2013 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 2013 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
- Engine3323.1%
- Electrical2316.1%
- Airbags1812.6%
- Steering149.8%
- Powertrain (other)128.4%
- Tires & wheels96.3%
- Other / unspecified85.6%
- Driver assistance85.6%
- Body & structure53.5%
- Seat belts42.8%
- Interior & seats32.1%
- Suspension21.4%
- Visibility10.7%
- Fuel system10.7%
- Transmission10.7%
- Exterior lighting10.7%
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
Vehicle is consuming oil at an excessive rate (with still less than 70000 miles on the odometer) and I have had to keep a close watch on the levels. It is burning a quart right now about every 1400 miles and the problem is only likely to get worse with time. This could cause the engine to fail or catch fire while operating the vehicle, which is quite dangerous, especially at interstate speeds or on mountain roads. Buick has not issued a recall, and yet there is a service bulletin dating from 2016 (Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003H). I have also read many complaints from other Verano owners about this problem. An engine is one of the most expensive parts of any vehicle, and if Buick will not voluntarily recall this model year to make the needed repairs, the NTSB ought to take a hand in getting a recall of affected vehicles. I don't want to risk my life on the road if this engine fails while the vehicle is in operation.
My Buick Verano keeps running out of oil despite consistent oil changes. It ran out of oil, 3000 miles before my next oil change was due. There are many reports online of other owners of the same vehicle having the same issue. Recently, my car cut off in the middle of the street Without any warning due to no oil in the engine. The low oil warning light never came on. This is the second time that this has occurred. The first time the mechanic just said it was low on oil. Now my car will not restart. Again my next oil change was not due for another 3000 miles.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My driver side air bag notification keeps coming on. On and off, while I'm driving. My electrical system is odd. I can not charge any devices and my screen will turn off while I'm driving. I'm giving today's date, but this is an ongoing problem for at least a year.
Started having the radio blank out and then steering wheel would lose power while driving. Service stability track error comes on. Took in for diagnostic and was told rear control module was bad. After 1500 to 1800.00 in repairs still had the same issues within 7 days. I've contacted dealership and general motor. I'm afraid my car will lose power while on highway
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My service airbag light continues to come on when driving. I was told there was a recall on the airbags a few years ago, but my VIN number was not included in that recall. I purchased this car from Carmax in 2018. I was told there were no recalls on my car at time of purchase and it was not having a problem at that time. I’m not sure the exact date the problem started occurring, but I did call Carmax and gave them my VIN number and they said there were no active recalls, but there was a recall on the airbag years ago that I was unaware of.
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service Air Bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Started having the radio blank out and then steering wheel would lose power while driving. Service stability track error comes on. Took in for diagnostic and was told rear control module was bad. After 1500 to 1800.00 in repairs still had the same issues within 7 days. I've contacted dealership and general motor. I'm afraid my car will lose power while on highway
The car power steering locked and stopped working while driving on the freeway, this incident put at risk myself and my children safety. After exiting the freeway the steering wheel stopped working again. this is a known issue as the car steering power was not recalled but the issue was acknowledged but GM. The car is a safety hazard for the person who drive it and the public.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car power steering locked and stopped working while driving on the freeway, this incident put at risk myself and my children safety. After exiting the freeway the steering wheel stopped working again. this is a known issue as the car steering power was not recalled but the issue was acknowledged but GM. The car is a safety hazard for the person who drive it and the public.
Power steering an steering wheel locks, Once this happens the car becomes a safety hazard, first time it happened two children were in the car and seconds from an accident on the freeway. Exited the freeway and car steering wheel failed again this time stopped working completely putting my children’s life in danger.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. i discovered it after a routine vehicle inspection by myself.
JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2013 BUICK VERANO WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON IT. I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE TWO TIRES BEFORE HITTING MY TWO WEEK MARK. EACH TIME I WAS DRIVING 30MPH AND UNDER EACH TIME A BLOW OUT OCCURRED. RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT THAT THESE CONTINENTAL TIRES HAVE BEEN NOT ONLY BEEN RECALLED BUT THE CONTINENTAL PROCONTACT 235/45 18 HAVE HAD MANY ISSUES BLOWING OUT AT MOMENTS NOTICE. BUT NOT YET RECALLED ALONG WITH PREVIOUS CONTINENTAL TIRES. THESE TIRES NEED TO BE RECALLED AGAIN AND TAKEN OFF THE MARKET BEFORE A TRAGIC INJURY OCCURRES IF IT HASNT HAPPENED ALREADY. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2013 BUICK VERANO WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON IT. I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE TWO TIRES BEFORE HITTING MY TWO WEEK MARK. EACH TIME I WAS DRIVING 30MPH AND UNDER EACH TIME A BLOW OUT OCCURRED. RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT THAT THESE CONTINENTAL TIRES HAVE BEEN NOT ONLY BEEN RECALLED BUT THE CONTINENTAL PROCONTACT 235/45 18 HAVE HAD MANY ISSUES BLOWING OUT AT MOMENTS NOTICE. BUT NOT YET RECALLED ALONG WITH PREVIOUS CONTINENTAL TIRES. THESE TIRES NEED TO BE RECALLED AGAIN AND TAKEN OFF THE MARKET BEFORE A TRAGIC INJURY OCCURRES IF IT HASNT HAPPENED ALREADY. *TR
BOUGHT TRADE IN FROM CENTRAL CADILLAC IN CLEVELAND, OHIO. YES, TWO YEAR OLD CAR WITH 6500 MILES? CONTINENTAL TIRE BLEW OUT, REAR PASSENGER SIDE COST $220.00 FOR REPLACEMENT TIRE. HAD PLANNED TO TAKE CAR ON VACATION BUT AFTER ALL LISTED COMPLAINTS I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED FOR PASSENGER SAFETY WITH THESE TIRES. I AM A RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SO PLEASE BEWARE!
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON 10/6/2020, I WAS RIDING AS THE FRONT PASSENGER IN OUR 2013 BUICK VERANO. WE WERE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY (70 MPH) AND HIT A BUMP AT THE START OF A BRIDGE. A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE ENGINE RPM SUDDENLY INCREASED AS IF THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED, THE CAR DECELERATED AND MY WIFE PULLED TO THE SHOULDER. WE STOPPED, CHECKED THE GEAR SHIFT AND IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE, THE WARNING LIGHT DISAPPEARED, AND EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL.
MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN, WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON, STABILITRAK LIGHT CAME ON, MIDDLE CONSOLE WENT OUT AND YANKED THE ENTIRE CAR TO THE RIGHT. LUCKILY BOTH HANDS WERE ON THE WHEEL AND NO CARS IN THE LANE TO THE RIGHT, WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE LANE BARELY. STOPPED AT THE CAR WASH, FELT THE CAR JUMP A BIT. DROVE ANOTHER 3 MINUTES HOME AND AS I WAS BACKING INTO THE MY PARKING SPOT MY MIDDLE CONSOLE WENT OUT AND CAME BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES WITH APPROX 4 SEC DELAYS BEING OFF, CARS POWER STEERING WAS OFF AND ON CONSTANTLY, TRYING TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO PULL FORWARD A LITTLE THE CAR KEPT JERKING FORWARD AS I KEPT TRYING TO TURN LEFT BUT THE WHEEL KEPT ACTING LIKE IT WAS HITTING A WALL, THE STABILITRAK LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. TRYING TO TURN IT RIGHT AND BACK UP THE MIDDLE CONSOLE KEPT FLASHING AND THE WHEEL KEPT JERKING. FINALLY GOT THE CAR PARKED AND THE NEIGHBOR HEARD ME ON THE PHONE AND STEPPED OUT TO ASK IF I WAS OK, WHEN I WAS TRYING TO PARK SHE HEARD A HUGE CRASH AT THAT TIME AND THOUGHT IT WAS AN ACCIDENT OF SOME SORT. TODAY WAS THE FIRST DAY FOR ALL OF THIS. THE MIDDLE CONSOLE HAS BEEN FLASHING ON AND OFF FOR A FEW MONTHS AND THE STABILITRAK LIGHT STARTED COMING ON LAST WEEKEND. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
PAINT ON HOOD, TOP, AND TRUNK LID FADING OFF. CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN LAKE ORION MICHIGAN. HEARD MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS FROM THIS SAME ASSEMBLY PLANT. IS THERE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ON THIS MATTER, VERY ANGRY AND CONCERNED.
CAR HAS LESS THAN 40K MILES. NOTICED WHAT SEEMED TO BE VERY SMALL SCRATCHES ON TOP SURFACES OF VEHICLE. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, LOOKS LIKE THE PAINT IS FADING DOWN TO BARE METAL. THE FADING PAINT IS HARD TO NOTICE AND RECOGNIZE, BUT AFTER WASHING YOU CAN SEE THE DULL AREAS EASILY. NOTICED PROBLEM ON HOOD 2 YEARS AGO, PAID $1900 TO HAVE IT REPAINTED BEFORE REALIZING THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE. GM BODY SHOP SAID THE PAINT IS "CHECKING". CAUSED BY IMPROPER OEM APPLICATION. SINCE CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. $2900 TO REPAIR!!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Check airbag warning light comes on, when someone is in passenger seat. Air bag light is off. When the passenger seat is empty the air bag light is on and the fasten seatbelt light flashes and chimes. I feel this is a safety issue and should be addressed.
1) WARNING ICON TO CHECK AIR BAG KEEPS COMING ON WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION 2) CANNOT LOCK FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
My passenger air bag module is faulty, when an individual is in the car, the module doesn't sense the passenger. So there is no airbag and I was told that it's possible in an accident that the airbag would not go off. I paid $600 to get a diagnostic, from Marvin K and Brown dealership. They reported back to me that the module was at fault. My vehicle is out of warranty. The service airbag notification has been continuously popping up on and off.
Check airbag warning light comes on, when someone is in passenger seat. Air bag light is off. When the passenger seat is empty the air bag light is on and the fasten seatbelt light flashes and chimes. I feel this is a safety issue and should be addressed.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK VERANO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (PARK FORD OF MAHOPAC, 276 US-6, MAHOPAC, NY) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS DISCONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
THIS CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD A RUBBING OR GRINDING SENSATION JUST AFTER MAKING A TURN, AT LOW SPEEDS. IT IS SUBTLE BUT DEFINITELY THERE. THE DEALER DISCOUNTED MY CLAIM DURING THE FIRST SERVICE VISIT AND SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING ISSUES THAT I HAVE AT HIGHER SPEEDS OR NOT. THIS ISSUE ONLY HAPPENS JUST AFTER MAKING HARD TURNS SUCH AS 90 DEGREE TURNS FROM STREET TO STREET. IT DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN MAKING CURVES. *TR
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK VERANO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE BLIND SPOT DETECTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE SUN ROOF WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MATTHEWS AUTO GROUP (3721 OLD VESTAL RD, VESTAL, NY 13850) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLIND SPOT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SENSOR FAILURE MAY HAVE AFFECTED THE SUN ROOF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND OFFERED A DISCOUNT FOR THE BLIND SPOT SENSOR REPLACEMENT COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
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
MY VEHICLE STARTS JERKING WHEN I GET OFF EXPRESSWAY. OR AT RED LIGHT OR CONJESTED TRAFFIC. CAR HAS NO CODE BEEN ON AT LEAST 7 MACHINE NO CODE BUICK CANT FIND THE PROBLEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off on an inclined driveway, the vehicle rolled away. The contact had accidentally not shifted out of the drive gear position. The contact was able to jump back in the vehicle where he pressed the brake pedal and shifted into the park position. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was examined, but not diagnosed. The contact was advised that all Buick vehicles perform the same action while in drive on an incline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE, TRAVELING 45MPH IN TRAFFIC STREAM ON HIGHWAY, SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER, INCLUDING ENGINE, RADIO, AC FAN, AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS. AFTER COASTING TO ROADSIDE, STILL MOVING, RADIO, AC FAN AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS SUDDENLY SELF RESTORED. AFTER STOPPING, TRANSMISSION PUT IN PARK, START BUTTON PUSHED, ENGINE STARTED, EVERYTHING BACK TO NORMAL.
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 .