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2012 Buick Regal

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Buick Regal do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 29.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

63 reports with mileage · 29 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports2 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

92 reports
40,000 miles · Aug 29, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

VEHICHLE PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2017 WITH 35K MILES. HAS ALWAYS HAD A VIBRATING NOISE WHILE SITTING AND IDLING. IT WILL GET WORSE AFTER THE CAR IS DRIVEN/HEATED AND THEN IDLED. BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS HAD A VERY LOUD SCREACHING NOISE. TAIL LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. BULBS WERE CHANGED AND THEY HAVE WORKED SINCE. HOWEVER, THE HEADLIGH…

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VEHICHLE PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2017 WITH 35K MILES. HAS ALWAYS HAD A VIBRATING NOISE WHILE SITTING AND IDLING. IT WILL GET WORSE AFTER THE CAR IS DRIVEN/HEATED AND THEN IDLED. BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS HAD A VERY LOUD SCREACHING NOISE. TAIL LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. BULBS WERE CHANGED AND THEY HAVE WORKED SINCE. HOWEVER, THE HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. BULBS WERE CHANGED WITH NO SATISFACTION. FUSES WERE CHANGED AND BLEW EVERY TIME. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC SHOP - DIAGNOSED. BRAKES ARE OK. PER HIS WORDS, JUST CHEAP SETUP. (THIS WAS HOW I PURCHASED THE CAR, I'VE NEVER REPLACED THE BRAKES SINCE PURCHASING), THE TENSIONER PULLEY WAS CAUSING THE VIBRATION. PULLEY AND BELT (STRETCHED) WERE CHANGED, HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY'S (BOTH) NEEDED TO BE CHANGED AS THEY WERE NOT GETTING POWER ($1600.00 EACH!!! THE BALLASTS WERE BAD), ALSO HAD MY HIGH PRESSURE LINE FOR A/C CHANGED AS THAT QUIT WORKING AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI #11123167

121,000 miles · Aug 21, 2018
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND "REDUCE SPEED" WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 20 MPH AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND THAT SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK REGAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND "REDUCE SPEED" WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 20 MPH AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND THAT SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN AND THE SENSOR RODS WERE FAULTY. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED WITH CASE NUMBER: 8-4544663121 BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 121,000.

NHTSA ODI #11121334

60,000 miles · Aug 13, 2018
Electrical SystemEngine

CAR GIVING A CODE OF ELECTRICAL CONTROL MODULE GCM .L HAVE THE CODE P 0062

NHTSA ODI #11119766

59,527 miles · Jul 25, 2018
SeatsFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE SEAT. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS WERE ALSO PRESENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE SEAT. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS WERE ALSO PRESENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HARNESS AND EIGHT WAY POWER SWITCH WERE DIAGNOSED AS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,527.

NHTSA ODI #11113559

73,000 miles · Jun 5, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineExterior Lighting

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STABILITRAK - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT / MULTIFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT COMING ON AT RANDOM TIMES (THE ON STAR DIAGNOSTIC REPORT DOESN'T GIVE ANY INDICATION OF WHATS GOING ON WITH THE CAR SO THAT REGULAR PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND BEFORE GOING IN TALKING TO A DEALER ABOUT THE ISSUE) - POWERTRAIN ISSUES I HAVE H…

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I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STABILITRAK - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT / MULTIFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT COMING ON AT RANDOM TIMES (THE ON STAR DIAGNOSTIC REPORT DOESN'T GIVE ANY INDICATION OF WHATS GOING ON WITH THE CAR SO THAT REGULAR PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND BEFORE GOING IN TALKING TO A DEALER ABOUT THE ISSUE) - POWERTRAIN ISSUES I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I WAS TOLD IT WAS NEWER AND SHOULDN'T HAVE ISSUES. MY DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT IS FULL OF WATER. THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY ISSUES WITH THIS CAR YET NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN FOUND ON MY PARTICULAR CAR. I READ REVIEWS FROM OTHERS AND THE 2012 BUICK REGAL JUST SEEMS TO HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS CONSUMERS SUCH AS MYSELF SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO A HUGE PORTION OF CASH PAID FOR THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A SAFE FAMILY CAR BUT IT JUST DIDN'T TURN OUT THAT WAY. I WAS AFRAID TO TAKE MY FAMILY IN MY CAR FOR 6 MONTHS BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW IF I WOULD WE WOULD BE STRANDED. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO A CERTIFIED DEALER TO GET IT REPAIRED IT WAS WORSE MY CAR SHOOK WHILE I DROVE. BUICK JUST ISN'T THE CAR FOR ME OR ANYONE UNTIL THEY ARE ABLE TO CREATE A SAFE CAR. AESTHETICALLY NEWER MODEL BUICKS ARE NICE BUT MECHANICALLY THEY ARE A BUST.

