This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Buick Verano electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Buick Verano have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 58,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Verano | 14 |
| 2013 Verano (this page) | 17 |
| 2014 Verano | 30 |
| 2015 Verano | 17 |
| 2016 Verano | 12 |
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What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Buick Verano in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2013 Buick Verano report a troubling array of electrical faults. Multiple complaints describe sudden, complete loss of power while driving at various speeds—dashboard goes dark, engine shuts off, power steering fails. Owners say the vehicle restarts minutes or hours later on its own or after a manual restart, but dealers cannot reproduce or diagnose the problem. One owner experienced an electrical fire in the rear door while using the defroster, requiring a fire extinguisher.
Other widespread issues include the transmission control module failure ($1,100 repair within days of purchase), the keyless ignition button shutting off the engine mid-drive when accidentally pressed, backup camera dropout in hot weather, and HVAC systems that work intermittently or not at all. Airbag warning lights cycle on and off without cause; low-fuel warnings fail to activate even when fuel is nearly depleted. One owner reported corrosion in electrical lines quoted at $1,300–$1,600 to repair.
The pattern suggests electrical architecture instability. Dealer full diagnostics repeatedly find no fault codes, and the manufacturer has not provided recalls or technical service bulletins that owners mention. Owners express concern over safety—particularly the sudden shutdowns at highway speeds and the one documented electrical fire.
Same Buick Verano electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Low Fuel Warning Malfunction
Low fuel indicator light, warning chime, and message fail to activate when fuel level drops into red zone or reads zero, particularly during highway driving or on hilly terrain. Dashboard DIC correctly displays 'LOW FUEL RANGE' but visual/audible warnings do not function until vehicle is shut off and restarted.
When: 88,600 miles; intermittent, 3 occurrences in 6 months prior to complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Low fuel warning light does not illuminate; Warning chime absent; No message alert appears; DIC shows 'LOW FUEL RANGE' but warnings inactive; Warnings activate only after restart; Issue occurs most on extended drives with varied terrain
Passenger Airbag Indicator Malfunction
Passenger front airbag on/off indicator light illuminates when a phone charger or small object is placed directly on the right half of the passenger seat. Light toggles off when object is removed. No safety belt warning or chime accompanies the erratic airbag indicator.
When: 88,600 miles; noticed within 2 weeks prior to complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light switches from off to on without cause; Light triggered by phone/charger placed on right side of passenger seat; Light returns to normal when object is lifted; Safety belt light does not activate with airbag indicator; No chime heard; Electronic interference suspected
Unplanned Power Loss and Vehicle Shutdown While Driving
Vehicle experiences sudden loss of power, engine shutdown, and electrical system failure while at various speeds (30–55 mph), sometimes on highways or city streets. Power and engine restart after several minutes to hours without intervention. Wrench icon and EPB warning light illuminate during events. Multiple dealer visits and 10-day service period failed to diagnose or reproduce the problem.
When: Mileage approximately 35,500 and higher; recurring multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off mid-drive; Complete loss of electrical power; Dashboard goes dark; Vehicle cannot accelerate; Power steering becomes difficult; Doors lock/unlock intermittently; EPB warning light flashes; Wrench icon illuminates; Power and ignition button illuminated; Vehicle restarts without intervention after minutes to hours; Dealer unable to diagnose or reproduce
Codes mentioned: EPB warning light
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to diagnose after extended service; manufacturer did not assist
Transmission Control Module Fault
Transmission control module (TCM) failure immediately after purchase of used vehicle. Check engine light illuminates, transmission feels rough when shifting into park, and shift indicators ('R' and 'D') flash on dashboard. Vehicle has almost no power and makes loud noise during shifts.
When: 84,000 miles at purchase; failure occurred 7 days after purchase, within 2 weeks of dealer inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Transmission feels like it 'dropped' when shifting to park; Hard to shift; Shift indicator lights flash ('R' and 'D'); Transmission makes very loud noise; Vehicle has almost no power; Transmission feels as though it is dropping with each shift
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module replacement; cost stated as $1,100
Radio/Infotainment System Dropout
Radio and Intellilink infotainment system cut out without warning while driving. System restores function when radio button is pressed or after vehicle is restarted. Occurs early in vehicle life and after subsequent incidents.
When: Approximately 2 months after purchase; recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Radio cuts out without warning; Intellilink system cuts out; System functions normally when radio button pressed; System restores after button press or restart
HVAC System Intermittent Failure
Heat and air conditioning operate intermittently or not at all. Defogger blows cold air regardless of temperature setting, then stops working entirely. When system does operate, it is abnormally loud. Issue has persisted since initial purchase but was not reported to dealer until later.
When: Ongoing since purchase; current status at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Heat/AC does not work most of the time; System sometimes works, sometimes does not; Defogger blows cold air when heat is set high; Defogger stops working; No air and no heat in vehicle most of the time; System operates at very loud noise level when functioning
Electrical System Corrosion and Intermittent Control Loss
Widespread electrical system malfunction with corrosion detected inside electrical lines. Airbag light cycles on and off as if passenger seat is occupied. Dashboard seat occupancy light comes on and off. Collision warning light malfunctions, then fails. Passenger mirror control partially illuminated and stuck on. Buttons on dash disappear and reappear. Bluetooth and collision setting buttons malfunction. Airbag sensor sensitivity issue.
When: Current mileage at complaint; bumper-to-bumper warranty expired
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light cycles on and off intermittently; Dashboard shows false passenger seat occupancy; Seat occupancy light comes on and off; Collision light acts up, then stops working; Passenger mirror control partially illuminated and stuck on; Buttons on dash disappear then reappear; Bluetooth buttons malfunction; Collision setting buttons malfunction; Electrical corrosion detected in lines
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quote to repair corrosion: $1,300–$1,600
Keyless Ignition Button Accidental Shutdown
Keyless push-button engine start/stop located on left side of dashboard near radio and GPS is easily struck during normal driving, causing unintended vehicle shutdown while in motion. Vehicle shuts off immediately when button is contacted. Multiple owners report accidental activation.
When: At low mileage (210 miles reported for one owner); 35,000 miles for another
Symptoms owners cite: Accidental button contact shuts off engine while driving; Button is easily struck; Vehicle loses power immediately; Button positioned too close to radio/GPS controls
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated vehicle operates as manufactured
Backup Camera Intermittent Dropout
Reverse/backup camera display goes black while vehicle is backing up. Camera functions normally when transmission is placed in drive. Issue occurs in high ambient temperature after vehicle has been parked for several days.
When: Temperature 95°F; vehicle parked for several days; current mileage 210+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rearview camera goes black while backing up; Camera screen turns black and back on when shifting between reverse and drive; Occurs in hot weather conditions
Multiple Electrical/Electronic Failures on Single Event
Owners report simultaneous failure of multiple electrical and electronic systems. One owner experienced remote start failure, chronic starting difficulty requiring multiple attempts, persistent panel light illumination, unintended hazard light activation, windshield wiper activation, rearview camera dropout, infotainment screen blackout, A/C performance degradation, unusual A/C noise, heat output increase, and engine shutdown during heating operation—all beginning on a single date.
When: Began April 18, 2016; ongoing at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Remote start does not engage; Delayed or multiple start attempts required; All panel lights stay on after start; Hazard lights activate without input; Windshield wipers activate without input; Rearview camera goes black mid-backing; Infotainment screen turns black intermittently; Radio functions intermittently; A/C produces unusual noise and runs louder; A/C cooling performance reduced; Heat output higher than normal; Engine shuts off while heat is on; All issues started on same date
Defroster Circuit Electrical Fire
Defroster circuit failure causes electrical fire in driver-side rear door while vehicle is parked and running with both front and rear defroster activated. Fire spread rapidly enough to require fire extinguisher use. Mechanic unfamiliar with failure mode; suspected defroster circuit as cause. Owner reports near-death incident due to quick fire spread.
When: Mileage unknown; occurred while front and rear defroster were activated
Symptoms owners cite: Unusual smell from electrical system; Electrical fire in driver-side rear door; Fire spreads rapidly; Fire cannot be controlled by normal means; requires fire extinguisher
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic suspected defroster circuit as cause; no detailed repair noted
Total Power and Steering Loss at Low Speed
Vehicle loses all engine power, electrical power, headlights, and power steering while approaching a stop sign at slow speed. No warning. Key was not touched. After vehicle coasts to curb and is given time to rest, manual restart restores all systems and function returns to normal. Dealer full diagnostic and key fob connectivity test found no recorded faults.
When: Mileage at failure unknown; single occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while in motion; All electrical power lost; Headlights off; Power steering inoperable; No warning before failure; Manual restart restores power and function; No recurrence after incident; Dealer finds no fault codes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer full diagnostic found no recorded faults; key fob connectivity tested and found no problem
Complete Power Loss While Driving on Highway
Vehicle loses all electrical and engine power while traveling at 45 mph in traffic on highway. Engine, radio, A/C fan, and dashboard lights all shut off simultaneously. After coasting to roadside, power and all systems spontaneously restore. Vehicle restarts normally and functions without further issue.
When: Mileage unknown; single occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown; All electrical systems offline; Radio off; A/C fan off; Dashboard lights off; Power and systems spontaneously restore while vehicle still moving; All systems return to normal after restart; No repeat occurrences
Power Loss Requiring Window and Power Steering Reset
Vehicle stops suddenly with loss of power. Operator rolled windows up and down as instructed; vehicle resumed operation. Second occurrence required window operation plus power steering service before vehicle functioned normally.
When: Mileage unknown; at least two occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden vehicle shutdown; Power loss; Vehicle required window operation to restore function; Second occurrence also required power steering service
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering service performed during second occurrence
Driver-Side Airbag Indicator Malfunction
Driver-side airbag notification indicator cycles on and off intermittently while vehicle is in motion. Issue has persisted for at least one year at time of complaint. Accompanies general electrical system dysfunction.
When: Ongoing for at least 1 year prior to complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side airbag notification light cycles on and off while driving; Intermittent illumination; No known trigger
Engine Shutdown and No-Start Condition
Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving. Upon subsequent attempts to start, engine does not respond for several tries before finally cranking. Computer diagnostic scan yields no fault codes despite engine shutdown event.
When: Mileage unknown; recurring condition
Symptoms owners cite: Car shuts off while in motion; Engine does not start on first attempts; Multiple crank attempts required before engine starts; Computer scan shows no diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle plugged into computer; no codes retrieved
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 Buick Verano?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 Buick Verano?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 35,000 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 84,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Buick/Verano.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.