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GREEN CHOICE

Buick LaCrosse

EPA MPG: 29 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,575 - $6,725

RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Buick LaCrosse owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Electronic or air suspension

"Our lacrosse has the electronic auto adjusting struts that were very expensive to replace. I believe the struts were $700 apiece. The front struts. They caused our front wheels to wear significantly."

Anonymous A., UT (2012 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)
Power steering leaks

"Can't seem to find the leak. I have to add a bottle every 6 to 8 months."

Anonymous, SK (2012 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)
Wheel bearings

"The wheel bearings had to be replaced twice on the right and once on the left side"

Anonymous A., MI (2012 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"In the few years we have owned this car, we have replaced the driveshaft twice. The car sat for almost two months while our mechanic tried to find a replacement. Buick does not make this part anymore and with the supply chain issues in the past few years have made it impossible to find a new driveshaft. The only replacements the mechanic could find were used, so we are just waiting for this part to fail again. I could write a book about the problems weve had with this car."

Anonymous, SD (2012 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)
Stability control (ESC)

"Sensor in wheel Damaged by pothole"

Anonymous, MA (2012 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"It stopped blowing cold air."

Anonymous, TX (2012 Buick LaCrosse None Unsure)
Condenser

"In order for the A/C to work, almost everything had to be replaced - compressor, condenser, fan. We had the car for a week after the repairs were made. Then the condenser exploded for unknown reasons - causing the entire system to need replacing again. The extensive damage took another week to repair. Our mechanic replaced everything at their cost fortunately."

Anonymous, SD (2012 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Fuel injection system

"Our car was stumbling between 1500 and 2000 RPM when accelerating. Sometimes it would stumble while we were at the stoplight. We had the spark plugs replaced, which didnt fix it. We then found we had a bad coil which kind of fixed it. We then decided to change out all the coils, and this seemed to fix our problem. The car had around 150,000 miles."

Anonymous A., UT (2012 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Timing belt or chain

"The timing belt broke which caused major engine damage. I ended up having to replace the entire engine"

Anonymous A., MI (2012 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"The paint started to flake off right after warranty was up. Like within the month. GM wouldn't do anything about it. And it's no blustering and just flaking off. Plus on the trunk where the chrome is attached with bolts is rusting. Such a fantastic vehicle as in ride, looks... all of it. Very disappointed in GM."

Anonymous, SK (2012 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Regular brake failure

"same as previous statement"

Anonymous, CO (2012 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Buick vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
08
09
10*
11
12
13
14
15
16
17*
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA

NA

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
Build Quality
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
SUSPENSION
Dec 22, 2021
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V00F000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 4271
SUSPENSION
Dec 10, 2020
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V764000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 220006
SEATS
Jul 23, 2014
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V447000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 414333
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