2012 Buick Lacrosse Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 12%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Buick Lacrosse, 12% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 engine light had come on and I went to a repair shop to have it repaired. I was told to bring it back the next day and on my way back the charging light came on. I was on the highway doing 70 miles an hour in a curve when all systems went down the instrument panel lit up and I lost braking, steering and all other functions. And I was very lucky to not have wrecked the car. This is a very dangerous situation that needs to be corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #11115703, filed 2018-08, 50,000 miles“My vehicle stalled out while I was on the express way. Then it would not start without a jump. Check engine light came on along with traction control light. Computer put out a code p062f. Now I have to get a jump almost every other day.”
NHTSA complaint #11253436, filed 2019-09, 83,177 miles“This is a 4cyl car with easiest. Unintended acceleration - the car while going downhill or sometimes uphill, accelerates on its own after releasing the gas pedal. I almost hit another car once because of this. Jerking - the car while decelerating from 50-40 MPH to 30-20 MPH jerks after releasing the gas pedal (with an intention of decelerating) or while applying brakes. This has been happening regularly since I bought the car in oct 2012.”
NHTSA complaint #10573797, filed 2014-03, 600 miles“Aprox. 1130 pm on august 27th, 2015, I was driving (60 MPH) home from work and lost all power stearing, I almost had a accident and cashed my 2012 Buick Lacrosse due to the loss of power steering. I made it about a half of a mile down the street and called 911 for assistance since it was dark. I had to call a tow trcuk to come get my car and take it to the local repair shop. On friday august 28th the dealership said they had to order my part it was the surpintine belt and it wouldnt be there until monday august 31st. …”
NHTSA complaint #10761056, filed 2015-09, 90,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | 25% |
| 2017 | 9 | 25% |
| 2016 | 7 | 15% |
| 2015 | 2 | 5% |
| 2014 | 4 | 6% |
| 2013 | 12 | 9% |
| 2012 | 24 | 12% |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% |
| 2010 | 17 | 9% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 10 | 4% |
| 2006 | 7 | 2% |
| 2005 | 19 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2012 Buick Lacrosse
62 complaintsEngine
46 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsElectronic stability control
25 complaintsSteering
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 29, 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