2012 Buick Lacrosse
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 314 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 249 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 189 |
| 2011 | 168 |
| 2012 | 201 |
| 2013 | 127 |
| 2014 | 62 |
| 2015 | 44 |
| 2016 | 46 |
| 2017 | 34 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
29% of complaints: electrical system — 59 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
during a regular drive the check stabiltrack system message popped up on the dash in the middle circle and then the little car with the squiggly lines behind it popped up and the check engine light came on and started blinking.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251105
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2012 BUICK LACROSSE WITH EASIEST. I HAD IT LESS THAN 48 HOURS AND HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER DUE TO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111022
22% of complaints: engine — 45 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUCK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING PLASTIC ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180413
14% of complaints: suspension — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASH12% of complaints: steering — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
during a regular drive the check stabiltrack system message popped up on the dash in the middle circle and then the little car with the squiggly lines behind it popped up and the check engine light came on and started blinking.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251105
12% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR DOWN A INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STABILITY TRACK CAN ON MY DASH AND THE CAR FREAKED OUT AND BREAKED REALLY HARD ! I STATED TO SPIN OUT AND THEN A LOUD CRACK THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE ON THE REAR RIGHT SIDE .
NHTSA ODI report, 20200729
SAFETY TIMELINE
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK LACROSSE PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 9, 2011, THROUGH JULY 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFE
Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080.
Campaign 11V404000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a conditio
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign nu
Campaign 13V173000 — check if this car was fixed
Generator Control Module Fires
Sands Chevrolet/Hybrid System Fire/Stall
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014.
Campaign 14V447000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine,...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021.
Campaign 20V764000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine,...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022.
Campaign 21V00F000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Buick Lacrosse — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (59 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V404000 (electronic stability control (esc)) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V173000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V447000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V764000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V00F000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Buick Lacrosse reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Buick Lacrosse is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Buick Lacrosse?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Buick Lacrosse have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.