2012 BUICK LACROSSE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
297
Owner Complaints
5
Recalls
72
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2012 BUICK LACROSSE
The 2012 BUICK LACROSSE has received a total of 297 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:REAR, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST. 72 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (59 complaints), Engine (45 complaints), and Suspension (28 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 BUICK LACROSSE
NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2012 BUICK LACROSSE, potentially affecting up to 685,591 vehicles.
Recall 21V00F000 — SUSPENSION:REAR
| 4,271 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 20V764000 — SUSPENSION:REAR
| 220,006 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 14V447000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
| 414,333 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 13V173000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 42,904 vehicles affected
Defect: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
Consequence: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
View full details →Recall 11V404000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
| 4,077 vehicles affected
Defect: 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, "ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEMS (ESC)." THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM HAS AN INCORRECT CALIBRATION THAT MAY CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO NOT PROPERLY DETECT IF A SENSOR WERE...
Consequence: THE IMPROPER DIAGNOSING MAY CAUSE THE ESC TO FALSELY ACTIVATE, RESULTING IN SUDDEN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING AND DECELERATION, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, WHICH MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING THE VEHICLE'S DESIRED PATH OF TRAVEL AND DESIRED VEHICLE SPEED, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 BUICK LACROSSE
297 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 BUICK LACROSSE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
All the specific details are unknown, but I had a mechanic work on my car and the problem that he had to fix. He stated that it should’ve been detected, but it was something wrong with my car, letting me know that I had the problem and also I have to keep replacing my camshaft timing Solenoid my car keeps giving me error codes P0011 and P0128
All the specific details are unknown, but I had a mechanic work on my car and the problem that he had to fix. He stated that it should’ve been detected, but it was something wrong with my car, letting me know that I had the problem and also I have to keep replacing my camshaft timing Solenoid my car keeps giving me error codes P0011 and P0128
during a regular drive the check stabiltrack system message popped up on the dash in the middle circle and then the little car with the squiggly lines behind it popped up and the check engine light came on and started blinking. Immediately I noticed lack of steering control, the car's speed was accelerating and decelerating on its own, jerking and stalling also was observed. As of now the car sits in my driveway because I don't trust the safety of it. I literally feared my life was in danger driving it because of the lack of handling and the acceleration shifts that were so random. So I returned home, as I pulled into the yard the vehicle jerked hard while I was attempting turn into the driveway causing me to hit my mailbox and damaged the side fender and front bumper. no one was injured but the car was damaged as stated before and I'm scared to drive it anywhere. The unpredictable behavior displayed in the vehicle puts other drivers at risk as well because I can't control the vehicle properly. so I'm guessing all in all its a malfunction somewhere in the electrical system. I have read about recalls in my type of vehicle involving the ESC and it appears to be what is happening with mine. As of now it sits in my driveway I need a remedy and fast because that was my only source of transportation and I'm a single mother of four with a lot to take of and no way to do it.
during a regular drive the check stabiltrack system message popped up on the dash in the middle circle and then the little car with the squiggly lines behind it popped up and the check engine light came on and started blinking. Immediately I noticed lack of steering control, the car's speed was accelerating and decelerating on its own, jerking and stalling also was observed. As of now the car sits in my driveway because I don't trust the safety of it. I literally feared my life was in danger driving it because of the lack of handling and the acceleration shifts that were so random. So I returned home, as I pulled into the yard the vehicle jerked hard while I was attempting turn into the driveway causing me to hit my mailbox and damaged the side fender and front bumper. no one was injured but the car was damaged as stated before and I'm scared to drive it anywhere. The unpredictable behavior displayed in the vehicle puts other drivers at risk as well because I can't control the vehicle properly. so I'm guessing all in all its a malfunction somewhere in the electrical system. I have read about recalls in my type of vehicle involving the ESC and it appears to be what is happening with mine. As of now it sits in my driveway I need a remedy and fast because that was my only source of transportation and I'm a single mother of four with a lot to take of and no way to do it.
during a regular drive the check stabiltrack system message popped up on the dash in the middle circle and then the little car with the squiggly lines behind it popped up and the check engine light came on and started blinking. Immediately I noticed lack of steering control, the car's speed was accelerating and decelerating on its own, jerking and stalling also was observed. As of now the car sits in my driveway because I don't trust the safety of it. I literally feared my life was in danger driving it because of the lack of handling and the acceleration shifts that were so random. So I returned home, as I pulled into the yard the vehicle jerked hard while I was attempting turn into the driveway causing me to hit my mailbox and damaged the side fender and front bumper. no one was injured but the car was damaged as stated before and I'm scared to drive it anywhere. The unpredictable behavior displayed in the vehicle puts other drivers at risk as well because I can't control the vehicle properly. so I'm guessing all in all its a malfunction somewhere in the electrical system. I have read about recalls in my type of vehicle involving the ESC and it appears to be what is happening with mine. As of now it sits in my driveway I need a remedy and fast because that was my only source of transportation and I'm a single mother of four with a lot to take of and no way to do it.
Safety Rating for the 2012 BUICK LACROSSE
The 2012 BUICK LACROSSE received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 BUICK LACROSSE
General Motors, LLC has issued 72 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 BUICK LACROSSE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
13-02-32-001H — STEERING
This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
21NA280 — EQUIPMENT
This service bulletin provides diagnostic repair information for customer concerns of Engine Run-On, Rough Running, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated.
PIP4993D — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Charging System, Battery Saver message Or Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, and/or charging system inoperative. Technician will use Global Diagnostic System 2 and clear the Diagnostic Trouble Codes in...
16NA249 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN EXPLAINS A POSSIBLE NORMAL WHINING NOISE FROM THE BALANCE SHAFT CHAIN IF THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES ON IT.
PIC5520U — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN EASSIST DRIVE MOTOR GENERATOR BATTERY MODULE PARTS RESTRICTION HAS ENDED. TO ORDER THE EASSIST DRIVE MOTOR GENERATOR BATTERY SECTION DEALER WILL NEED TO CALL THE BATTERY SERVICE CENTER.
PIC-5822-B — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES THE TECHNICIAN WITH THE STEPS TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE CONCERN OF MILDEW ODOR OR WATER ON FRONT FLOOR ON EITHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. TECHNICIAN WILL GAIN ACCESS TO THE FRONT WHEELHOUSE OF THE AFFECTED SIDE. THE FRONT WHEEL HOUSE FLANGE MAY HAVE A...
14882 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
GENERAL MOTORS: 2010-2013 BUICK , CHEVROLET, GMC : THIS TSB CONTAINS AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINE MAY EXPERIENCE HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION OR FROZEN OR PLUGGED POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM (PCV) DURING COLD WEATHER, CAUSING AN OIL LEAK IN REAR CRANKSHAFT...
14882 — ENGINE
THIS TSB CONTAINS AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. GENERAL MOTORS 2010-2013 BUICK LACROSSE, REGAL, VERANO, CHEVROLET CAPTIVA, EQUINOX, MALIBU, ORLANDO , GMC TERRAIN EQUIPPED WITH ECOTEC ENGINE. PLUGGED PCV ORIFICE IN INTAKE MANIFOLD. *LJ
PIT3271G — EQUIPMENT
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT CHANGING THE TIRE AND WHEEL SIZE ON VEHICLES. GENERAL MOTORS WILL ONLY SUPPORT A TIRE CALIBRATION FOR TIRES THAT HAVE BEEN SIZED, TESTED AND DESIGNED FOR THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION AND ITS APPLICATIONS. TECHNICIAN SHOULD NOT USE THE INFORMATION THAT...
PIC5954B — SEATS
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have heated seats inoperative. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code U0209 in the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning. Technician will need to reprogram the seat heater control module using Service Programming System with the latest calibration to address the concern.
Showing 10 of 72 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 BUICK LACROSSE
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BUICK LACROSSE
- 2007 BUICK LACROSSE — 326 complaints
- 2008 BUICK LACROSSE — 343 complaints
- 2009 BUICK LACROSSE — 146 complaints
- 2010 BUICK LACROSSE — 275 complaints
- 2011 BUICK LACROSSE — 241 complaints
- 2012 BUICK LACROSSE (current)
- 2013 BUICK LACROSSE — 196 complaints
- 2014 BUICK LACROSSE — 89 complaints
- 2015 BUICK LACROSSE — 54 complaints
- 2016 BUICK LACROSSE — 54 complaints
- 2017 BUICK LACROSSE — 41 complaints
Other BUICK Models
- BUICK LESABRE — 4,864 total complaints
- BUICK REGAL — 4,444 total complaints
- BUICK ENCLAVE — 3,194 total complaints
- BUICK CENTURY — 2,393 total complaints
- BUICK PARK AVENUE — 1,880 total complaints
- BUICK RENDEZVOUS — 1,795 total complaints
- BUICK LUCERNE — 1,322 total complaints
- BUICK ENCORE — 846 total complaints