2011 Buick Regal

The 2.0L LTG turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops timing chain stretch over time, causing a rattle on cold starts and eventually triggering check engine lights with timing correlation codes (P0016, P0017). The chain tensioner and guides wear prematurely, especially if oil change intervals are extended. Advanced stretch can cause rough running and misfires.

Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides as a complete set. The repair requires removal of the front timing cover and is moderately labor-intensive. Use the updated GM tensioner with improved oil passages. Maintain strict oil change intervals with full synthetic 5W-30 oil to prevent recurrence.

The power brake booster loses vacuum assist, causing a hard and high brake pedal that requires significantly more foot pressure to stop the vehicle. Some owners report a hissing noise from the brake booster area and a noticeable increase in stopping distance. The issue can develop gradually or appear suddenly, creating a safety concern.

Replace the power brake booster and inspect the vacuum supply hose and check valve. Bleed the brake system after installation. If the brake master cylinder shows signs of internal bypass (spongy pedal), replace it at the same time. Inspect brake pads and rotors for uneven wear caused by reduced braking force.

The water pump on the 2.0L turbo engine leaks coolant from the weep hole or gasket surface, leading to low coolant levels and potential overheating. The pump bearing can also fail, creating a grinding noise from the front of the engine. This issue typically presents between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.

Replace the water pump, gasket, and thermostat. Flush the cooling system and refill with Dex-Cool coolant. Inspect the serpentine belt for coolant contamination and replace if necessary. Some owners upgrade to an aftermarket water pump with a metal impeller for improved durability.

The front strut mount bearings wear out and produce a creaking, popping, or clunking noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds in parking lots. The worn bearing allows the strut to bind during turning, causing the steering to feel notchy. The noise is most noticeable in cold weather and worsens over time.

Replace both front strut mount assemblies. Most technicians recommend replacing the complete strut assembly (strut, spring, mount, and bearing) to avoid the cost of spring compression. Perform a front-end alignment after replacement. Inspect the CV axle boots and tie rod ends at the same time.

The trunk release actuator and latch mechanism fail, preventing the trunk from opening via the key fob button, interior release, or exterior trunk button. Owners are left unable to access the trunk unless they fold down the rear seats and climb into the trunk area to manually release the latch. The issue is often caused by a failed actuator motor or corroded wiring connector.

Replace the trunk latch and release actuator assembly. Inspect the wiring harness routing through the trunk hinge area for chafing or broken wires caused by repeated opening and closing. Apply dielectric grease to the connector to prevent future corrosion. The latch assembly is accessible from inside the trunk.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured November 3, 2009, to March 25, 2011, equipped with 8-way power adjustable front seats. The power seat wiring harness may contact the seat frame, causing the wires to chafe.

Chafed harness wires may cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, and repair any chafed wires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 30710.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

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.

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.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

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."

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.

GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.