VehicleVerdict

2012 Buick Verano problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2012 Buick Verano sits mid-pack among Verano years: 146 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 122, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 50 reports (34% of the total).

146

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Verano years?

Verano NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted169 complaints2012: 146 complaints2013: 156 complaints2014: 169 complaints2015: 82 complaints2016: 97 complaints2017: 19 complaints
Verano NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Verano years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Buick Verano problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine5034%
Airbags2718%
Electrical System2014%
Steering96%
Speed Control75%
Transmission75%
Visibility & Wipers64%
Other53%
Brakes43%
Fuel System43%
Suspension32%
Tires & Wheels21%
Body & Structure21%

Does the 2012 Buick Verano have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V300000AirbagsJune 6, 2014 · 31,520 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

Consequence

If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. Note: This is an expansion of recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023.

13V023000AirbagsJanuary 24, 2013 · 4,167 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

Consequence

If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

12V522000AirbagsOctober 31, 2012 · 2,949 units

Defect

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

Consequence

If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

Remedy

General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Car has had excessive oil consumption since start. Easily consuming 1-2 quarts of oil on monthly basis. Had timing chains replaced at 75000 miles. Car suddenly stopped without warning 1/16/23 and completely shut off while driving. Now, at 170000 miles the engine is blown, due to chains loosening,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 27, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK VERANO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A POLE, SPUN AROUND, AND SUSTAINED DAMAGES ON BOTH SIDES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 25, 2015 · crash

“CORROSION AND FAULTY CONNECTION TO POSITIVE CABLE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY 2 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. THE BATTERY BRACKET IS CORRODING AND THE COMPUTER. POSITIVE CABLE TERMINAL”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 2, 2014 · fire

“CORROSION AND FAULTY CONNECTION TO POSITIVE CABLE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY 2 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. THE BATTERY BRACKET IS CORRODING AND THE COMPUTER. POSITIVE CABLE TERMINAL”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 2, 2014 · fire

“Car has had excessive oil consumption since start. Easily consuming 1-2 quarts of oil on monthly basis. Had timing chains replaced at 75000 miles. Car suddenly stopped without warning 1/16/23 and completely shut off while driving. Now, at 170000 miles the engine is blown, due to chains loosening,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 27, 2023

2012 Buick Verano — common questions

Is the 2012 Buick Verano reliable?

It is close to typical for the Verano: 146 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2012 Verano problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (50 complaints), airbags (27 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints).

Does the 2012 Buick Verano have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Buick Verano. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Buick Verano under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.