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:

Replacement 6T45 Transmission:

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

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!