Does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse have recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse, including Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust; Suspension › Rear; Suspension › Rear. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2012 Buick LaCrosse problems?

Owners filed 206 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (62), engine (46), suspension (31), electronic stability control (esc) (25).

How much does a 2012 Buick LaCrosse cost to own for 5 years?

About $40,001 over 5 years ($667/month) at an estimated $10,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2012 Buick LaCrosse

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 63/100. Expect about $40,001 to own it for five years, or $667 a month. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 206 complaints.

Recalls: 5
Complaints: 206
5-yr cost: $40k
MPG (EPA): 21

Fair

Ownership Score

2012 Buick LaCrosse vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific LaCrosse?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

5 recalls may apply

For the 2012 Buick LaCrosse. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $10,500 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$40,001

$667/month · $0.67/mile

Depreciation	$2,376
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$9,570
Maintenance	$7,500
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$2,925
Taxes & fees	$1,630

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

206 complaints10 involved a crash4 involved a fire

Electrical System62
Engine46
Suspension31
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)25
Steering24
Power Train24

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Frontal: 5 out of 5 stars
Side: 5 out of 5 stars
Rollover: 4 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2012 Buick Lacrosse 4 DR AWD

What to check on a used 2012 Buick LaCrosse

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
Suspension
- Press down on each corner: it should settle once, not bounce.
- Listen for clunks over bumps.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2012 Buick LaCrosse problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2012 Buick LaCrosse a good car to buy?: The 2012 Buick LaCrosse earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 63/100. Expect about $40,001 to own it for five years, or $667 a month. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 206 complaints.
Does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse have recalls?: NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse, including Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust; Suspension › Rear; Suspension › Rear. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2012 Buick LaCrosse problems?: Owners filed 206 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (62), engine (46), suspension (31), electronic stability control (esc) (25).
How much does a 2012 Buick LaCrosse cost to own for 5 years?: About $40,001 over 5 years ($667/month) at an estimated $10,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.