What 90 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Buick Regal Eassist

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)

NHTSA ODI 11676449

[XXX] my car failed to let me use the brake, i was going about 45mph and when i went to apply brake pressure the pedal was so stiff i couldnt use the brake. Causing from end collision, when i made a trip to springdale to have my car inspected it didnt make it, started backfiring and dying around 65 mph then the motor blew, it had some issues starting but nothing like what happened within that few seconds. Im out of a car now because it drove perfect and i never have to give it thought. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11627455

Hard to be able to control the vehicle due to something going on the rear

NHTSA ODI 11590501

2nd bad headlamp assembly that develops moisture and causes lamp to go out. First was passenger side now driver side

NHTSA ODI 11575316

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, he became aware that the electrical system was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the body control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V093000 (Exterior Lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 16,000.

NHTSA ODI 11552125

The driver headlight assembly has water in it and unable to fix it without replacing whole assembly that can be as much as $1500. The light bulb and valance was replaced. The valance was filled with water. The headlight still wouldn’t work. Upon further investigation there is a part sealed into the assembly that also has water in it with no way to get it out or replace. This is a safety risk since i am unable to see on driver side in dark without my light. There are no recalls but have found many complaints on same issue. The part water is in is sealed and shouldn’t have a way for to get in. The only fix is replacing entire assembly. I have no light at all on that side until fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11546680

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel went blank, and the turn signals failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that vehicle briefly lost motive power but independently restarted while making turning in either direction. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while at a complete stop with the brake pedal firmly depressed. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11530401

Engine used oil with no smoke or leaks. Had to change oil every 2300 miles. Motor went bad do to no oil even after oil change.

NHTSA ODI 11517953

I previously reported an issue with a he condensation in the driver side headlight which every one of these models with the hid headlights has this issue. Now it is becoming a safety issue as both headlights are doing it and are randomly going off while driving I almost hit a telephone pole with my infant in the car this is an extremely common issue with these vehicles and Buick has no fix they even stopped producing the replacement headlights this is an extremely dangerous issue I’ve made both nhsta and Buick aware of these issues and if nothings done to rectify them and something happens I will pursue legal action

NHTSA ODI 11504241

The headlight area had condensation in it that resulted in water in the headlight. This caused the headlight to go dark. This is a safety issue as one of my headlights is not working. I can’t see that section of the road or adjacent sidelines. Very dangerous particularly at this time of year with deer running into road from the side. There are many other regal owners with this problem which can be verified by googling the problem. This is the second time the light has failed for condensation. Other drivers and pedestrians are at risk because they cannot be seen with the headlight out. Headlight was replaced once and has failed again. Cost to repair 2 years ago $1600 new estimate $1800. This is for one headlight but recommended to replace both.

NHTSA ODI 11492760

Car lost all electrical power while driving (moving) and fully shut down, stalling immediately. Nothing electrical worked, including 4 way flashers. The alternator was just replaced 2 weeks after this same full loss of electrical power was diagnosed when going to start the car while parked. The battery was fully recharged at the repair shop and deemed ok. I had my road service come out to address the issue. Before they arrived, I was able to restart the car. The service tech checked the battery and alternator. Both checked ok, but the battery was almost drained and did not show signs of any dead cells, despite it having been able to restart the car shortly before the road service arrived. We replaced the battery. Car is in the shop now. The safety risk is full loss of power while moving resulting in no brake lights, 4 way emergency lights, full stall, loss of power steering and brakes that can lead to a collision on the highway. This type of problem has been reported on numerous Regals

NHTSA ODI 11484701

The driver side headlamp assembly has a faulty seal which allows water to leak inside the housing under normal daily conditions. When this happens the water leaks down through the assembly where the headlight ballast is mounted, causing water to collect in the ballast, and killing it (making the headlight go out) as well as the electrical components that power the L.E.D. daytime running lights also making those stop functioning. There is no quick and easy fix for this, as the headlamp assembly must be replaced to restore the headlight because even replacing the burned out ballast will only provide light temporarily again until that too is again destroyed by water. Because there is no good alternative available with an aftermarket replacement, I was forced to purchase an entirely new assembly which cost $1,505 and took months to save and be able to afford. This is a manufacturing flaw that should have been recalled and addressed. My warranty does not cover any damage due to water, so I had to pay for this myself, along with many many other people with the same issue. Having my headlight randomly stop working was a dangerous situation to be put into.

NHTSA ODI 11469283

Moisture in headlights causes light to fail while driving .

NHTSA ODI 11465598

The contact owned a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated while her husband was attempting to decelerate to speed, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into an apartment building. No further information was available. The driver and the contact (front passenger) were taken by an ambulance to the hospital to seek assistance with their injuries. No further information was available. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated that 3 weeks later, she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 43,000

NHTSA ODI 11461208

The contact's uncle owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the front headlights were burned out. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact did not provide further information. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who diagnosed that there was condensation in the frontal headlights and that the front headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11449757

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the driver’s side headlight assembly developed condensation inside causing the light bulb to blow out. The contact indicated that the entire headlight assembly needed to be replaced to fix the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and the local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11443201

The contact's son-in-law owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11439340

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at night, the illumination from the headlights was very dim. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that condensation had accumulated in both headlight modules causing the failure. The dealer was notified of the issue and informed her that they would call her back. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 11435875

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start up, and while at a stop light the entire vehicle would shake and vibrate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact indicated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 72,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11432711

Headlight housing leaks water into headlight. This appears to be a problem with this vehicle as I read numerous complaints about this.

NHTSA ODI 11428955

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11425792

Timing belt and engine stopped working. Mechanic says needs engine replaced

NHTSA ODI 11423975

No warning and approximately 80,000 miles -the timing needs replaced. Mechanics state this is common with this model and they recommend a new engine replace the original engine. This car has under 100,000 miles on it. The cost of the repair is out of my means. The car is paid off, however, I cannot afford the repair. Is there anything that can be done?

NHTSA ODI 11422542

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension); however, the parts for the repair were unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11421715

Issue with the condensation/water getting inside our HID headlights. Have replaced once and now they are both full of water again. Dealer refuses to cover as a defect. VERY expensive to repair. Huge safety issue because lights can fail at any time going down a dark road! Safety to thers as they may not see me coming.

NHTSA ODI 11421463