2012 Buick Lacrosse: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Buick Lacrosse? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 197 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2012 Buick Lacrosse Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2012 Buick Lacrosse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2012 Buick Lacrosse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Buick Lacrosse 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
11.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
11.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Buick Lacrosse has 197 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Lacrosse
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 197
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Buick Lacrosse Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Buick Lacrosse?
The 2012 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2012 Buick Lacrosse
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electronic stability control and steering components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electronic stability control and steering components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Buick Lacrosse, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 197 complaints for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse, issues are concentrated in electrical faults and engine problems, with notable reports of suspension failures and electronic stability control concerns. Crash-related complaints are relatively few (10), but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited model-year coverage.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints (60).
- Engine problems are the second most reported component (49).
- Suspension failures and electronic stability control issues each have over 20 complaints.
- Electrical faults are the most frequently reported issue.
- Engine problems are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Suspension failures appear in a notable number of reports.
All 2012 Buick Lacrosse Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Buick Lacrosse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 60 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 49 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 30 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 24 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 24 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 14 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 12 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Buick Lacrosse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
All the specific details are unknown, but I had a mechanic work on my car and the problem that he had to fix. He stated that it should’ve been detected, but it was something wrong with my car, letting me know that I had the problem and also I have to keep replacing my camshaft ti…
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. Immediately I noticed lack of steering control, the …
My 2012 Buick Lacrosse had a recall for Loss control generator control module, The recall was fixed, but recently my car shut off in the middle of the highway for the same issue. The vehicle was towed to the GM Buick Dealer and they quoted me $7, 525.00 for the part because it is…
Improperly calibrated Stabilitrak ESC system. Accelerator pedal position sensors 1-2 5v reference 3 circuit Heated oxygen 2 sensor Car is losing power and esc light is on along with check engine light
I’m experiencing issues that seem to align with the gcm recall despite my vehicle supposedly being fixed for this recall prior to my purchase of it. I cannot run the heat with the headlights or various combinations of things that would otherwise be normal because the battery will…
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s and driver’s seat air bags and the front passenger’s and driver’s door air bags deployed without an impact to the vehicle. The vehicle as taken to the dealer; …
I was not in a car accident! Hoping not to be just want to report this issue.Car kills in mid driving stability track comes on flashing checking engine with stability light and track system light as well! leaves me stranded in the middle of wherever I am! Stability light comes o…
I purchased this car 1 year ago with 121,460 miles, within the first week I had to buy new tires and replace the wipers,now I have to replace the alternator all of this is within a year. I just got the estimate for the alternator which is over 700.00 which I don't have.
My 2012 Buick lacrosse died while driving putting me and my children at risk. Vehicle was then jumped but battery voltage kept decreasing. It says service batter charging. Took to mechanic they said all electric components say low voltage then had battery replaced to see if that …
while driving the Electronic Stability Control warning light comes on and the car loses power.
While driving, the STABILITRAK indicator lighted and the car began to flash multiple warnings, loss of steering ability, electrical anomalies, and eventual shut-off. This happened while on a major interstate highway, jeopardizing the life of the driver and other drivers. This hap…
Hello my car is stalling out and the stabilìtrak lights comes on with trak symbol. Car does not crank back up until the next day.. it keeps doing this after several days. Im scared to drive this car with the stalling when driving it... PLEASE help me fix this problem.
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the park assists, and several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The co…
THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM HAS AN INCORRECT CALIBRATION THAT MAY CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO NOT PROPERLY DETECT IF A SENSOR WERE TO MALFUNCTION, AND THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATING WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE, AS REQUIRED IN THE SAFETY STANDARD. THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM…
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and shutoff independently. The stabili-trak warning light was flashing after the failure had occurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle wa…
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had …
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that the driver's side front seat belt cable mount had detached while attempting to use the seat belt. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired.…
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off with the stabili-trak warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two separate dealers and the contact was informed that the computer and the wiring harness ne…
Brake lights may stay on when the car is parked and the engine is off. This is due to the brake pedal may become sticky intermittently as per GM's Service Bulletin: SB-10045319-1529. At times, while pressing the gas pedal, the car may not move at all and it can become a safety h…
We're purchasing this vehicle from superior Auto, and we seen a recall back in 2011/12 from stabiltrak and deterrent auto theft, since this $21, 240 car we've had issues causing the car to shut off and lock up without warning, no power steering or brakes, and stabiltrak and auto …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Buick Lacrosse.
2012 Buick Lacrosse Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Buick Lacrosse. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2012 Buick Lacrosse Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Buick Lacrosse reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 197 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Buick Lacrosse?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (60 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (49 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (30 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Buick Lacrosse?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Buick Lacrosse?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Buick Lacrosse, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 197 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Buick Lacrosse. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Buick Lacrosse?▾
The 2012 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Lacrosse reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Buick Lacrosse based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.