 1st Car Seat, Model Name: Disney Baby Jive 2-in-1 Convertible, Model Number: CC286-GAD, Manufactured Date: August 17, 2022. The contact stated that the forward-facing safety seat head detached from the seat with the screws still attached. The contact attempted to tighten the screws; however, the screws required a special bit. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The car seat was not replaced.

2012 BUICK REGAL

ID: 2113851

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

There is a water seal leak around the driver side headlight. I have photos showing proof of standing water. It has now caused the headlight, left turn signal, and drivers side brake light to fail. My passenger side headlight is doing the same. I have no headlights, no driverside lights period. I drive 2 children around in this car and it's gotten very dangerous. I contacted GM, and the local dealership and they won't fix it. I'm a [XXX] and don't have the $3200-$5000 I was told the repair would be. It is a problem in certain GM models, Cadillac Srx 2010-2015 having the same issue and the recall being fixed for those drivers. So, I have no choice but to drive around with no headlights, no left blinker, and no driver side brake light with two you children. I have to work and have no other options. It's a catastrophe waiting to happen, I live in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia. Please help me with this, I am terrified to drive this car around. I've had two people flag me down at a red light to let me know my brake light is out which is terribly dangerous and if it starts raining while I am out I have no headlights. This has become an emergency situation for me and my children. I have photo proof of the water pooling inside the headlight assembly. The seal is so bad that even covered the condensation pools inside the headlight. Please help me get a dealership to fix this issue. They want to charge me $275 for diagnostics and this is already and issue on this model car, reported by many drivers with the recall on the Cadillac. They need to fix it before I end up a casualty to this problem. Thank you so much. I can send a video of the emergency flasher and signal not working. I replaced the headlight in January and the new one never worked. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2012 BUICK REGAL

ID: 2113850

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

There is a water seal leak around the driver side headlight. I have photos showing proof of standing water. It has now caused the headlight, left turn signal, and drivers side brake light to fail. My passenger side headlight is doing the same. I have no headlights, no driverside lights period. I drive 2 children around in this car and it's gotten very dangerous. I contacted GM, and the local dealership and they won't fix it. I'm a [XXX] and don't have the $3200-$5000 I was told the repair would be. It is a problem in certain GM models, Cadillac Srx 2010-2015 having the same issue and the recall being fixed for those drivers. So, I have no choice but to drive around with no headlights, no left blinker, and no driver side brake light with two you children. I have to work and have no other options. It's a catastrophe waiting to happen, I live in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia. Please help me with this, I am terrified to drive this car around. I've had two people flag me down at a red light to let me know my brake light is out which is terribly dangerous and if it starts raining while I am out I have no headlights. This has become an emergency situation for me and my children. I have photo proof of the water pooling inside the headlight assembly. The seal is so bad that even covered the condensation pools inside the headlight. Please help me get a dealership to fix this issue. They want to charge me $275 for diagnostics and this is already and issue on this model car, reported by many drivers with the recall on the Cadillac. They need to fix it before I end up a casualty to this problem. Thank you so much. I can send a video of the emergency flasher and signal not working. I replaced the headlight in January and the new one never worked. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)