VehicleVerdict

2013 Buick Verano problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2013 Buick Verano sits mid-pack among Verano years: 156 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 122, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (33), electrical system (27), and airbags (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

156

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Verano years?

Verano NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted169 complaints2012: 146 complaints2013: 156 complaints2014: 169 complaints2015: 82 complaints2016: 97 complaints2017: 19 complaints
Verano NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Verano years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Buick Verano problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3321%
Electrical System2717%
Airbags1711%
Tires & Wheels1610%
Other1510%
Steering149%
Transmission138%
Body & Structure53%
Seat Belts43%
Seats32%
Speed Control21%
Suspension21%
Driver Assistance21%
Lighting11%
Fuel System11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2013 Buick Verano have recalls?

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

23V516000AirbagsJuly 27, 2023 · 767 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.

16V502000Electrical SystemJuly 5, 2016 · 8,367 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

14V417000Electrical SystemJuly 2, 2014 · 2,990 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

Consequence

Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2.4L LEA engine is burning an excessive ammount of oil. Roughly 2L of oil has been burnt within a week. Upon contacting a dealer about the issue, the issue is known and has been recalled for other GM makes of the same year with the same engine model. The engine will start knocking and then stop…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 12, 2022

“MY NEW BUICK VERANO 2013 JUST BACKED ITSELF OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND HIT MY NEIGHBOR'S MAILBOX. HAS THERE BEEN ANY OTHER REPORTS LIKE THIS? *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 20, 2013 · crash

“2013 BUICK VERANO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION DURING A REAR END COLLISION. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ARTEMIS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK INTO PLACE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 4, 2015 · crash

“the passenger front sidewall of the tire has a bubble. The tire is a Goodyear LS-2 235/45R18 is the model. I felt very unsafe do drive on a defected tire. The tire dealer told me it was not a defect and i would have to replace the tire at full cost. There was no warning of a problem with the tire.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 15, 2026

“I TURNED MY CAR ON AND HAD BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR DEFROST. I SMELLED SOMETHING FUNNY, SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF TO INVESTIGATE. I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING SO TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND PULLED BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND TURNED IT OFF. WITHIN A MINUTE OR TWO, THE ENTIRE BACK DRIVER- SIDE DOOR WAS IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 4, 2019 · fire

2013 Buick Verano — common questions

Is the 2013 Buick Verano reliable?

It is close to typical for the Verano: 156 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2013 Verano problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (33 complaints), electrical system (27 complaints), airbags (17 complaints).

Does the 2013 Buick Verano have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Buick Verano. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

How safe is the 2013 Buick Verano?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Buick Verano earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.