Buick Regal Transmission Problems & Cost

First introduced in 1973, the Buick Regal is one of the most recognized names in the marque’s lineup. These upscale midsizers draw power from a number of engines, and the three most common transmissions are the 4T60E, 4T65E and the 6-speed 6T45 transmission. For the most part, they’re pretty bulletproof. But like all mechanical devices, they’re not without failure points. So let’s look at the most common Buick Regal transmission problems and find out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Buick Regal Transmission Models

Buick Regal: 4T60E Transmission
Buick Regal: 4T65E Transmission
Buick Regal: 6T45 Transmission

Buick Regal Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement 4T65E Transmission:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
4T65E1935

Replacement 6T45 Transmission:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
6T40 / 6T452432

What are the DTC codes related to Buick Regal transmission problems?

Trouble CodeDescription
P0711Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0712Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input
P0713Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input
P0714Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715
P0715Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit
P0716Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance 
P0717Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
P0718Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent
P0720Output Speed Sensor Circuit
P0721Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0723Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent
P0729Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio
P0730Incorrect Gear Ratio
P0731Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio
P0732Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio
P0734Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio
P0735Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
P0741Torque Converter Clutch Circuit
P0742Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On
P0744Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent
P0748Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0750Shift Solenoid 'A'
P0753Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0755Shift Solenoid 'B'
P0758Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical
P0767Shift Solenoid 'D' Stuck On
P1860TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical
P1887Torque Converter Clutch Release Switch

Buick Regal Transmission Recalls

None Found

Buick Regal Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 04-07-30-028 – Transmission fluid leak from reverse servo cover – 4T65E Transmission
Problem – Transmission fluid leaks may be observed under the vehicle, which may be caused by a 4T65E reverse servo seal that can actually shrink in the cold weather below 20°F/-6.7°C
Solution – Replace reverse servo cover seal

TSB 02-07-30-022B – Usually harsh shifts, along with multiple transmission diagnostic trouble codes – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2004 Buick Century – 2000 – 2004 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2004 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2004 Buick Regal – 2003 – 2004 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2004 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Drivers can experience unusually harsh shifts, along with the following DTC’s: P0716, P0717, P0730, P0753, P0758, P1860, P1887
Solution – Inspect, repair and/or replace the transaxle 20-way connector to the transmission wiring harness

TSB 00-06-04-037A – Harsh shifting with DTC’s P0716 and/or P0717 – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2002 Buick Century – 2000 – 2002 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2002 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2002 Buick Regal – 2002 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2002 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Some drivers may experience unusually harsh gear changes, accompanied by a P0716 and/or P0717 DTC
Solution – This problem can be caused by an intermittent connection of the input speed sensor circuit at the transaxle 20-way connector

TSB 06-07-30-023 – 4T65E transmission 1-2 Shift Shudder
Problem – Shuddering or shaking may be felt during the 1-2 shift, under light acceleration at speeds below 25 mph.
Solution – To correct this common 4T65E transmission problem, the entire second clutch assembly will need to be replaced.

TSB 08-07-30-016 – Slipping, refusal to shift, overheating – Buick Regal 4T65E
Problem – Slipping between the gears, overheating, refusal to shift out of a gear, and/or DTC P0894 or P0218, may be because by friction material debonding from the torque convertor clutch (TCC).
Solution – If the friction material has circulated throughout the transmission, the entire transmission may need to be replaced. It is possible to remove the material from the internal components (like transmission cooler lines and the valve body), but it depends on the extent of the damage.

TSB PI0376A – Flare or slipping on the shift from 2nd or 6th gear – Buick Regal 6T40
Problem – When this common Regal transmission problem occurs, the driver may experience slipping and/or a sudden flare/surge when the transmission shifts into or out of 2nd/6th gear.
Solution – This problem is often caused by debris blocking the opening on the channel plate and spacer plate that provides oil to the 2-6 clutch regulator valve. To correct the issue, the channel plate, spacer plate and valve body will have to be cleaned.

