2012 Buick Verano Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Buick Verano, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine5036.0%
- Airbags2719.4%
- Electrical1611.5%
- Steering96.5%
- Driver assistance96.5%
- Powertrain (other)75.0%
- Visibility64.3%
- Fuel system42.9%
- Brakes42.9%
- Suspension32.2%
- Body & structure21.4%
- Other / unspecified10.7%
- Tires & wheels10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 2 separate occasions, I have gone through 4 quarts of oil in 2000 miles. No leaks as verified by mechanic. Just excessive burn. The check oil light does not come on to warn you and says I still have 50% oil life but almost bone dry.
Oil Consumption- Burning through 2 qts of oil every 2000 miles. No warning lights coming on. Last oil change my car had no oil in it.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The passenger airbag indicator goes on and off with person in passenger seat. We first noticed this Summer 2023. It has gotten worse. Now a passenger can shift weight slightly one way or another and cause the indicator status to change which disables the airbag. Dealer also confirmed (4/16/24) DTC code B0081(internal malfunction with passenger presence module). I have recently learned there was a warranty extension for this failure (which had expired) which I was unaware of. I now have a vehicle which I feel is unsafe to travel with a passenger! If GM is aware of the problem and the dealer (imperial Chevrolet) has charged me $160 diagnostic fee for a known problem and tells me it will cost approx. $1,800 to repair/replace the sensor and module.
This airbag is supposed to last the lifetime of the vehicle and it has not. On top of it not lasting I am being charged to fix the airbag issue replacement and it is at fault of General Motors for not offering a lifetime lasting airbag.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
NAV display and radio stopped working black screen blank
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK VERANO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SHUT-OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO LINKED THE FAILURE TO AN UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED DAVID CHEVROLET BUICK (10225 NIAGARA FALLS BLVD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304) WHERE SHE WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT DECLINED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.*DT
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
2012 BUICK VERANO. IMMEDIATELY UPON PURCHASE I NOTICED THE FRESH AIR INTAKE ALWAYS HAD HOT AIR BLOWING THROUGH VENTS. DEALER AND GM CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID NOTHING IS WRONG. OTHER VERANO OWNERS WOULD STOP ME IN PARKING LOTS AND ASK ME IF I HAD THE SAME ISSUE AS THEY HAD. IT WAS A DEFECT. AFTER 40,000 MILES THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED REPLACED; CAMSHAFT POSITION SOLENOID VALVE REPLACED; NEW GASKET KIT; OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL LEAKING. AT 60,000 MILES, THE CAR LOST ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING 55 MILES AN HOUR ON HIGHWAY (OTHER OWNERS- BUICK FORUMS - HAD THE SAME DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE). BY LOST POWER, I MEAN THE CAR SUDDENLY HAD NO POWER STEERING, BRAKES. GAS PEDAL WAS NOT OPERATIONAL. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. PISTON RING FAILURE WAS THE DIAGNOSIS FROM BUICK SERVICE. ALMOST 4000 TO FIX THEY STATED. NONE OF THESE ISSUES SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED WITH A CAR WITH ONLY 60,000 MILES. THE VERANO IS NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED. GM SHOULD ADMIT THAT THEY SOLD A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT THAT DID NOT PERFORM AS ADVERTISED. AFTER ADDITION INVESTIGATION, I'VE DISCOVERED THAT GM WAS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2014. GM NEVER NOTIFIED VERANO OWNERS OF THIS ISSUE. WHAT'S MORE; THE BUICK DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WAS NEVER A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY GM FOR THIS PROBLEM. SERVICE BULLETIN 13-06-01-003H IN FACT WAS ISSUED. FOR ALL VERANO OWNERS, PLEASE TAKE NOTE. YOU MAY STILL HAVE RECOURSE. PLEASE VIEW LINKS: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - 2010-2013 BUICK CHEVROLET GMC GM IS FIXING SOME SMOKY ENGINES UNDER WARRANTY
ON 10/11/2017 I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND MY CAR STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON ME AND MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON I TOOK IT IN ON 10/12/17 TO MY LOCAL BUICK DEALER SERVICE BUT LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN 10/13/17 I TOOK IT BACK ON 10/14/17 THEY SAID MY COMPUTER PROGRAM WAS NOT REPROGRAMED BUT MY LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN 10/23/17 I AM SO SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION CAUSING PISTON RINGS AND PISTONS TO GO BAD OR WARNING LIGHT NEVER APPEAR ON DISH SO THAT'S NOT WORKING EITHER. I HAVE TO GET ALL CHANGE EVERY WEEK TO EVERY TWO WEEKS.
EVERY SINCE I FIRST GOT CAR IT HAS HAD PROBLEMS.ALL THE WIRES UNDER THE MELTED TOGETHER AND CAUSED CORROSION. SINCE THEN RADIO BLINKED ON AND OFF TIL NOW IT'S JUST A BLACK SCREEN. HAD PROBLEMS WITH CAM SHAFT CONTROL. HAVE PURCHASED 4 BATTERIES IN 6 YEARS. THERE'S SOMETHING ELECTRICAL THAT BLOWS THE BATTERIES. IF I START MY CAR WITH AUTOMATIC START FROM FOB IT CAUSES BATTERY PROBLEMS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON NOW AND I HAD IT CHECKED THE CODE IS FOR TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THE CAR WILL BE FINE FOR A WEEK OR SO BUT THEN WHILE DRIVING IT CHANGES GEARS AND SLOWS DOWN AS IF IT WANTS TO STOP.. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. SOMETIMES WHILE PUTTING THE CAR IN DRIVE IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH I PUT MY FOOT TO THE GROUND. FINALLY IT WILL PICK UP SPEED. I'M NOT SURE WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS CAR BUT I BELIEVE IT'S ELECTRICAL AND IT'S THE SAME THING THAT CAUSED THE RADIOS TO GO OUT. SOMETIMES THE STABILITY TRACTION LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE THEN IT GOES AWAY FOR AMONTHS. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR. I'VE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 60 AND IT WILL SWITCH GEARS AND SAYS SPEED IS TOO FAST FOR ENGINE.. PLEASE HELP!!!
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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, and valves getting bent and scattered.
VEHICLE STALLED AT RED LIGHT ON CITY STREET. VEHICLE ENDED UP NEEDED 4 QUARTS OF OIL WHICH CAUSED A BROKEN TIMING CHAIN AND COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. ENGINE WAS THE 2.4L ECOTEC, WHICH HAS BULLETINS FOR OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. THE LOW OIL LIGHT DID NOT COME ON IN THE VEHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear window shattered while driving. No rock or other damage. I just heard a loud bang and it exploded
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK VERANO. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, THE BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Verano . The contact stated there was an abnormal odor of fuel entering through the vents. In addition, while driving, there was an abnormal very loud knocking noise. The contact noticed that there was oil or fuel leaking from the injection system. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
VEHICLE STALLED AT RED LIGHT ON CITY STREET. VEHICLE ENDED UP NEEDED 4 QUARTS OF OIL WHICH CAUSED A BROKEN TIMING CHAIN AND COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. ENGINE WAS THE 2.4L ECOTEC, WHICH HAS BULLETINS FOR OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES. THE LOW OIL LIGHT DID NOT COME ON IN THE VEHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE PULLING INTO MY HOME DRIVEWAY, WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES . AND THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE CAUSING ME TO HIT MY OTHER VEHICLE AND THEN THE CAR PROCEEDED INTO THE SIDE OF MY HOUSE . I JUST 2 DAYS PRIOR HAD MY CAR INSPECTED AT FIRESTONE, I ALSO JUST HAD NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED LESS THAN 5 MONTHS PRIOR, ALSO THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON EARLIER THAT DAY, I WAS COMING HOME FROM FIRESTONE AND NOTICED THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING AND DECELERATION WHILE DRIVING WHICH WAS LESS THAN 10 MILE FROM MY HOME .
