A Hidden Flaw in the Suspension (Image Credits: Images.fastcompany.com)
General Motors issued a recall for over 17,000 older Buick Regal sedans due to rear suspension parts that could fail in rust-prone areas.
A Hidden Flaw in the Suspension
Only a small fraction of the vehicles carried the defect, but the stakes proved high enough for action. General Motors determined that improper corrosion protection on rear toe links, supplied from China, led to thinning and potential fracturing over time. This issue heightened crash risks, prompting the automaker to file the recall notice with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday. The problem built on two earlier recalls launched since late February for the same concern. No accidents or injuries linked to the fault emerged during GM’s review.
Owners of affected models faced heightened vulnerability in regions where road salt accelerates rust. The toe links help maintain wheel alignment, and their failure could compromise steering control. Dealers stood ready to address the issue at no cost to customers.
Which Vehicles and States Are Impacted?
The recall targeted 4,751 Buick Regals from the 2012 model year and 12,299 from 2013, covering both Turbo and GS trims. These numbers reflected vehicles registered at any point in 22 states known for high corrosion, plus Washington, D.C. GM pinpointed the scope through registration data to ensure precise outreach.
| Model Year | Number Affected | Trims |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 4,751 | Turbo, GS |
| 2013 | 12,299 | Turbo, GS |
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Steps for Buick Owners
Notification letters scheduled for mid-April will alert registered owners directly. In the meantime, drivers could check their vehicle’s status using the NHTSA recall lookup tool at NHTSA’s website. Dealers planned to replace the faulty rear suspension toe link and adjuster fasteners during the free repair service. The process aimed to restore full safety without delay.
Vehicle identification numbers helped confirm eligibility, available through GM’s recall portal or the detailed report at NHTSA’s PDF filing. Prompt action prevented potential roadside issues.
The End of an Era for Buick Regals
These recalls marked a final chapter for the Buick Regal, which GM discontinued in 2020 amid declining sedan sales. The brand shifted entirely to SUVs, reflecting broader industry trends. Production of the 2012 and 2013 models represented peak years before market preferences evolved.
Still, the vehicles retained popularity among loyal drivers, especially in performance-oriented trims. This recall underscored ongoing commitments to legacy models despite their age.
- Recall covers 17,050 Buick Regals from 2012-2013 in 22 states and D.C.
- Defect affects about 1% of vehicles; free replacement available at dealers.
- No reported crashes; notifications arrive mid-April.
Vehicle safety recalls like this one highlight the importance of vigilance, even for discontinued models. Owners should verify their status soon to avoid risks on salted roads. What do you think about maintaining older cars in harsh climates? Tell us in the comments.
