CarModelProblems.com

2012 Buick Lacrosse Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 2.7× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
202Complaints
5Recalls
10Crashes
4Fires
5Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Electrical System (29.2% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Electrical System complaints here are 2.7× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Electrical System59 · 29.2%RecalledRecall 13V173000
Engine46 · 22.8%not available
Suspension29 · 14.4%RecalledRecall 20V764000 · Recall 21V00F000
Steering24 · 11.9%not available
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)24 · 11.9%RecalledRecall 11V404000
Power Train23 · 11.4%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE46 · 22.8%
SUSPENSION29 · 14.4%
STEERING24 · 11.9%
POWER TRAIN23 · 11.4%
SERVICE BRAKES16 · 7.9%
Unspecified / other15 · 7.4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL12 · 5.9%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8 · 4%

Percentages are the share of the 202 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · 2014 · reported 07/23/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System

NHTSA campaign 13V173000 · 2013 · reported 05/06/2013

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

NHTSA campaign 11V404000 · 2011 · reported 08/03/2011

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 C… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 20V764000 · 2020 · reported 12/21/2020

A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 21V00F000 · 2021 · reported 12/22/2021

A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THE CAR STOPS RUNNING IT SHUTS OFF. WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT.”NHTSA complaint 11202822 — filed 04/22/2019 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“DRIVING MY CAR WAS JUST GREAT ON MY 81ST DAY OF OWNERSHIP IT ALL CHANGED I WAS LEAVING A RED LIGHT IN VICKSBURG OFF THE…”NHTSA complaint 11194995 — filed 04/09/2019 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“WHEN DRIVING RADIO AND DASH LIGHTS GO OFF FOR A SECOND AND COME BACK ON THIS OCCURS 5 AND 10 MINUTES APART.”NHTSA complaint 11144086 — filed 10/30/2018 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

9201222402014151120162623201835142020472020228172024972026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Buick Lacrosse?

Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 59 of 202 NHTSA complaints (29.2%), followed by engine (46), suspension (29), steering (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Buick Lacrosse have?

202 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 10 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 5 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V447000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Buick Lacrosse's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.