2012 Buick Verano Problems
Compared with other Buick Verano years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Buick Verano year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 21 of its 106 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Electrical faults: battery drain, no-start and dead displays (34 complaints, median 57,915 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 106filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles, 75 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel FWD · 21 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Buick Verano (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Verano report two dominant themes: the 2.4L engine's heavy oil use, often without any low-oil warning, and repeated stalling or sudden loss of power while driving. A large share of sampled complaints also involve the air bag warning light or air bags that owners say did not deploy in a crash.
- Engine
Stalling or losing power while driving
- 23 complaints (22%)
- median 50,625 mi at 3.4 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- filed 2012–2022
Complaints describe the engine cutting out without warning at highway or city speeds, gauges going dark and power steering and throttle response fading. Some owners were able to restart after a few minutes and others needed a tow; a number report the stalling happened repeatedly and dealers could not identify a cause. Several also mention hesitation or sputtering on acceleration, sometimes with a check engine light. Spread widely, from under 1,000 miles to over 100,000 miles, with many described as intermittent and hard to reproduce.
What to check: Ask the seller whether the car has ever stalled or needed a restart, and have a scan for stored codes done. A service bulletin notes that a brief delay in throttle response when the pedal is pressed quickly is considered normal, so be specific about a full engine shutdown.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2012 Buick Verano has stalled out and died several times while driving on highway and when accelerating from stops. My Verano has 64,000 miles and is well kept and maintenanced but continues to stall over and over. I have seen several complaints from other 2012 Verano owners who have experienced the same problem and have come to the conclusion that GM has sold us a faulty product that can cause death or a serious injury. …”
NHTSA complaint #11191152, filed 2019-03, 64,000 miles“From the time I leased the car in august of 2012, the car always stalled from time to time. I took it in 2 months after I purchased it for the stalling, but they didn't find anything wrong with it. Once in march of 2014 I turned my car on and went to put the car in drive and it wouldn't shift. I tried multiples times, but it wouldn't shift. I turned the car off and back on and then the gear moved to drive. On july 12, 2014, the car actually turned off while I was driving it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10628363, filed 2014-08, 28,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light on; air bags reported not to deploy
- 22 complaints (21%)
- median 61,500 mi at 6.3 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,800 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2014–2024
Owners report the air bag warning indicator lighting intermittently, or a passenger-seat air bag status showing off with someone seated. Several describe crashes in which front or side air bags did not deploy, and some say dealers could not find a cause or told them the vehicle was outside a recall or mileage limit. Complaints also mention needing a control module or sensor and a steering coil spring replacement as a proposed fix. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 124,000 miles, with no clear mileage pattern.
Recall 14V300000Recall 13V023000Recall 12V522000
What to check: Check that the air bag indicator behaves normally when the car is started and with a passenger seated, and ask a dealer whether all three air bag recalls for this model year were completed on the VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving in the freeway going at 65 MPH. The light on the dash came on and it said, service airbags. When I got home and I turned off my car the light went off and I thought that it could of been a glitch in the car. Two days later the light came back on and has been on ever since. I have called the dealer trying to find answers but they say there is no recall for my car. But yet I see so many issues with he airbags on Buick veranos.”
NHTSA complaint #10897754, filed 2016-08, 97,000 miles“Hit black ice on 2 lane highway, rate of speed about 40 MPH. Car impacted concrete barriers causing the front end to be demolished as well as both front tires to be turned upward. Front and side airbags did not deploy. This car is not on a recall list but perhaps there are more owners out there who have had the same issue with 2012 Buick Verano. I am far from an expert but I assume due to damage on the front end the air bags should have deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #11064234, filed 2018-01, 37,000 miles - Engine
Excessive oil consumption with no low-oil warning
- 31 complaints (29%)
- median 88,015 mi at 7.6 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- filed 2017–2024
Owners describe the engine using oil far faster than expected, sometimes a quart every couple thousand miles, and often with the dipstick dry at a routine check. Many say the low-oil light never came on, so the first signs were rough running, a knock or rattle, or the engine shutting down. Complaints describe timing chain damage, gasket failures and in some cases engine replacement after oil ran low; dealers reportedly told some owners the consumption was within normal range, while others paid for repairs. Reported from roughly 20,000 to over 170,000 miles, though several owners noticed it in the 50,000-80,000 mile range.
What to check: Pull the dipstick and ask for oil change records; check the level yourself over a few weeks of driving. Ask whether the dealer has performed an oil consumption test and whether the timing chain has been inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I just bought my Buick Verano four months ago. I bought it with barely over 50,000 miles on it. The problem began with idling issues. My car would run rough, sputter, & die occasionally. Then, it began hesitating when I first accelerated. This hesitation has become consistently more frequent. About 10 days ago I was pulling across an intersection when my car hesitated for several seconds, and I was almost hit. This is when we decided to take it for inspection immediately. …”
NHTSA complaint #11076406, filed 2018-03, 55,000 miles“Extreme oil consumption without warning. Oil level was still at 60% and oil change was not yet indicated by the mileage. I noticed the engine was running roughly and took the car to my mechanic. The dipstick was dry.”
