2012 Buick Regal — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Buick Regal is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) / 24 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 26–34 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.4L 4-cyl), returning around 34 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Buick Regal workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Buick Regal: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 29 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 5★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 98 cu ft (2,775 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 13 cu ft (368 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 29 combined / 24 urban / 37 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 24 combined / 20 city / 31 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 230 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 7 configurations for the 2012 Buick Regal across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 22 to 28 mpg (US), or 26 to 34 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (18/29) | 251 | $3,050 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/26) | 251 | $3,050 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (20/31) | 230 | $2,800 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/26) | 251 | $3,050 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/35) | 197 | $2,400 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (19/30) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (19/30) | 240 | $2,900 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 98 cubic feet (about 2,775 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Buick Regal
Running Costs: 2012 Buick Regal
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Buick Regal at 29 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,254 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Buick Regal Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Buick Regal (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Suspension (3), Exterior lighting (2), Seats (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Suspension — campaign 26V113000, reported 26 February 2026. Risk: Rear toe link fracture can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Suspension — campaign 21V00F000, reported 22 December 2021. Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Suspension — campaign 20V764000, reported 21 December 2020. Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Seats — campaign 14V447000, reported 23 July 2014. Risk: 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.
Showing the 4 most recent of 7 campaigns.
Owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Buick Regal. The most-reported areas are Exterior lighting (33), Engine (21), Electrical system (18). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, 4 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 36 complaints across the 10 Buick Regal model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Buick Regal
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Lighting (2 recall campaigns · 33 owner complaints) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
- Suspension (3 recall campaigns · 11 owner complaints) — Listen for knocks over bumps and check tyre wear for signs of alignment problems.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 18 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (21 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 29 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 29 mpg average for Buick models in our database.
Of the 10 Buick Regal model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 4th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (29 mpg UK combined, against a high of 31 mpg). See every Buick Regal year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Buick Regal
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Buick Regal have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Buick Regal: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a manual 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Buick Regal?
The most efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, or 24 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 26 to 34 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2012 Buick Regal cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Buick Regal have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Buick Regal have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Buick Regal (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Suspension (3), Exterior lighting (2), Seats (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Buick Regal?
Among the 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Exterior lighting (33 complaints), Engine (21 complaints), Electrical system (18 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Buick Regal have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 98 cubic feet (about 2,775 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.