The 2018 Buick Regal is a complete redesign, switching from a sedan to a Sportback hatchback (and TourX wagon) and built on the Opel Insignia platform. It uses the 2.0L turbo Ecotec LTG with a 9-speed auto on FWD and an 8-speed on AWD. First-year platform = first-year electrical quirks, plus the Ecotec's known PCV valve and timing chain considerations.
A platform new to North America. Drivetrain (LTG Ecotec) is familiar but the platform integration, infotainment, and 9-speed FWD transmission are launch-year unknowns. Mechanically sound; software and small electronics are the soft spots.
PCV valve integrated into the cam cover can fail, causing oil leaks, vacuum leaks, and sudden oil consumption. Common GM Ecotec issue.
View P0171 Diagnosis →9T50 9-speed on FWD Regals has been reported to make hard 1-2 shifts and hesitation. Software updates resolve many cases.
View P0700 Diagnosis →IntelliLink infotainment freezes or loses CarPlay/Android Auto. Several GM TSBs and OTA updates issued.
Run free diagnosis →GM LTG/LNF family has a history of timing chain stretch. Less universal on 2018 than older Ecotecs, but watch for cold-start rattle and treat P0017 codes as urgent.
View P0017 Diagnosis →Sportback liftgate power struts weaken or fail by 60K-90K mi. Aftermarket replacements are inexpensive.
Run free diagnosis →Optional self-leveling rear suspension on TourX can leak around 70K mi.
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A handsome, comfortable, undervalued used car. Sportback and TourX are both functional. Pre-purchase scan for PCV valve and 9-speed shift quality. Strong value in a market that has forgotten this car exists.
Launch year, so middle-of-the-pack. 2019 and 2020 received software updates that smoothed the 9-speed and infotainment.
Expect $500-800/year in routine maintenance. Lifetime non-routine cost typically $2,500-4,500 to 150K miles, weighted toward Ecotec PCV and infotainment.
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If your 2018 Regal is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
About average. LTG 2.0L turbo and 9-speed are launch-year items but most issues are software-resolvable.
PCV valve failure on the LTG 2.0L Ecotec, leading to oil leaks and lean codes.
TourX with the 8-speed is the safer drivetrain. The FWD 9-speed had more harsh-shift complaints.
Less than older GM Ecotec engines, but stretch can occur. Treat any P0017 or cold-start rattle urgently.
A handful, including airbag and electrical items. Check NHTSA by VIN before buying.
200,000 miles is realistic with regular maintenance. LTG 2.0L is durable when PCV and oil changes are kept current.