NHTSA ODI #11099986

33,300 miles · May 22, 2018
Service Brakes

BRAKE PEDAL STICKS WHEN VEHICLE IS HOT OR WEATHER IS HOT AND/OR HUMID

NHTSA ODI #11097241

144,000 miles · Mar 23, 2018
Engine

TIMING CHAIN STRETCHED AND RUINED THE ENGINE

NHTSA ODI #11081055

35,000 miles · Jan 29, 2018
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. THE ABS AND BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER (FREMONT CHEVROLET BUICK GMC, 1401 N FEDERAL BLVD, RIVERTON, WY 82501, (307) 240-3110) DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK REGAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. THE ABS AND BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER (FREMONT CHEVROLET BUICK GMC, 1401 N FEDERAL BLVD, RIVERTON, WY 82501, (307) 240-3110) DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TOOK PICTURES OF THE FAILURE, WHICH SHOWED THAT A BOLT FRACTURED AND IMPACTED THE ENGINE AND BRAKING SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY SIX MONTHS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #11065722

30,000 miles · Nov 9, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other

GENERAL MOTORS DENIES THAT MY CAR VIN NUMBER DO NOT APPLY TO 13V173000, RECALL DATE 05/06/2013, COMPONENT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 13136 DESPITE, KEY BUICK PERFORMED REPAIRS ON MODULE 2.560, THE VEHICLE DRIVER SEAT (MOVES UP/ DOWN, AND FORWARD/BACKWARDS) WHILE I AM DRIVING, RADIO SYSTEM (RADIO TURNS OFF A…

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GENERAL MOTORS DENIES THAT MY CAR VIN NUMBER DO NOT APPLY TO 13V173000, RECALL DATE 05/06/2013, COMPONENT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 13136 DESPITE, KEY BUICK PERFORMED REPAIRS ON MODULE 2.560, THE VEHICLE DRIVER SEAT (MOVES UP/ DOWN, AND FORWARD/BACKWARDS) WHILE I AM DRIVING, RADIO SYSTEM (RADIO TURNS OFF AND ON, AND CAN BE TURNED OFF AND ON WITHOUT KEYS IN THE IGNITION), INDICATORS (NOT WORKING). HOWEVER, ALL PROBLEMS STILL EXIST.

NHTSA ODI #11044960

96,000 miles · Oct 5, 2017
Electrical SystemSeats

MY BATTERY SEEMS TO BE LOSING CHARGE. THEN IT WILL COMPLETELY DIE. WHEN I CHARGE IT ON A BATTERY CHARGER FOR A WHILE IT WOULD HOLD THE CHARGE FOR A A COUPLE OF DAYS THEN DIE AGAIN. I HAD THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, AND STARTER CHECKED AND MACHANIC STATED THAT THEY ARE ALL WORKING GOOD. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY. THE DRIVERSIDE POWER …

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MY BATTERY SEEMS TO BE LOSING CHARGE. THEN IT WILL COMPLETELY DIE. WHEN I CHARGE IT ON A BATTERY CHARGER FOR A WHILE IT WOULD HOLD THE CHARGE FOR A A COUPLE OF DAYS THEN DIE AGAIN. I HAD THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, AND STARTER CHECKED AND MACHANIC STATED THAT THEY ARE ALL WORKING GOOD. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY. THE DRIVERSIDE POWER CONTROL BUTTONS WORK ON AND OFF. SOME DAYS THEY WORK AND OTHERS THEY DONT, ALMOST LIKE A SHORT. THIS ALSO HAPPENS RANDOMLY.

NHTSA ODI #11031942

Official recalls

7

26V113000 · Suspension:rear

Feb 26, 2026

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012–2013 Buick Regal Turbo and GS trim-level vehicles that were sold or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, 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. The rear suspension toe links may have received improper corrosion protection, which can result in rear toe link fracture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2026. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N252537580. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall numbers 20V764, 21V633, and 21V00F.

21V00F000 · Suspension:rear

Dec 22, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

20V764000 · Suspension:rear

Dec 21, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

14V447000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jul 23, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

13V173000 · Electrical System

May 6, 2013

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

12V484000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Oct 4, 2012

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

12V093000 · Exterior Lighting

Mar 7, 2012

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.

