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A suspension component that can crack under corrosion has pushed General Motors to recall roughly 17,050 Buick Regals across more than two dozen states. The affected vehicles are 2012 and 2013 model year Regals, specifically Turbo and GS trim levels, registered in areas where road salt exposure is highest. GM submitted the recall to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on March 10, 2026.
The Problem Starts With a Coating Failure During Manufacturing
The root cause traces back to a supplier that failed to properly apply electrocoating, a corrosion-protection process, to the rear suspension toe links during manufacturing. Without adequate e-coat coverage, the metal becomes vulnerable to rust over time, particularly in states where road salt is heavily used in winter months. GM has identified this as a supplier-side manufacturing defect.
A Fractured Toe Link Can Strip a Driver of Vehicle Control
The rear toe link is part of the suspension system that helps keep the rear wheels properly aligned. If corrosion causes it to fracture, rear wheel alignment can shift unpredictably, reducing the driver’s ability to steer and control the vehicle. The NHTSA classifies this as a crash risk. GM has confirmed no accidents or injuries tied to this defect had been reported as of the March 10 recall submission.
About 4,751 Model Year 2012 Regals and 12,299 from 2013 Are Included
The recall breaks down to approximately 4,751 vehicles from the 2012 model year and about 12,299 from 2013, according to the NHTSA report. Both figures apply only to Turbo and GS trim levels, as those are the configurations where the suspect toe links were installed. GM estimates that only around 1% of the recalled vehicles actually have a defective part, though all are being flagged out of caution.
More Than 20 High-Corrosion States Are Covered by the Recall
The recall targets vehicles sold or registered in states where road salt use is widespread. Those states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The District of Columbia is also included, bringing the total to 23 jurisdictions.
This Is the Third Time GM Has Recalled Regals for the Same Defect
This is not the first time this issue has surfaced. GM previously issued recalls for the same rear toe link defect in 2021 and 2022, according to GM Authority. The current recall expands on three others GM filed since late February 2026, covering Regal units that had been excluded from those earlier actions. The replacement parts are sourced outside the supplier’s original suspect manufacturing window.
The Fix Is Free and Covers Both the Toe Links and Adjuster Fasteners
Owners whose vehicles are included in the recall will receive rear suspension toe link replacements and new adjuster fasteners at no charge through any authorized GM dealership. The repair addresses both the compromised component and the hardware connecting it. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning April 13, 2026, according to GM Authority and Fox Business.
Owners Can Check Their VIN Before Waiting for a Letter
GM is encouraging owners not to wait for the mailed notice. According to GM Authority, drivers can visit experience.gm.com/ownercenter/recalls and enter their vehicle identification number to check for any open recalls immediately. This tool allows owners to confirm whether their specific vehicle is affected rather than relying solely on the April mailing timeline.
GM Provides Multiple Contact Options and Recall Reference Numbers
Owners can reach Buick Customer Service at 1-800-521-7300 or 1-866-608-8080 to confirm recall eligibility and schedule service appointments. GM’s internal recall number is N252537580, and the NHTSA campaign number is 26V113. Having either reference number on hand can help dealerships quickly locate the recall details and expedite the repair process at authorized service centers.
No Injuries Reported Across Any of the Three Recall Actions
This marks the third time GM has addressed rear toe link defects on the Buick Regal, with the current recall expanding coverage to vehicles previously excluded from earlier actions. As of March 10, GM confirmed no accidents or injuries related to this defect had been reported across any of the three recalls, according to the NHTSA report. The fix remains available at no cost through authorized dealerships.