I OWN A 2012 BUICK VERANO WITH ONLY 48K ON IT, OWNERSHIP TRANSFERRED OVER FROM MY FATHER IN LAW WHO BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW. CAR HESITATES, DOES NOT PICK UP SPEED AFTER SLOWING/STOPPING WHICH WE NOTICED AT 36K, BURNS THROUGH A LOT OF OIL- OIL LIGHT DOES NOT GO ON WHEN LOW, REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE ALREADY COMPROMISED AT LESS THAN 45K, AND JUST RECENTLY LOST BRAKES COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING A MONTH AGO DUE TO A BAD CALIPER. CAR ALSO ACCELERATES SOMETIMES WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE. THE BRAKE LIGHT HAS NEVER COME ON AT ANY POINT DURING ANY OF THIS, THOUGH THE LOW WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LIGHT COMES ON EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT LOW. ALSO DOWNSHIFTS PRETTY ROUGH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION CAUSING PISTON RINGS AND PISTONS TO GO BAD OR WARNING LIGHT NEVER APPEAR ON DISH SO THAT'S NOT WORKING EITHER. I HAVE TO GET ALL CHANGE EVERY WEEK TO EVERY TWO WEEKS.
AIRBAG INDICATOR CONTINUES TO GO ON AND OFF WITH NO ONE SITTING ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE. WITH A PERSON SEATED ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE IT INDICATES AIRBAG OFF IN MOTION ESPECIALLY AND EVEN WHILE PARKED.... FEELS LIKE THE TIRES ARE ABOUT TO FALL OFF WHEN DRIVING OR TURNING ESPECIALLY ON THREE FRONT TIRES AND EVEN WORSE WHEN GOING OVER BUMBS SPEED BUMBS OR HOLES WHILE DRIVING
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PAINT ON THE HOOD ROOF AND PARTIAL TRUNK OF MY BLACK VEHICLE IS OXIDIZING VERY BADLY. IS THIS THE CORRECT FORUM TO REPORT THIS ISSUE?
THE VEHICLE HAD A FREE OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION FROM THE DEALER WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM. THE OIL CHANGE WAS EARLY BUT THE RECOMMENDED TIRE ROTATION WAS OVER DUE. A SHORT TIME AFTER THIS A NOISE WAS HEARD. THE NOISE WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I DESCRIBE THE SOUND AS SOMETHING FLAPPING DUE TO THE AIR FLOW OVER/UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE WAS HEARD ONLY AT A SPEED OF 65/70 OR HIGHER MILES PER HOUR. AS SOON AS WE COULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO OUR LOCAL DEAL WE DID. THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE THE VEHICLE WITH MY WIFE AND HE ALSO HEARD THE NOISE. THEY FOUND THE WINDSHIELD TRIM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOOSE AND FIXED IT. MY WIFE DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND THE SOUND RETURNED. WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE THE NEXT DAY FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS HAS THE SERVICE DEPT. STUMPED. NO WORD ON THE OUTCOME YET. THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT AS IT IS A STATEMENT OF A PROBLEM WE ARE HAVING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRAVELING NORTH ON RT 1/GRANITE STREET IN WESTERLY RI AT 4:25PM SATURDAY MARCH 28TH. THE DRIVING LANE BETWEEN CUMBERLAND FARMS AND MCDONALD'S, GIANT POT HOLE POPPED MY TIRE. PULLED INTO THE NAPA PARKING LOT FOR TIRE CHANGE. CALLED WESTERLY POLICE AND THEY RECOMMENDED I CONTACT DOT FOR TIRE SERVICE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRAVELING NORTH ON RT 1/GRANITE STREET IN WESTERLY RI AT 4:25PM SATURDAY MARCH 28TH. THE DRIVING LANE BETWEEN CUMBERLAND FARMS AND MCDONALD'S, GIANT POT HOLE POPPED MY TIRE. PULLED INTO THE NAPA PARKING LOT FOR TIRE CHANGE. CALLED WESTERLY POLICE AND THEY RECOMMENDED I CONTACT DOT FOR TIRE SERVICE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .