2012 Buick Lacrosse Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 22%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,947miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Buick Lacrosse, 22% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,947 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving my car on the highway the car would completely power down. After sitting in the emergency lane for an hour the car would start and operate as if nothing was wrong. I have had the car for almost 5 years and this has been happening the majority of the time. I have spent over $6000 in repairs with no success.”
NHTSA complaint #11389775, filed 2021-01, 10,700 miles“While driving on a city street at 20 MPH the engine started knocking and the service charging system light came on. A few minutes later as I was backing into a parking spot in a parking lot at work the car shut off and would not restart. I had the car towed home and a mechanic looked at it and seen that the engine was hydro-locked which he was able to unlock. …”
NHTSA complaint #11354395, filed 2020-09, 43,000 miles“While driving in traffic on city street during rush hour traffic my vehicle completed shut down no warning, engine light popped on, the wheel became stiff the brakes became stiff. I put it in park, turned the ignition offend started it up again, it started right up and I continued driving for another 4 miles engine light remained on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11179946, filed 2019-02, 130,031 miles“My car was moving and cut off on me and then automatically restarted while driving. The power steering locked up. This is been a going on for a few days now. Sometimes I restart it myself sometimes it automatically restarts. Engine light is on for a day and then goes off and comes back on again.”
NHTSA complaint #11048384, filed 2017-11, 52,894 miles“The car started stalling and it smell like something was burning. The car would shut off and restart on its own. I replaced the engine out of my pockets and now I am having the exact same problems. First before replacing the engine the serpentine belt broke and I had the repaired, about six month later a bolt broke inside the engine and that is when I replaced the engine. I just got the car back three weeks ago and now it is doing the same thing.”
NHTSA complaint #10949585, filed 2017-02, 71,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 43% |
| 2018 | 4 | 33% |
| 2017 | 5 | 14% |
| 2016 | 3 | 6% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 4 | 6% |
| 2013 | 31 | 24% |
| 2012 | 46 | 22% |
| 2011 | 30 | 18% |
| 2010 | 44 | 23% |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 17 | 7% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 8 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2012 Buick Lacrosse
62 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsElectronic stability control
25 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Buick Lacrosse
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology