Buick Verano problems
106 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Buick verano. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving various speeds. The contact was able to push the start engine button and regain normal function. Also, the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to patrick…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Buick verano. While inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the engine oil was very low. The contact indicated that the oil was last changed in october of 2017. There was no warning message displayed indicating that the oil was low. The vehicle…
Vehicle displays service airbag message intermittent while driving also does not show airbag is on for passenger
This Buick verano has cascading electrical system problems. While driving at highway speed the engine stopped and would not restart. This left my wife with only a few seconds to steer the car to the shoulder. It was a dangerous situation just past the crest of a bridge. The…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Buick Verano reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Buick Verano is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 Buick Verano?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Buick Verano does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Buick Verano?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 36 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 84,760 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 84,760 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Buick Verano has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Buick Verano?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 106 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.