Remedy: GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM AT 1-800-521-7300.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

AQ14001 · Sands Chevrolet/hybrid System Fire/stall

Opened May 2, 2014 · Closed May 22, 2016

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

NHTSA opened AQ14-001 to determine whether Sands Chevrolet of Surprise, Arizona complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell and deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 U.S.C. ?? 30112(a), 30120(i)).NHTSA issued an information request (IR) letter to Sands Chevrolet on May 5, 2014.Sands Chevrolet responded to this request on May 22, 2014.To ensure NHTSA?s information request encompassed all possible reference codes for General Motors recall 13V-173, NHTSA issued another IR letter to Sands Chevrolet on June 8, 2015.Again, a response letter was received on June 9, 2015.NHTSA?s investigation indicated that Sands Chevrolet did sell and deliver recalled vehicles that did not have the recall remedy completed at the time the vehicles were delivered to the customers.NHTSA therefore concluded that Sands Chevrolet was liable for civil penalties for violations of the Safety Act, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. ? 30165.Under a Settlement Agreement dated March 24, 2016, Sands Chevrolet represented that it improved its processes to verify that it checks every vehicle for recalls prior to delivery to the purchaser and that it has not sold and delivered any unremedied new motor vehicles since June 9, 2015.Sands Chevrolet also represented that it now also checks for open recalls on every customer vehicle brought in for service, and that it checks for open recalls on every used trade-in vehicle, regardless of make or model, and takes steps to have all used trade-in vehicles repaired prior to retail sale. Sands Chevrolet admitted to violating the law and must pay civil penalties in the amount of $40,000.This Audit Query is closed.

RQ13003 · Generator Control Module Fires

Opened Jul 5, 2013 · Closed Jul 22, 2014

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

On July 5, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-003 to investigate whether the service procedures utilized in recall bulletins 13136 and 13142 for safety recall 13V-173 were sufficient to identify the safety defect in the subject vehicles.These safety recalls were issue on May 3, 2013 to address the improper function of the Generator Control Module (GCM) in certain model year (MY) 2012-13 Buick LaCrosse and Regal and MY 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco equipped with eAssist.This condition may result in a loss of battery charge, engine stall and/or inability for the vehicle to start.In severe cases it may also lead to odor, smoke and possibly a fire in the trunk.During discussions with General Motors (GM), ODI was informed that the subject vehicles could be separated into 4 distinct build populations, or groups. Group A contained vehicles built from the start of production through 3/19/2012.Group B involved vehicles built from 3/20/2012 to 8/20/2012, group C from 8/21/2012 to 12/31/12, and group D from 1/1/2013 onwards.Bulletin 13136 instructed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the GCM for vehicles in groups A or C.Bulletin 13142 instructed dealers to replace the GCM of any vehicle in group B.Group D vehicles were not recalled.All eAssist vehicles have a Powerpack which contains a BAS (belt alternator-starter) Power Inverter Module (BPIM)/Accessory Power Module (APM) and a 115-V Lithium-Ion battery.The Powerpack is known by GM's Part Description System as the GCM and Battery Module. The BPIM/APM contains 3 multi-layered printed circuit boards (PCBs) comprised of conductive layers separated by isolating layers.Vehicles built within the time periods of groups A and B had PCBs using single isolation layers.Vehicles build in group C had dual isolation layers on 1 of the 3 PCBs, and group D had all 3 PCBs built with dual insulation.Adding dual insulation to a PCB makes it more robust to material and manufacturing variations, and ultimately less susceptible to an electrical short circuit and subsequent failure.Through initial analysis of the GCM failures, GM identified that vehicles within group B contained PCBs that were contaminated during production due to increased production volumes that resulted in inadequate quality control.GM also noted that GCM failures occurred early in the life of the vehicle (typically <1000 miles).Therefore a service procedure was developed to replicate early life failures by subjecting the GCM to high current loads which would cause the identified failure mechanism (copper migration) to occur quickly and reveal any underlying PCB defect.Although groups A and C were built with PCBs containing single layer PCBs, they were built using better quality control, and as the data supports, experienced significantly lower failures.GM advised that for these reasons the two different service procedures were used in the Recall 13V-173 population.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) GM submitted 234 unique reports related to the alleged problem. It was noted that 197 (84%) of the received reports fell into the group B population.The 2 fire incidents noted were events in which flames were evident and/or damage was experienced outside of the GCM. Both of these incidents involved group B vehicles. One hundred four warranty claims were also submitted in response to the IR, with 96 claims (92%) from group B.It was also noted that none of the claims from groups A or C occurred after the service procedure was conducted, and that the majority of the A or C incidents occurred during the service procedure.Given the data, ODI believes the ser