Why is my 2011–2013 Buick Regal 2.4 burning oil?

Short answer: The 2011–2013 Regal with the 2.4L four-cylinder is known for burning oil, the same engine family as the Equinox and Terrain. The usual cause is piston rings that clog with carbon and let oil into the cylinders. GM bulletin 13-06-01-003J tells dealers to replace the pistons and rings if the engine uses more than a quart every 2,000 miles. Check your oil often, because running low can wreck the engine's timing chain and bearings.

Symptom: You have to add oil between changes, the low-oil light comes on, or you see blue smoke on startup. There may be no leak on the ground.

What to check first

1. Check the dipstick every fill-up and write down how much oil you add and the mileage.
2. Ask a Buick dealer for an oil consumption test. GM's bulletin uses more than one quart in 2,000 miles as the limit.
3. Ask whether the bulletin work (pistons and rings) was already done on your VIN.
4. Have the PCV system checked. A faulty crankcase vent system can add to oil use.
5. Listen for timing chain rattle on startup. Low oil is hard on the chain.

Likely causes

1. Carbon-stuck or worn piston rings. The cause GM's bulletin addresses with new pistons and rings.
2. PCV (crankcase vent) problems. Can pull oil into the intake.
3. Oil leaks. Look for wet spots too, so you know it's burning, not leaking.

What it usually costs

We don't have reliable out-of-pocket prices from owners. On the Buick forums, owners reported pistons and rings done under warranty, and a 240,000-mile owner weighed an engine swap against a rebuild. Keeping it topped up is the cheapest protection.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Yes, if you keep the oil full. Running it low can damage the engine and timing chain and cause a breakdown. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for checking and topping up oil and keeping records. Piston and ring replacement is a dealer or engine shop job.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• GM bulletin 13-06-01-003J (2011–2013 Regal 2.4L and other GM models): if oil use is more than one quart in 2,000 miles, dealers replace the pistons and rings. A bulletin is repair guidance for dealers, not a recall. Coverage depends on warranty or GM approval.
• Recalls: NHTSA lists several Regal recalls for these years. None of them is for oil consumption. Check your VIN. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 25 keyword-matched complaints for Buick Regal 2011–2013 (of 463 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-21; keywords: oil consumption, burning oil, oil loss, low oil, oil light, quart, piston ring). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In oil consumption problems on Regal Forums, owners of 2.4L Regals compared how fast their engines burned oil and reported dealers replacing pistons and rings under warranty.
• In 2011 2.4L Regal has 240k miles, oil consumption is getting out of hand on Buick Forums, a high-mileage owner whose engine's oil use was getting out of hand asked whether to swap the engine or rebuild it.

Quick tip

With any 2.4 Ecotec, check the oil yourself before you buy. A clean dipstick that's two quarts low tells you more than the seller will.

Vehicle focus: 2011–2013 Buick Regal with the 2.4L Ecotec (LAF/LEA). The 2.0L turbo is a different engine.

Safety / mechanic note

Running low on oil can seize the engine. Verify with a mechanic.