MYRModel Year Report

2012 Buick Lacrosse

◆ Worse than typical
2012 Buick Lacrosse
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
206
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

30% of complaints

Complaints per year

2005: 315 complaints 2005 2006: 299 complaints 2007: 250 complaints 2007 2008: 250 complaints 2009: 106 complaints 2009 2010: 189 complaints 2011: 169 complaints 2012: 206 complaints 2012 206 2013: 129 complaints 2014: 63 complaints 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 48 complaints 2017: 36 complaints 2017 2018: 12 complaints 2019: 6 complaints 2019
2005: 315 complaints 2005 2006: 299 complaints 2006 2007: 250 complaints 2007 2008: 250 complaints 2008 2009: 106 complaints 2009 2010: 189 complaints 2010 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 206 complaints 2012 206 2013: 129 complaints 2013 2014: 63 complaints 2014 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 48 complaints 2016 2017: 36 complaints 2017 2018: 12 complaints 2018 2019: 6 complaints 2019
2005: 315 complaints 2005 2006: 299 complaints 2006 2007: 250 complaints 2007 2008: 250 complaints 2008 2009: 106 complaints 2009 2010: 189 complaints 2010 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 206 complaints 2012 206 2013: 129 complaints 2013 2014: 63 complaints 2014 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 48 complaints 2016 2017: 36 complaints 2017 2018: 12 complaints 2018 2019: 6 complaints 2019

2012: 206 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2005315
2006299
2007250
2008250
2009106
2010189
2011169
2012206
2013129
201463
201544
201648
201736
201812
20196

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

30% · 62 reports

Most commonly citing wiring.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show 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, 2025-11-05

Also filed under Steering and vehicle speed control

**Subject:** Formal Safety Defect Complaint: Premature Failure of Completed Recall Remedy (NHTSA Campaign 13V173000 / GM Recall 13136) Resulting in Sudden Loss of Power Steering **VEHICLE INFORMATION** * **Year/Make/Model:** 2012 Buick LaCrosse...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-17

Shows service stability track

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-30

Engine

22% · 46 reports
FIRE
Show 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, 2018-04-13

2012 Buick LaCrosse V6 (Fairfax Plant). The vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of engine power and forward propulsion while traveling at highway speed, cutting off mid-drive with no warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and service brakes

Suspension

15% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing rear and stabilizer bar.

CRASH

Electronic stability control (esc)

12% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing control module.

CRASH
Show 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, 2020-07-29

Steering

12% · 24 reports
CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2011-08-12Electronic stability control (esc)11V404000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    2012Complaint volume 206 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2013-06-11Electrical system13V173000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2013-07-05Recall queryClosed 2014-07-22 Generator Control Module Fires
  5. I
    2014-05-02Audit queryClosed 2016-05-22 Sands Chevrolet/Hybrid System Fire/Stall
  6. R
    2014-12-26Seats14V447000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2021-08-19Suspension20V764000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2022-01-27Suspension21V00F000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Buick Lacrosse — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 62 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 46 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 31 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 11V404000 · Electronic stability control (esc)
  • Recall 13V173000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 14V447000 · Seats
  • Recall 20V764000 · Suspension
  • Recall 21V00F000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Buick Lacrosse have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.