A Practical Guide to the 2011-2017 Buick Regal Starter Motor
If your Regal clicks but won't start, this guide is for you.
- Before replacing the starter, always check for and clean any corrosion on the battery terminals and ensure all starter-related cables are tight.
- A single, loud click when you turn the key is a classic sign of a failed starter motor, not a dead battery.
- Replacement is a feasible DIY job for those with the right tools and safety equipment, potentially saving over $150 in labor.
- No recalls have been issued for the starter motor on this vehicle; failures are typically due to normal wear and tear.
Is Your Buick Regal Starter Failing?
A bad starter is one of the most common reasons a car won't start. For the 2011-2017 Buick Regal, the signs are usually clear. Ignoring them can leave you stranded without warning.
Key Failure Symptoms
🎬 Watch: See these 5 common starter failure signs in action.- Single Loud Click: You turn the key, hear one distinct click from the engine bay, but nothing else happens. This often means the starter's solenoid is working, but the motor itself has failed.
- No Crank, No Start: You turn the key and get complete silence, even though your lights and radio work. This points to a problem in the starting circuit, very often the starter motor.
- Slow, Labored Cranking: The engine turns over much slower than usual, like the battery is weak. If you've tested the battery and it's good, the starter is likely drawing too much power due to internal wear.
- Intermittent Starting: Your Regal starts fine one day but refuses to crank the next. This can be caused by worn spots on the starter's internal components or a poor electrical connection.
- Grinding Noise: A harsh grinding or whirring sound when you try to start the car means the starter gear is not meshing correctly with the engine's flywheel, or it is damaged.
Pro Tip: Check This Before You Buy
Before condemning your starter, check the battery terminals and the main wire connection to the starter. A loose or corroded cable can cause the exact same symptoms as a failed starter. Specifically, a loose wire on the positive battery terminal connection has been noted by owners to cause a no-start issue on these Regals. Cleaning the terminals and tightening the connections can sometimes save you the cost of a new part.
🎬 See this walkthrough for diagnosing and fixing a single-click no-start.Choosing the Right Aftermarket Starter
When replacing the starter on your Regal, you don't have to buy an expensive part from the dealer. Aftermarket brands offer a range of quality and price points that provide reliable performance.
- ACDelco: As General Motors' own parts brand, ACDelco is the closest you can get to original equipment (OE) quality. They offer different product lines, such as their top-tier "Gold" parts, which are built to OE specifications with all new components. Choosing an ACDelco starter is a safe bet for fit and long-term reliability.
- MPA (Motor Parts of America): MPA is a major manufacturer in the aftermarket world. They supply a huge number of parts to retailers across North America. While they are well-known for remanufactured units, their new parts provide a cost-effective alternative to OEM or premium aftermarket brands, meeting standard form and function requirements.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not issued any recalls specifically for the starter motor on the 2011-2017 Buick Regal. While there are thousands of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for this vehicle generation, none point to a widespread, inherent defect with the starter itself. The most common reported issues are related to normal wear and tear or corroded electrical connections.
| Part or Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Shop Labor | $143 - $209 |
| New Aftermarket Starter | $150 - $274 |
| New OEM Starter | $253 - $501+ |
| Remanufactured Starter | $130 - $195 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it my battery or my starter?
A good way to test is to turn on your headlights and try to start the car. If the headlights dim significantly or go out completely, you likely have a weak battery. If the headlights stay bright but the car only clicks or does nothing, the starter is the more probable culprit. A jump start can also help diagnose the issue; if the car still won't crank with a jump, the starter is almost certainly the problem.
How difficult is it to replace the starter on a 2011-2017 Regal?
The job is considered to have an intermediate difficulty level. The starter is located at the bottom of the engine and is accessed from underneath the car. For a DIYer with a good set of tools, a floor jack, and safety stands, it is a manageable job that takes about 1.5 to 3 hours.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing the starter on a Regal GS.Can I drive my Regal with a failing starter?
No. A failing starter is completely unpredictable. While it might start the car a few more times, it will eventually fail entirely, leaving you stranded. It is critical to replace it as soon as you confirm it's the problem.
What's the difference between a new and a remanufactured starter?
A new starter is made with 100% new components. A remanufactured starter is an original (OEM) core that has been disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt with new internal components that meet or exceed original specifications. A quality remanufactured part can be just as reliable as a new one, and sometimes more so than a cheap, new part made with inferior materials.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12609317 89060407 12626963 12655467 12657797
Voltage: 12V, Power Rating: 1.4 kW, Rotation: Clockwise, Number of Teeth: 9.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Buick Regal: