Buick Verano
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
6 model years analyzed (2012–2017). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Buick Verano? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ 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.
AI Interpretation
High ConfidenceBelow AverageComplaints for the 2012–2017 Buick Verano are concentrated in the electrical system, engine, and air bags, with the highest number of complaints reported for the 2012, 2013, and 2014 model years. The data suggests that earlier model years may have more reported issues, while later years show fewer complaints.
- The electrical system received the most complaints (122) among all components.
- Engine complaints (109) and air bag complaints (91) are also prominent.
- The 2012 model year had the highest number of complaints (106), followed by 2013 (104) and 2014 (101).
- Electrical system issues are the most frequently reported concern.
- Engine problems are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Air bag-related complaints are notably high.
The 2012–2014 model years show elevated complaints, driven primarily by electrical system, engine, and air bag issues.
The 2017 model year shows the fewest complaints (9), which may indicate better reliability or fewer reported issues in later production years.
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring, for any signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and air bag repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
🔔 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.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2012–2017. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 437 NHTSA complaints.
📋 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.
While driving on the highway there was a random harsh jerk on my car, and I was immediately unable to maintain safe speeds driving nearly causing a serious crash. All of the service lights (Service Parking Assist, Service Power Steering, Service StabiliTrak, and Check Engine Light) should up on the dashboard. Trying to engage the vehicle into drive after parked had a harsh jerk shifting into gear and the accelerator was not working properly (going extremely slower than applied pressure). Mobile mechanic reader coded my vehicle with U0101 “Lost Communication with TCM”. After touching that TCM connection all of the service lights randomly turned back off, and the vehicle drove (temporarily) normal. No repairs were performed due to possible recall concerns.
I am submitting this complaint to report a safety-related issue involving my 2016 Buick Verano. At approximately 112,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a major transmission failure that significantly affected drivability. Shortly thereafter, an airbag warning light illuminated, indicating a potential malfunction of the supplemental restraint system. An independent mechanic advised that the vehicle was no longer safe or economically reasonable to repair due to the transmission failure and the airbag system warning. The cost of transmission repair was estimated between $5,000.00 and $7,000.00. The vehicle could not be safely driven, sold, or repaired, leaving me with an inoperable vehicle and an outstanding loan balance. I am submitting this complaint to ensure this issue is documented and reviewed, as transmission failure combined with an airbag warning presents a serious safety concern. Also, it’s been widely documented by other consumers of having the same problem with the transmission failing prematurely on these type of vehicles as well.
After consulting with a certified technician, I’ve learned this model uses the same 6-speed transmission (6T40) found in several GM vehicles, and that it’s widely known to fail prematurely—many as early as 100K–117K miles. There are dozens of similar consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and discussed online. These are not isolated incidents but part of a consistent pattern of early, costly failures.
The paint has severely faded, chipping, and it is not from environmental factors- I have less than 30,000 miles on a 2016 Buick Verano. There are multiple websites confirming other consumers have had the same issues with their 2015/2016 Buick Verano.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated that the doors of the vehicle were locking and unlocking independently, and the radio failed to turn off as needed. The contact stated that an unknown relay and sensors were previously replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was hacked. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
Engine is known for bad piston rings and a poor emission ventilation system causing extreme engine pressure, blowback, and oil consumption. Engine stalled due to NO oil in it. No oil warning light appeared. Almost ran over two pedestrians as my car would not brake quickly enough as there was no power to any of the systems. And now I have to pay well over $6,000 to repair it? I JUST had my oil changed 5 days ago.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side seat sensor failed to detect a passenger in the seat. The “Air Bag Off” and “Service Air Bag” messages were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: 23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module; however, the VIN was not included in the Special Coverage Adjustment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,700.
When I start my car air bag lights on when a passenger is not seat air bags keeps light is on and when I have passenger next to me air bag is off. I took this car to dealership I bought they want me to pay $1720 to fix the system I only driven 42000 miles since I bought I had fully guaranteed paid for 5 years by installation to the company. I am not happy for putting my vehicle I do not wish to take another place for repairs as I had not understand why the are asking a lot of money to put it right for air bag for passenger says need air bag service always when I am driving my vehicle
The side detection system got corroded as it was exposed to water. My airbags, turn signals, speedometer, cameras, blind spot warnings, etc. went out. This costed almost $2k to replace and get fixed when this could have been avoided if the side detection parts weren't easily exposed to water. Knowing that this could happen again as this is the way the car was manufactured does not sit well with me. It started failing while on an interstate which caused very unsafe driving conditions for me and the drivers around me. This seems to be a common issue with the Buick Verano that has not been addressed in a recall. The warning lights came on as soon as the failure started occurring.
There are 18 complaints about the passenger airbag sensor that should have been reported as a recall. Buick issued a Special Coverage Adjustment notice for the passenger Presence sensor Reference Number: [XXX] Letter was sent to all customers; I did not ever receive it as i purchased this vehicle as used from the BUICK dealership in EL PASO TX. I recently started experiencing error messages with my airbags. Upon taking it to the dealer, the airbag sensor issue is related to the notice listed above. Because I never received the notice, I wasn't on alert for issues. I don't see why i should have to pay for this repair since its obvious this is a dealer installed defective product. Please help resolve this issue as it going to cause someone's life and by then it will be too late. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- The side detection module became corroded, blew a fuse and stopped functioning. This was reported in a service bulletin and extended warranty protection for some GM vehicles, but not the Buick Verano. [XXX] - This happened while driving. The vehicle would still drive, but lost all gauge functions (No speedometer, tachometer, fuel, or temp gauges). -The side obstacle detection system does not work. -The system also interferes with the passenger side airbag and leaves it turned OFF with a passenger in the seat. These obviously all create a serious safety risk and have not been covered by a recall for this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Showing 20 of 437 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Buick Verano
This page shows fleet averages across all 6 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 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 — 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 — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Below Average) 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. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.