2012 Buick Lacrosse: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Buick Lacrosse: 5 recalls, 206 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Stability control Vehicle recall #11V404000 · 2011 · 4,077 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 to malfunction, and the warning light indicating that the system is not operating would not illuminate, as required in the safety standard.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Gm dealers will reprogram the electronic brake control module free of charge. The safety recall began on September 12, 2011.
Electrical Vehicle recall #13V173000 · 2013 · 42,904 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #14V447000 · 2014 · 414,333 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #20V764000 · 2020 · 220,006 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A rear toe link fracture May reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V00F000 · 2021 · 4,271 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A rear toe link fracture May reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (62): the most common themes are electrical failure (30), stalls / loses power (28), warning light on (27).
- Engine (46): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (23), warning light on (19).
- Suspension (31): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Stability control (25): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (12), warning light on (11), electrical failure (6).
The 2012 Buick Lacrosse has 206 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 15 Lacrosse model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 141). Complaints peaked in 2021 (39 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 54,728 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (169 complaints, 4 recalls), 2013 (129 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Buick Lacrosse.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Buick Lacrosse. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Buick Lacrosse problems?
Owners have filed 206 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (62), engine (46), suspension (31).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Buick Lacrosse get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Buick Lacrosse repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.