The Lemon Index
201120132nd generation
57 owner complaints, first 3 years 20–28 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2012 Toyota Avalon 522012 Chevrolet Impala 572012 Nissan Maxima 47
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse
- Engine stalling39 complaintsmostly at 27,000–105,000 miles (43,000–169,000 km)
- Steering rack / power steering9 complaintsmostly at 42,000–55,000 miles (68,000–89,000 km)
- Throttle body / loss of power8 complaintsmostly at 50,000–90,000 miles (80,000–145,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 207 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 1,000 and 20,000 miles (1,600–32,000 km) (the middle half of the 46 complaints, of all 57 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 21V00F000 (suspension), 20V764000 (suspension) and 14V447000 (seats) done? It has 5 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Buick sent dealers 1831 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Buick/chevrolet: the cooling fan may be inoperative due to low system voltage with the battery…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 57 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 20K miles (2K to 32K km) on the car (46 of all 57 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Un smooth shifting around 30 mph ,causing the car to jerk or brake feels like the assist is not sensing ,causing the had to dealership nothing they can do all check out but the problem is still there.
2012 Buick LaCrosse owner · NHTSA complaint 10511084
More owner reports
First I kept getting warnings to check had no speedometer, no heat , radio went out. Couldn't tell how much gas was in the vehicle. Screen read lost communication with telecommatics control module.
NHTSA complaint 10572956
2012 Buick LaCrosse. Consumer received recall for vehicle and is requesting repairs.
NHTSA complaint 10668007
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 1831 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Buick/chevrolet: the cooling fan may be inoperative due to low system voltage with the battery…
- Gmc/buick/chevrolet: transmission slips when in reverse or not in reverse, 3rd gear or no 3rd…
- Gmc/chevrolet/buick: transmission pump needs inspecting due to engine cranking but fails to…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 5
- Suspension · recall issued 2021
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 brea.
- Suspension · recall issued 2020
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.
- Seats · recall issued 2014
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.
Show all 5 recalls
- Electrical · recall issued 2013
These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly.
- Stability control · recall issued 2011
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK LACROSSE PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 9, 2011, THROUGH JULY 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 126,…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedSands chevrolet/hybrid system fire/stall2014–2016
- ClosedGenerator control module fires2013–2014
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Lacrosse 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Lacrosse 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Lacrosse eAssist 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Lacrosse eAssist 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,150–$3,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every Buick LaCrosse year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2012 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-lacrosse/?y=2012" title="Buick LaCrosse reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="491" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-lacrosse/2012/">Lemon Index</a> (2012 Buick LaCrosse reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2012 Buick LaCrosse reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew somewhat fewer complaints than the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 88; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick LaCrosse year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2015.
What are the most common 2012 Buick LaCrosse problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (30%), transmission & drivetrain (26%) and engine (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse have?
5 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse get?
20 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Buick LaCrosse safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Buick LaCrosse problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 1,000 and 20,000 miles (1,600–32,000 km) (the middle half of the 46 complaints, of all 57 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2012 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 26% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse cost in fuel a year?
About $2,150 to $3,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Buick LaCrosse year is better than the 2012?
Nearby, the 2015 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit under half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works