2015 Buick Verano Problems
Compared with other Buick Verano years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× 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.
- 12 of its 59 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: Service Side Detection System / blind-spot sensors failing (14 complaints, median 40,000 mi).
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
- 59filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 40,797miles, 37 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns 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
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Buick Verano (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year center on the side blind-spot detection system: owners describe a "Service Side Detection System" message, mirror indicators that stop working or light up at random, and dealers pointing to water in the sensor mounting areas. A second recurring theme is electrical instability — gauges dropping out, the radio and climate fan cycling off, and in some reports power steering assist cutting out. Air bag warning lights and a broken gear-shift release switch button are also reported, usually in the 30,000-70,000 mile range.
- Lane departure
Service Side Detection System / blind-spot sensors failing
- 14 complaints (24%)
- median 40,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2018–2023
Owners report a "Service Side Detection System" message on the dash and mirror indicator lights that stop working, stay lit, or come on when no vehicle is in the blind spot. Several say the dealer or mechanic found water and corrosion in the sensor mounting area behind the rear bumper and quoted a four-figure repair, sometimes more than once on the same car. A few mention that after the modules were unplugged, other electrical items such as a brake light also stopped working. Reported from roughly 28,000 to 53,000 miles, in all seasons, including cold-weather states where road salt is used.
What to check: Test both mirrors' blind-spot indicators with a passing car and confirm no service message appears on the dash. Ask whether either sensor module has been replaced and look for corrosion or moisture at the rear bumper connectors.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Service side detection system light came on out of now where, before it came on a few days prior there was no one infront of me, I was in the freeway ramp getting on and it had the avoid forward crash alarm chime and pop up on the dash. Driving to work and the service side detection system light came on. I'm reading it's a very very common issue with the Buick, and chevy put out an recall on it for the cruze with the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11406428, filed 2021-04, 37,500 miles“It all started with the side detection system. Told me to have it serviced, as I was on the high way the electrical stated going crazy. Gauges going back and fourth constantly, radio turned off, fans turned off, and blind spots kept blinking. The mechanic found a corrosion issue. They were able to unplug it but it also made it so my rear brake light on the right would not work (which is illegal). It would cost me over $1,000 to fix this issue since the corrosion isn't covered by the warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11384364, filed 2020-12, 65,000 miles - Electrical system
Electrical cutouts: gauges, radio and steering assist drop
Mentioned in 9 of 53 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the instrument panel going haywire — speedometer and fuel gauge quitting, multiple service messages appearing at once — while the radio screen blacks out and reboots and the climate fan stops blowing. Some owners report that during a turn the power steering assist dropped out at the same time. Several say dealers could not find a fault or reported all modules reading normally. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 85,000 miles, often while turning or at highway speed.
What to check: During the test drive, watch the gauges and radio for flicker or reboots, and check whether any side-detection or theft-deterrent warnings appear. Ask if battery, ground and body connector condition has been checked.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car constantly has the same error stating that the AC is off due to high engine temps. Even when first started in the mornings. Last week I was driving and the car showed an error stating that the stablitrak needed serviced. It then jumped lanes and left the road. I lost steering capability as well and my screen for the radio and such keep blacking out and rebooting over and over.”
NHTSA complaint #11413380, filed 2021-04, 85,840 miles“My 2015 Buick Verano shakes/shudder between 15-20 MPH. The shaking cause the car body and steering wheel to shake. I have went to two dealerships and the defect isn't fixable. After doing some research I've found other Verano owners with the same issue. Seem like there is no solution to this very scary defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11218070, filed 2019-06, 45,489 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light and passenger seat sensor
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 68,800 mi at 4.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2025
Owners report a persistent "Service Air Bag" message or an illuminated air bag indicator, sometimes appearing when a front passenger sits down or opens and closes a door. One owner says a dealer suggested crimped wiring as a possible cause; others say the dealer found no trouble codes and the light returned. Some note that the passenger-seat occupant detection behaves inconsistently. Reported from about 15,000 miles up to 90,000, with no clear weather or usage pattern.
What to check: Turn the key on and confirm the air bag light goes out after the bulb check, then sit in the passenger seat with the vehicle running and watch for the passenger-air-bag indicator to change state. Ask whether seat wiring or the occupant sensor has been inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Upon starting the car we have no working guages. The temperature and gas level don't work. And the following error messages show up on the dash. Service air bag, tire monitoring system, front camera, parking assist, side detection system, and theft deterrent system. The car it basically undriveable. The blinkers do not work, heated seats (though that is minor) radio stops working. We don't know what the temperature of the engine is, how much fuel we have and how fast we are going. There is only 68,800 miles on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11320315, filed 2020-04, 68,800 miles“While parked and when vehicle is running and either front or rear passenger doors are opened then closed after being seated in the passenger side front seat, an intermittent dic message states service air bag. The indicator light stays on for a few minutes then goes off. Also received on-star diagnostic alert message. Had vehicle serviced at dealership 4-9-19. No trouble codes came up on obd reader. Car returned to me on 4-10-19. On 4-16-19,problem reoccurred same circumstances, no on-star alert message this time. …”
NHTSA complaint #11196673, filed 2019-04, 41,352 miles - Electrical system
Gear shift release switch knob breaks; key stuck
Mentioned in 5 of 53 sampled complaints
Owners describe the gear-shift release switch cover breaking, so the shifter will not move into Park, or goes into Park but the ignition will not release the key. A related report describes the shifter feeling loose and needing to be wiggled before it will move. Several point out that other model years of the same car were covered by a shift-related campaign and ask why this year was not. Reported from about 47,000 to 102,000 miles, generally after several years of use.
