2012 Buick Verano
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 106 |
| 2013 | 106 |
| 2014 | 101 |
| 2015 | 58 |
| 2016 | 59 |
| 2017 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
45% of complaints: engine — 48 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
On 2 separate occasions, I have gone through 4 quarts of oil in 2000 miles. No leaks as verified by mechanic. Just excessive burn. The check oil light does not come on to warn you and says I still have 50% oil life but almost bone dry.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240526
25% of complaints: air bags — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PULLING INTO MY HOME DRIVEWAY, WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES . AND THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE CAUSING ME TO HIT MY OTHER VEHICLE AND THEN THE CAR PROCEEDED INTO THE SIDE OF MY HOUSE .
NHTSA ODI report, 20201113
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180122
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK VERANO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A POLE, SPUN AROUND, AND SUSTAINED DAMAGES ON BOTH SIDES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150311
15% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
NAV display and radio stopped working black screen blank
NHTSA ODI report, 20240604
8% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521
Campaign 12V522000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Campaign 13V023000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Non-deployment
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...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300.
Campaign 14V300000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Buick Verano — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (48 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V522000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V023000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V300000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2012 Buick Verano reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Buick Verano?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Buick Verano have?
3 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.