TSB PI0324F – No forward, no reverse, engine will not crank, engine will not start – 6T30 Transmission | 6T40 Transmission | 6T45 Transmission | 6T50 Transmission
2011-2014 Buick LaCrosse – 2011-2014 Buick Regal – 2012-2014 Buick Verano – 2013-2014 Buick Encore – 2011-2013 Chevrolet Malibu – 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze – 2011-2014 Chevrolet Equinox – 2012-2014 Chevrolet Captiva Sport – 2012-2014 Chevrolet Orlando – 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic – 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco – 2013-2014 Chevrolet Trax – 2011-2014 GMC Terrain
Problem – Some of the symptoms of this problem include; the transmission will not engage, the engine cranks but will not start, transmission fluid leaks, unusually harsh shifts, transmission slipping, certain transmission gears will not engage. These diagnostic trouble codes may also be present; P0776, P0796, P2714, P2723.
Solution – These problems may be caused by low line pressure due to a damaged transmission pump.

TSB PI0376A – Flare or slipping on the 2-6 shift – 6T40 Transmission | 6T45 Transmission
2011 Buick LaCrosse – 2011 Buick Regal – 2011 Chevrolet Cruze – 2011 Chevrolet Equinox – 2011 Chevrolet Malibu – 2011 GMC Terrain (equipped with 4 Cylinder Engine and 6T40 or 6T45)
Problem – When this common 6T40/6T45 transmission problem occurs, the driver may experience slipping and/or a sudden flare/surge when the transmission shifts into or out of 2nd/6th gear.
Solution – This problem is often caused by debris blocking the opening on the channel plate and spacer plate that provides oil to the 2-6 clutch regulator valve. To correct the issue, the channel plate, spacer plate and valve body will have to be cleaned.

Common Problems with the Buick Regal Transmission

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

Although many Buick Regal transmission problems may not make the car undrivable, continuing to drive it could make a simple problem much worse. Especially if the transmission is slipping or hanging in a gear.

How often does a Buick Regal transmission need to be replaced?

Routine maintenance is the best way to extend the life of any Buick Regal transmission. However, factory design flaws can still cut the service life short. On average, a Buick Regal transmission tends to last between 130,000-180,000 miles. A well made replacement transmission on the other hand, can often last a lot longer. Provided all of the factory design flaws are corrected.

How are Buick Regal transmission issues diagnosed?

To figure out what is causing those pesky Buick Regal transmission problems, a mechanic should first connect a code reader to the car’s OBDII port. After pulling all of the diagnostic trouble codes, they can then perform a visual inspection to verify the source of the problem.

How is a Buick Regal transmission replaced?

Since the later generation Buick Regals are front wheel drive, the motor may have to be partially removed to access the transmission. Once it’s removed and replaced the ECU/PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for Buick Regal transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Buick Regal transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Buick Regal Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Buick Regal Transmission

On the surface, buying a used 4T60E / used 4T65E / used 6T45 from the local junkyard may seem like the most economical solution. However, with no way to verify the condition of the internal components, you may have to eventually fix that transmission too. And that 30-90 day

warranty probably won’t cover the labor charges to replace the transmission if it goes bad.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Buick Regal Transmission

The next best alternative would be a rebuilt 4T60E / rebuilt 4T65E / rebuilt 6T45. But many mechanics will use OE spec Buick Regal transmission parts, which means all of the original problems will eventually return. Plus, the warranty may only be honored by the shop that rebuilt it, which won’t do you any good if you decide to take a trip and experience problems.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Buick Regal Transmission

To get a more permanent solution to your transmission problems, you might consider a remanufactured 4T60E / remanufactured 4T65E / remanufactured 6T45. These are often upgraded to correct the factory design flaws, and the warranties are usually much better too.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Buick Regal Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!

