2014 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 2014 Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Improperly torqued fasteners may cause the steering intermediate shaft and the steering gear and/or the lower control arm and the lower ball joint to separate.

If any of the components separate, the vehicle may have a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

GM began to notify owners on June 27, 2014, and dealers will inspect the fasteners for correct torque, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14378.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Buick owners at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC owners at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.