2013 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 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.

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

Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and 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 fracture.

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

Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212330130.

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.

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

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.

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.

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.

GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.

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.