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Gail
11 months ago

2017 Buick Regal stuttering when shifting gear. Estimate to repair is $2100 mechanic says it’s the torque converter

Daniel
2 years ago

I have a 2003 Buick regal the transmission is slipping when I am driving I go to give it gas and the rpms go up and it takes a second to catch gear

Miguel Torres
2 years ago

Car turns on just fine will go into gear and occasionally drive but not far distance when it gets stuck it could be in drive and I could floor the gas pedal litterally and sometimes it will skip a little then go but lately that hasn’t been the case it won’t move at all when I turn the car on it is making a whining noise I tried putting it in 3 2 1 none of which worked the low coolant light was on when I bought the car but I added coolant and a treatment for the cooling system,now the check engine light is on as well rpm will go up all the way with no response, before it was driving pretty good only thing was the way it shifted didn’t feel jerk but rpm’s definitely went past 5 1/2 -6 another problem I noticed when buying the car was the passenger side tire rubbing on the black plastic connected to fender and wheel weld

marcelino rodriguez
2 years ago

I have a 2013 Buick regal and it’ll turn on no problem but when I go to shift it into reverse or nutruel or drive I can’t feel it catching and it doesn’t move why

Elisabeth mcwhorter
3 years ago

It lacks power will not shift into gear‘s correctly cannot get out of second gear

rhody
3 years ago

I have a 2003 Park Avenue V-6. IT’s not the ultra. I was driving it and when I tried to drive up a hill it suddenly started slipping and the check engine light came on. Reverse is fine. So the code is P1860. It appeared to have happened suddenly. The transmission fluid looks good, isn’t burnt, and isn’t low. It has 170k miles. The error code says it’s the TCC PWM. So, my question is does this mean that the solenoid is bad and it’s causing the issues. Or, the transmission went out and it’s throwing the same error code as the TCC PWM solenoid issue? Or can that be determined? The solenoid is cheap, but getting to it will take some work. I just didn’t want to waste additional time and money if it’s most likely the transmission is done. However, if there is a decent chance that it could be just the solenoid, then I would spend the money. Thank you for your time.

Kevin
3 years ago

Transmission will jerk. After cold start up driving about a mile or to and sometimes check engine light flashes along with traction control light when it does that then car won’t shift have to stop restart then will be fine only when cold start up it does this. Won’t do it again until cooled down for long period of time?

Anonymous
3 years ago

2002 Buick Regal LS 3800 engine shifts fine 123 but will not engage into overdrive the car is in great shape never been abused 100430 miles do l need a transmission thank you so much for any advise also car is still getting 24.7 miles p gallon Donnie

Jmcnrrc@prodigy.net
3 years ago

Will not pass smog test

AJ Derby
4 years ago

I have a 2011 Buick Regal cxl 48,500 miles, all of a sudden it wouldn’t shift out of first gear, got expensive transmission flush and it was still having the problems and engine light on, said I needed a new valve body; then after putting around for a minute the check engine light turned off and it’s working again now… anyone seen this before?

Vince yasenchsk
5 years ago

2014 Buick Regal, down shifting around 20 mph sometimes very hard

Don Brown
5 years ago

Hi, I have a 1995 Buick Regal Gran Sport with the 4T60E Transmission and at 50 mph if you enter a slight uphill grade and apply more gas it starts to buck. I believe it is the lockup clutch not releasing as touching the brake allows the rpm to increase and it doesn’t buck. Does anyone know if that is a repair that can be made externally?

Vern
3 years ago
Reply to  Don Brown

Engine misses when starting up a grade

Timothy
5 years ago

No reverse

Kimberly
5 years ago

2011 120,000 miles no prior problems hit an object in the road right front end 2 days later it would not drive forward all other gears worked like normal. It will now drive forward a tad bit but is of course not right

Mike from Texas
5 years ago
Reply to  Kimberly

Could have cracked the bottom pan on the transmission and leaked the fluid out. Check your fluid level.

marc
6 years ago

2011 regal 2.5 liter 79000+ miles, it’s been serviced twice( 50.000 and 75.000 miles) the fluid is always brown. shifts fine ,no issues. anyone else have same problem? oh yes ! dealer said it is normal on these transmissions.

Viola Evans
6 years ago

I have a 2011 Buick Regal that drives fine no problems. Do I need to have the transmission flush because I have 108,000 miles?

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