2012 Buick Verano: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Buick Verano? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 105 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2012 Buick Verano Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2012 Buick Verano.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2012 Buick Verano Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: 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 Verano has 105 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Verano
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 105
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Buick Verano Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. 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 Verano?
The 2012 Buick Verano 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 Verano
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems, such as unusual noises or warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags and electrical systems.
- Request service records for reported components, particularly engine and airbag repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on engine and electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems, such as unusual noises or warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags and electrical systems.
- Request service records for reported components, particularly engine and airbag repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on engine and electrical systems.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Buick Verano, 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 105 NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Buick Verano, the data suggests that engine problems and airbag malfunctions are the most frequently reported issues. There are also notable reports of electrical faults and steering defects. However, with only one model year analyzed and a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Airbag malfunctions are the second most reported issue, with 27 complaints.
- Electrical faults and steering defects are also commonly reported.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
All 2012 Buick Verano Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Buick Verano. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 50 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 27 | 7 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 16 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel 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 Verano. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
NAV display and radio stopped working black screen blank
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.
The passenger airbag indicator goes on and off with person in passenger seat. We first noticed this Summer 2023. It has gotten worse. Now a passenger can shift weight slightly one way or another and cause the indicator status to change which disables the airbag. Dealer also conf…
Oil Consumption- Burning through 2 qts of oil every 2000 miles. No warning lights coming on. Last oil change my car had no oil in it.
Car has had excessive oil consumption since start. Easily consuming 1-2 quarts of oil on monthly basis. Had timing chains replaced at 75000 miles. Car suddenly stopped without warning 1/16/23 and completely shut off while driving. Now, at 170000 miles the engine is blown, due to …
This airbag is supposed to last the lifetime of the vehicle and it has not. On top of it not lasting I am being charged to fix the airbag issue replacement and it is at fault of General Motors for not offering a lifetime lasting airbag.
The contact owned a 2012 Buick Verano. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, another vehicle was traveling in the opposite direction and struck the front driver side of the contact’s vehicle causing damage to the front end of both vehicles. The air bags did not deploy in th…
My car started burning an excessive amount of oil this caused my car to die with no engine warning while driving. My mechanic found it to be completely out of oil. The car only has 67000 miles on it and now I have to constantly put oil in the car. It does not leak it just burns o…
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Verano . The contact stated there was an abnormal odor of fuel entering through the vents. In addition, while driving, there was an abnormal very loud knocking noise. The contact noticed that there was oil or fuel leaking from the injection system. T…
I was in a traffic jam and had a blowout. My airbags didn't go off no accident was able to pull over. Got it towed to get a new tire. Now I took my car in to get the aribag light off and it's $2000 for seatbelt sensor and another sensor from a blowout that's redicilous. The a…
Technical Service Bulletin #13-06-01-003H (TSB 003H) in regards to GM’s 2.4L engines & excessive oil consumption. (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10116880-9999.pdf) This release not only concedes a persistent issue found in at least six GM models, but more importantly…
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Verano. The contact stated that her vehicle was constantly loosing oil however, there was no warning light illuminated on the vehicle to indicate that the oil level was low. The contact stated that when the oil level was low, the vehicle made a loud …
My car has started to burn oil quickly in the past and I was bringing my car to get oil changes more frequently than the sticker was saying at the dealership. Recently my car showed no oil on the dipstick after my car stopped running. 2 quarts of oil was added and the oil only sh…
Replaced many components and still has cylinder misfire . Replaced coils . Spark plugs. Vvt solenoids . Pigtails for vvt and still jerks, stalls, and radio doesn't work.
Car engine started making noise in front right side. Had oil changed 2000 miles prior and there was no oil when checked. Mechanic said the motors are known to have the timing belt go out and the pistons. There are recalls for this issue, however my VIN number doesn't come up!!…
CAR USING EXCESSIVE OIL, BUT NOT LEAKING. NON OIL LIGHT EVER HAS COME ON. CAR ALSO SHOWED P0011 WHICH TIES IN WITH ISSUE.
SAYS SERVICE AIG BAG THIS IS NOT SAFE..
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK VERANO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SHUT-OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO LINKED THE FAILURE TO AN UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. THE CONTAC…
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 . I JUST 2 DAYS PRIOR HAD MY CAR INSPECTED AT FIRESTONE, I ALSO JUST HAD NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS RE…
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT GOES OFF WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING. DOES THIS WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. THIS MAKES AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE INFORMATION CENTER OF DASH COME ON OR TURN OFF.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Buick Verano.
2012 Buick Verano Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Buick Verano. 3 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 Verano Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Buick Verano reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 105 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Buick Verano 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 Verano?▾
#1: Engine Problems (50 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (27 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (16 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Buick Verano?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Buick Verano?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Buick Verano, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 105 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Buick Verano have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Buick Verano. A major recall area is AIR BAGS. 3 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 Verano?▾
The 2012 Buick Verano 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 Engine Problems 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 Verano reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Buick Verano based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
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.