Recall 22V465 affects 23,734 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles for brake-assist software error. Repair is free at any franchised Buick dealer.
Buick is recalling 23,734 2018-2020 Regal vehicles because a software error in the electronic brake control module can leave the vehicle without power brake assist after a vacuum-power brake assist failure. That loss can require more distance to stop and increase crash risk, and Buick dealers will update the brake control software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electronic brake control module on 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles is the computer that helps manage the hydraulic brake system. The brake system normally uses engine vacuum to reduce pedal effort, and the module is supposed to add hydraulic brake boost if vacuum assist is lost. That backup pressure helps the car stop within the required brake-performance limits.
On affected Regals, the problem is in the module software, not the brake pedal or calipers. If the vehicle has a partial or full loss of vacuum brake assist, the software can fail to turn on the hydraulic brake boost that should help replace it. The brakes still respond to pedal force, but the driver has to push harder, and stopping distance can increase.
Owners can see a message in the Driver Information Center, a malfunction warning light, or a brake pedal that feels harder to press. Those are warning signs that the vacuum assist path is not working as intended.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years, with the hydraulic brake system listed under two brake-assist component categories.
| 2020 Buick Regal | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Buick Regal | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Buick Regal | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Buick Regal | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Buick Regal | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Buick Regal | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 23,734 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of power brake assist makes the brake pedal harder to press and extends the distance needed to stop, increasing crash risk. Treat a Driver Information Center message, brake warning light, or increased pedal resistance as a reason to slow down, leave extra following distance, and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Buick dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 Buick Regal is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Buick dealer to schedule the free EBCM software update that corrects the brake-assist software error.
- Bring the recall notice if Buick mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V465 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete. Leave extra following distance and allow more room to stop.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Buick technician updates the electronic brake control module software so the brake system responds correctly after a vacuum power brake assist failure. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered at the Buick dealer. General Motors is not offering reimbursement for this campaign because the recall remedy was not previously available before this software update. Ask the service desk to confirm the update is complete before you leave.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| June 30, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 30, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| June 30, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 15, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 16, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 20, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V465?
Recall 22V465 covers 23,734 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles with an electronic brake control module software error. If vacuum power brake assist fails, the error can cause loss of power brake assist, which can extend stopping distance and increase crash risk. Buick dealers update the EBCM software for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 Buick Regal is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Regal is included in recall 22V465. If it is, contact a franchised Buick dealer to schedule the EBCM software update. Reference recall number 22V465 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Buick dealers will update the electronic brake control module software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for this recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is longer stopping distance if vacuum power brake assist fails. The EBCM software error can cause a loss of power brake assist, so the brake pedal requires more effort and the vehicle takes longer to stop, increasing crash risk.
When were owners notified about recall 22V465?
Buick mailed interim owner letters about the safety risk on August 19, 2022, and mailed owner notification letters on September 16, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V465000 |
|---|---|
| Buick customer service | 1-800-521-7300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V465 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V465000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →