Buick Verano Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls β NHTSA Data
Comparing used Buick Verano options? We analyzed 6 model years (2012β2017) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Buick Verano you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Buick Verano has 437 owner complaints and 15 safety recalls across model years 2012β2017. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2012 drew the most complaints; 2017 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Verano
- Model years analyzed
- 2012β2017 (6 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 437
- Safety recall campaigns
- 15
- Crash-related complaints
- 19
- Fire-related complaints
- 5
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2012 (106 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2017 (9 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
Buick Verano: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β lower risk starting points.
β NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
PoorThe BUICK VERANO has 437 NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls on record. 19 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 437 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 15 federal recall campaigns
- 19 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
π NHTSA Safety Recalls
15 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2012β2017. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
π§ Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 437 NHTSA complaints.
π NHTSA Complaint Reports
437 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Steering gear linkage went out
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Verano. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that all four doors would not properly open nor close and remain secured. Additionally, the front driver's side window would not roll down as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the subframe of the vehicle was corroded. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 16,400. The VIN was not available.
Driving 40 mph all dash electronics went off as going to turn into parking lot medium traffic steering very very hard to turn, made into lot pulled immediately into first open space engine stalled. Put into park attempted to restart, click-click-click like dead battery opened hood alternator belt ok. Walked into nearby restaurant for lunch ( could not close windows) came out (45minutes) car started rite up everything worked - decided to shoot for home (9 miles) steering still very hard to steer made wide turns to get onto road volt gauge read 12.4 & climbing- windows & all electrical began working as volt gauge hit over 12,8 steering came back to normal. Steering happened 1 other time we were during and within a 1/2 mile it came back.
Electrical system shut off and I lost control of car
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Verano. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Vehicle seems to loose power, radio & power sterring turn off and back on constantly. Shows message " Service Stability Track". I took it back to the lot where I purchased it, they had 2 different mechanics look at it and they could not figure out what is wrong with it. Picked up the vehicle a week in a half later and the vehicle was fine for a week or so and then it started up again. all power is lost on the vehicle while driving, backing up or parking at times, then it turns back on, on its own. Its like it losses power for a few seconds, steering wheel gets hard and radio turns off. Then it turns back on. Its gotten to the point to where its done it on sharp turns. This not only puts me at risk but other people. No service engine light one, gives either "service stability track" or " service power steering" or " collision sensor maintenance", but not service lights are on, no codes.
I keep getting a message stating "service side detection system" every time my car is started. This happened shortly after getting a car wash. I no longer can use the blind spot system in my car. I have done some research online and have seen that this is a common issue in chevy cars, (NHTSA Bulletin Subject N172097060) and I'm seeing a few videos pop up on Youtube(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW6pyWp2uKo). I have yet to take it to the dealer as I keep reading online that it will cost $500+ to fix but I'm willing to in order to get some kind of investigation started to make Buick/GM pay for the repair.
THESES ITEM HAD A RECALL... AND NO ONE NOTIFIED ME. THE ISSUES WAS NEVER CHECKED OR FIXED
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE IN A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT AFTER TURNING OFF A CITY STREET. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WAS LUNGING FORWARD INSTEAD OF STOPPING. IT HIT A STEEL FENCE CABLE WHICH PUSHED IT ONTO A METAL FENCE POST AND STOPPED. THE 4 SIDE AIRBAGS OPENED UP AND THE ONE BY THE DRIVER HAD TO BE CUT IN ORDER FOR ME TO GET OUT. MY THUMB WAS JAMBED AGAINST THE STEERING AND LATER FOUND TO BE BROKEN. I WAS IN SHOCK AND NOT SURE WHAT HAD HAPPENED OR HOW. IT MAY BE THAT MY FOOT SLID OFF THE BRAKE WITHOUT MY REALIZING IT, BUT I HAD THE SENSATION OF THE CAR BEING TAKEN OUT OF MY CONTROL. I AM THINKING SOMETHING WENT WRONG WITH THE BRAKES BUT SINCE THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS AND NOT ROAD DRIVEABLE I WAS TOLD THERE WASN'T ANY WAY TO TEST AND VERIFY THAT.
Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),I am submitting this report to express a serious safety concern with my 2015 Buick Verano, which I believe is unsafe for shorter drivers due to poor visibility and design limitations.I received this car as a gift from my father, but the moment I drove it off the lot, I realized I could not safely operate it. I am 4 feet 11 inches tall, and this vehicle seems designed for much taller drivers. The windshield is too close, and there are several significant blind spots that make it extremely difficult to see vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles around me.To try to fix this issue, we installed four extra mirrors and I used a booster seat, but these adjustments did not resolve the safety problems. I have experienced numerous close calls, including one incident where I nearly struck a pedestrian I could not see until he moved out of the way. Driving this car has become extremely stressful and frightening due to these visibility issues.I have spoken with several friends who are also under 5 feet 3 inches tall, and they reported the same difficulties when driving a Buick Verano. It appears that this modelβs visibility design creates unsafe driving conditions for shorter individuals.I request that the NHTSA investigate this design concern to determine whether the 2015 Buick Verano meets safety standards for drivers of different heights, and whether design changes or warnings are necessary to protect shorter drivers.Thank you for your attention to this important safety issue.thank you.
Sensors and wiring harness corrosion
My passenger airbag warning lights appears on the dash several times a day stating βAirbag safety issue detectedβ. This has been going on for several months now.
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.
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.
Took my car in due to the paint being damaged by normal sunlight just on my hood, roof and trunk lid was told that it looked like it was just scratched, if that was the case wouldn't my whole car looked like that. Heard back from the dealership auto body manager admitting that gm had messed up the clear coat when it came to the dark color vehicles. Said nothing could be done due to it being out of manufacturer warranty and that my extend warranty wouldn't cover it along with the extra care package that was separate that the dealership had offer that I purchased even though it included oxidation protection.
Radio/Infotainment would turn itself off and then back on while driving and heat/ac would do the same. Then service side detection system alert would come up on screen. Heat stopped working 90% of the time which wasn't safe during winter when I needed the defrost on. Multiple times had to wipe windshield to get condensation off while driving due to no defrost working. Took it to the shop and replaced left sensor due to corrosion (waited a week for the part) and less than a week later the right sensor (waited a month for the part)stopped working. I was then advised if you replaced one sensor the other with fail if not replaced at the same time. How? Why? Because sensors are $755 a piece that's why. I live alone and am the sole bread winner and this made it extremely difficult to get to work. Add on the $2,500.00 to repair. I wouldn't have bothered to repair it but I needed defrost for safety reasons. Ridiculous that these things are married together in a system that isn't protected at all from the elements and the manufacturer is aware of this. Complete rip off and money grab.
No Incident
Advanced diagnostics alerts whether someone is sitting in the passenger seat or not. Sensor alerts constantly while driving. If there is a passenger sometimes the airbag light isn't lit notifying the airbag is on. This happens whether the vehicle is in motion or not and has happened many, many times.
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Verano. The contact stated when she attempted to shift the gear into reverse however the lever would not shift. Once the contact was able to shift the lever, it felt lose. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 101,820.
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Verano. The contact stated that the driverβs and passengerβs side air bag warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the cause of the failure might be related to crimped wiring inside the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact had not received a response. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Showing 20 of 437 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Buick Verano
These pages show model-year patterns across 6years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
π Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Buick Verano has 437 complaints on record across 6 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Buick Verano has 15 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 19 of the Buick Verano's 437 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Buick Verano vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two Buick Verano vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Buick Verano has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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