NHTSA complaint #11152130, filed 2018-11, 116,000 miles - Electrical system
Electrical faults: battery drain, no-start and dead displays
- 34 complaints (32%)
- median 57,915 mi at 4.4 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2024
Complaints describe repeated battery replacements, no-start or no-crank conditions, radios and instrument displays going blank, and warnings for traction control or stability control. Some owners link the trouble to wiring that chafed or corroded, and some say the car cranked or stalled unprompted. Several report the dealer could not reproduce or diagnose the fault. Mostly reported between roughly 5,000 and 120,000 miles, often described as intermittent.
What to check: Ask how often the battery has been replaced and have the charging system and battery tested. Confirm that keyless start, the radio and the warning lights all work consistently during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11128724, filed 2018-09, 61,000 miles“I was never warned about my car not having oil. The oil indicator light never came on that I needed to get oil soon. My car was making a lot of noise when I was putting my foot on the gas. My car always locks up on me as if I don't have my keys when I pull up in front of the 7/11 store near my house. Key not detected comes on. I was able to drive my car without having the key with me. None of the signals to inform me that I needed oil, brakes etc...”
NHTSA complaint #11133526, filed 2018-10, 68,000 miles
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 106 consumer complaints for the 2012 Buick Verano. 75 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 56,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,487 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Buick Verano model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine48 45%
- Air bags27 25%
- Electrical system16 15%
- Steering9 8.5%
- Vehicle speed control7 6.6%
- Other or unknown5 4.7%
- Brakes4 3.8%
Also reported: Fuel system (4), Suspension (3), Engine cooling (2), Body and structure (2), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “As I was driving in the city the car suddenly stopped and there was a smell of burning oil. I noticed dark oil on the pavement. I was good about changing my oil per manufacturer recommendation. I wasn't aware that other similar cars had this same issue. I wish a recall had been done prior to this major loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11268783, filed 2019-10, 95,000 milesAir bags: “There was a recall with special policy on the passenger air bag. I want to know why I didn't receive a recall form in the mail. Gm told me that it expired september 2019. I am now having problems with a message on my car stating service air bag. I take to get diagnostic and was told it needed a new module and sensor light which will cost me $1600 that is not a fault of mine, but is a factory defect and I have a child that ride's in the vehicle with me daily.”
NHTSA complaint #11270451, filed 2019-10, 66,000 milesElectrical system: “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.. …”
NHTSA complaint #11219177, filed 2019-06, 75,000 milesSteering: “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”
NHTSA complaint #11035936, filed 2017-10, 55,499 milesMileage when problems were reported
41% of the 75 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,000 and 76,952 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Buick Verano version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verano FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V300000Jun 6, 2014Air bagsCovers: Buick Verano 2012, Chevrolet Cruze 2012, Sonic 2012 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5…
- 13V023000Jan 24, 2013Air bagsCovers: Buick Verano 2012, Chevrolet Cruze 2012, Sonic 2012 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
- 12V522000Oct 31, 2012Air bagsCovers: Buick Verano 2012, Chevrolet Cruze 2012, Sonic 2012
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Recall details for the 2012 Buick Verano → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ13002Air Bag Non-deploymentClosed · May 31, 2013
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,487 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11032947May 19, 2026Other or unknown. This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high…
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
Other model years of the Buick Verano
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 9 | 55,021 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 59 | 24,250 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 59 | 40,797 | 0 | 5 | 24 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 101 | 41,700 | 6 | 5 | 24 | 61 · Typical | Stable |
| 2013 | 107 | 35,500 | 3 | 5 | 24 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 106 | 56,000 | 3 | — | 24 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
All Buick Verano model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Buick Verano?
Owners of the 2012 Verano report two dominant themes: the 2.4L engine's heavy oil use, often without any low-oil warning, and repeated stalling or sudden loss of power while driving. The issues reported most often: Stalling or losing power while driving; Air bag warning light on; air bags reported not to deploy; Excessive oil consumption with no low-oil warning.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Buick Verano have?
NHTSA recorded 106 consumer complaints for the 2012 Buick Verano as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Buick Verano is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 48 complaints (45% of the total), followed by air bags with 27.
Has the 2012 Buick Verano been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Buick Verano get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Buick Verano (Verano, 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Buick Verano reported?
Among the 75 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 56,000 miles and the middle half falls between 20,000 and 76,952 miles; 41% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.