2013 Buick Regal Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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Quick Facts · 2013 Buick Regal
- Has 6 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the exterior lighting:turn signal.
- Outscores the 2012 Buick Regal by 15 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: 2.0t ecotec engine (major severity).
The 2013 Buick Regal at a glance
- Is the 2013 Buick Regal reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2013 Buick Regal 83/100 (grade B), categorized as moderate risk. A comfortable and stylish sedan offering a premium feel, but demanding careful pre-purchase scrutiny and diligent maintenance, especially for turbocharged variants.
- Should I buy a used 2013 Buick Regal?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2013 Buick Regal. The 2013 Buick Regal is a stylish, comfortable, and often overlooked sedan offering excellent value on the used market. While the 2.4L NA engine is fairly robust, the popular 2.0T engine carries known risks that necessitate a meticulous pre-purchase inspection and a commitment to strict maintenance. If you're willin…
- Which Buick Regal years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 2014-2017 (later models with updated 2.0T LTG engine and refined features). Years to avoid: Earlier 2.0T models (2011-2013) without comprehensive service records for the engine, due to higher prevalence of timing chain and PCV issues..
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Buick Regal?
- The top failure points on the 2013 Buick Regal are 2.0T Ecotec Engine (typically around 60,000-120,000 miles), Electrical System & Infotainment (typically around 40,000-90,000 miles), Suspension Components (typically around 50,000-100,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Buick Regal?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2013 Buick Regal is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, the Regal should be primarily in its prime, with only routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations typically needed. Any significant issues here would indicate a manufacturing defect or severe neglect.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2013 Buick Regal?
The 2013 Buick Regal, with its European-inspired chassis and refined ride, presents a compelling value proposition in the used market. However, its sophisticated 2.0T engine demands a vigilant maintenance regimen, as neglecting key service items can quickly transform a good deal into a costly regret. For those who prioritize comfort and a distinctive driving experience over absolute bulletproof reliability, this Regal can be a rewarding, albeit cautious, choice.
The 2013 Buick Regal is a stylish, comfortable, and often overlooked sedan offering excellent value on the used market. While the 2.4L NA engine is fairly robust, the popular 2.0T engine carries known risks that necessitate a meticulous pre-purchase inspection and a commitment to strict maintenance. If you're willin…
Best Model Years
2014-2017 (later models with updated 2.0T LTG engine and refined features)
Years to Avoid
Earlier 2.0T models (2011-2013) without comprehensive service records for the engine, due to higher prevalence of timing chain and PCV issues.
Biggest Strengths
- Refined ride quality and quiet cabin
- Solid braking performance and handling dynamics
- Distinctive styling and premium interior feel for its class
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2013 Buick Regal, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The LHU/LTG 2.0L turbocharged engine is prone to timing chain stretch, PCV system failures leading to excessive oil consumption, and carbon buildup on intake valves, particularly if oil changes are neglected or incorrect oil is used. Thi…
Owners report issues with the IntelliLink infotainment system (freezing, slow response, Bluetooth connectivity issues). Body Control Module (BCM) failures can lead to various gremlins, including power window malfunctions, intermittent li…
Front strut mounts can wear out, leading to clunking noises over bumps and degraded ride quality. Control arm bushings can also prematurely fail, especially in areas with rough roads, contributing to loose steering feel or uneven tire wear.
2013 Buick Regal Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2013 Buick Regal most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the Regal should be primarily in its prime, with only routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations typically needed. Any significant issues here would indicate a manufacturing defect or severe neglect.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage often marks the need for more substantial maintenance, including brake pad replacement, spark plugs (especially on 2.0T), and potentially transmission fluid flush. For 2.0T engines, this is also where early signs of oil cons…
Elevated Risk Zone
The risk of major component wear or failure increases here. Suspension components like strut mounts or bushings may need attention. For 2.0T engines, timing chain issues become more prevalent, and PCV valve failures can lead to significa…
High Risk Zone
Beyond 120,000 miles, the likelihood of needing significant repairs escalates. This includes potential for turbocharger replacement (2.0T), transmission rebuilds, or comprehensive engine work if prior issues were neglected. Rust and corr…
2013 Buick Regal Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2013 Buick Regal on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-700
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,800 occasionally (e.g., suspension work, electrical module, PCV system)
How Long Does the 2013 Buick Regal Last?
For a 2013 Regal, a mileage between 60,000 and 90,000 miles is ideal, assuming a complete service history. Vehicles significantly over 100,000 miles, especially 2.0T models, demand a very thorough pre-purchase inspection and a contingency budget for potential major repairs.
What 2013 Buick Regal Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride quality suitable for long trips
- Distinctive, sleek styling that stands out from typical mid-size sedans
- Premium interior feel and quality materials for its price point
- Engaging handling, especially in Turbo and GS models
Common Frustrations
- 2.0T engine reliability concerns (oil consumption, timing chain, PCV)
- IntelliLink infotainment system can be sluggish and occasionally glitchy
- Rear seat legroom is somewhat cramped for adults compared to rivals
- Fuel economy, particularly on the 2.0T, is not class-leading
Who Should Buy the 2013 Buick Regal?
Best For
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking a premium, near-luxury feel without the luxury price tag
- Commuters who prioritize a quiet, comfortable, and composed ride
- Drivers who appreciate European-inspired styling and handling over flash
Not Ideal For
- Buyers seeking absolute top-tier reliability akin to a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry
- Those who neglect regular maintenance or extend oil change intervals
How the 2013 Buick Regal Compares to Rivals
The Regal offers a more upscale, 'European' driving experience than many direct domestic competitors, but it doesn't quite match the long-term bulletproof reliability reputation of segment leaders from Honda or Toyota.
More Reliable Than
- Chrysler 200 (earlier generation)
- Volkswagen CC (some generations with DSG issues)
- Ford Fusion (earlier models with problematic transmissions)
Comparable To
- Hyundai Sonata
- Kia Optima
- Volkswagen Passat
NHTSA Recalls
6 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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."
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.
What breaks on the 2013 Buick Regal?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Buick Regal by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Buick Regal. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2013 Buick Regal
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Where the 2013 Buick Regal report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sell your 2013 Buick Regal for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Buick Regal. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
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