What to check: With the engine running, shift through every gear and back to Park, then check that the key releases freely. Look at the release switch button on the shifter for cracks or looseness.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Gear shift release switch cover broken causes car to 1)not go into park mode 2)goes into physical park mode but ignition switch is locked and does not release key please compare to recall number 16v50200 or Buick recall numbers 50490 and 50491 for 2013 - 2014 and 2016 - 2017 Buick veranos, why was my model year vehicle skipped?”
NHTSA complaint #11278739, filed 2019-11, 58,000 miles“Gear shift release switch knob broken : causing not going into park or in park position but engine won't turn off due to not being in park. There are not replacement parts available.”
NHTSA complaint #11299164, filed 2020-01, 47,642 miles - Engine
Unexpected acceleration while parking or from a stop
Mentioned in 4 of 53 sampled complaints
A small number of complaints describe the engine revving and the car lunging forward without accelerator input — one while parking, another from a stop where the brakes reportedly did not slow the car. Both say the vehicle hit something. Neither was diagnosed by a dealer, so no cause was established. Both reported at low mileage, under 40,000 miles, during low-speed maneuvering.
What to check: Test the car at a crawl in a parking lot, checking that idle and pedal response feel normal. Ask whether the throttle body, accelerator pedal assembly or the stalling/high-pressure fuel pump bulletin work has been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2015 Buick Verano. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle sudden acceleration accident. The consumer stated when she shifted the vehicle into drive, she removed her foot from the brake and the vehicle took off without her applying the accelerator. She attempted to apply the brake, but it failed to slow or stop the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10888370, filed 2016-07“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Verano. While parking at a restaurant, the engine revved and the vehicle accelerated independently. The vehicle lunged more than five feet across two concrete curbs and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11204968, filed 2019-05, 38,000 miles
Buying note. Have a shop inspect the rear blind-spot sensor connectors for moisture or corrosion and scan for stored body codes before buying, since that fault comes up most often here and is an expensive repair. A thorough electrical check is worth the cost on this model year, and confirm the shifter moves freely into Park and releases the key.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 53 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 59 consumer complaints for the 2015 Buick Verano. 37 of the complaints include a mileage, and 68% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 40,797 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1,344 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 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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.
- Electrical system23 39%
- Air bags10 17%
- Other or unknown10 17%
- Lane departure6 10%
- Steering6 10%
- Engine4 6.8%
- Body and structure3 5.1%
- Vehicle speed control3 5.1%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Fuel system (2), Brakes (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The car stopped, I got a boost and it immediately cut off again, had it towed to shop, they stated it was alternator so I purchased a new one and it died again, purchased a new batery and still dead. The recalls showing electrical problems for 2013 and 2014 but I have a 2015”
NHTSA complaint #11403303, filed 2021-03, 175,000 milesAir bags: “The light is on and the warning chime constantly goes off when someone is in the passenger seat. This is a known recall issue yet my VIN is not included. It needs to be fixed at the cost of the manufacturer and not my own.”
NHTSA complaint #11580003, filed 2024-03Other or unknown: “Both side detection sensors of my 2015 Buick Verano are both inoperative in under 5 years after purchasing brand new vehicle. Service side detection system message persists. Gm mechanic said there was water present in mounting brackets for both modules and there is no communication with either one. Car has never been in accidents and service advisor agreed that problem was due to a design flaw. There is no visible damage to indicate a problem, since the sensors are hidden. …”
NHTSA complaint #11309013, filed 2020-02, 31,141 milesLane departure: “My vehicle was rear ended and when the wire connection was detached there was signs of corrosion cause by moisture. The insurance company wont pay for it because the Buick mechanic said this is a common issue with Buick Verano's. When moisture gets into the connectors all instruments on the dashboard goes haywire. it's my belief that this may cause the car to stall and if that happens no power steering or no power breaks.”
NHTSA complaint #11609891, filed 2024-08Mileage when problems were reported
68% of the 37 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 31,141 and 62,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 Buick Verano. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verano · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.3% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2015 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2015 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 20 | 31 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Verano FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Verano FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2015 Buick Verano in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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. 1,344 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 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
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 2015 Buick Verano?
Complaints on this model year center on the side blind-spot detection system: owners describe a "Service Side Detection System" message, mirror indicators that stop working or light up at random, and dealers pointing to water in the sensor mounting areas. The issues reported most often: Service Side Detection System / blind-spot sensors failing; Electrical cutouts: gauges, radio and steering assist drop; Air bag warning light and passenger seat sensor.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Buick Verano have?
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2015 Buick Verano as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Buick Verano is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 23 complaints (39% of the total), followed by air bags with 10.
Has the 2015 Buick Verano been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Buick Verano do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 Buick Verano 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Buick Verano get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Buick Verano (Verano, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 20 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 2015 Buick Verano reported?
Among the 37 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 40,797 miles and the middle half falls between 31,141 and 62,000 miles; 68% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.