Owners have filed 157 complaints
about the 2013 Buick Verano with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 70
Against the median year of the Buick Verano. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 36
7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 87
51% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
109.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2220.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1917.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1614.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1816.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1917.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
65.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2013 Buick Verano 4 DR FWD
11.3% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2012peak 8Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2013 Buick Verano
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
23V516000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
16V502000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
14V417000
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2023412101 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants. Safety Risk: An airbag inflator that ruptures can create a risk of injury or death. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the driver-front airbag module.
Recall 201448012,782 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention. An intermittent ground electrical connection could cause the vehicle to continue to run for a limited time period after the ignition is turned off if the brake lamps, park lamps or trunk lamp are on. This would also cause delayed arming of the immobilization system, contrary to the requirements of the standard. Correction: A production change has been undertaken to remedy this technical non-compliance condition. No corrective recall action is required as the technical non-compliance conditions are deemed to be non-safety related.
Recall 201427417,144 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, insulation on the engine block heater power cord may become damaged if the cord is handled during very cold days (temperatures below -25C). This could create an electrical shock hazard, which could result in personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the block heater cord.
Recall 20140161,598 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 202 - Head Restraints. If subjected to load in the highest adjustment position, the rear seat head restraints may move to the next lower adjustment position, being displaced in excess of what is allowable in the standard. Correction: No corrective recall action is required as this technical non-compliance is deemed to be non-safety related.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 51,000 milesAustinville, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 BUICK VERANO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS STOPPED AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION CROSSED OVER AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE HEAD ON. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT ONSTAR FAILED TO ALERT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FRACTURED RIB AND KNEE INJURIES ALONG WITH A SHOULDER INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. A UNKNOWN DEALER WAS LATER NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHEN INTERESTED IN THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE. BOTH THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE COLLISON WERE DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
NHTSA complaint #11208950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,400 milesWiconisco, PAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I TURNED MY CAR ON AND HAD BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR DEFROST. I SMELLED SOMETHING FUNNY, SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF TO INVESTIGATE. I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING SO TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND PULLED BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND TURNED IT OFF. WITHIN A MINUTE OR TWO, THE ENTIRE BACK DRIVER- SIDE DOOR WAS IN FLAMES. I HAD TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO GET RID OF THE FIRE. WHEN THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT, HE SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT AND GUESSED IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE CIRCUIT TO THE DEFROSTER AND IF I HAD NOT OF GOTTEN OUT OF THE CAR AND TURNED IT OFF, I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR DIED BECAUSE THE CAR CAUGHT SO QUICKLY.
NHTSA complaint #11174357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,400 milesWiconisco, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I TURNED MY CAR ON AND HAD BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR DEFROST. I SMELLED SOMETHING FUNNY, SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF TO INVESTIGATE. I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING SO TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND PULLED BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND TURNED IT OFF. WITHIN A MINUTE OR TWO, THE ENTIRE BACK DRIVER- SIDE DOOR WAS IN FLAMES. I HAD TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO GET RID OF THE FIRE. WHEN THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT, HE SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT AND GUESSED IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE CIRCUIT TO THE DEFROSTER AND IF I HAD NOT OF GOTTEN OUT OF THE CAR AND TURNED IT OFF, I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR DIED BECAUSE THE CAR CAUGHT SO QUICKLY.
NHTSA complaint #11174357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WICrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
2013 BUICK VERANO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION DURING A REAR END COLLISION. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ARTEMIS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK INTO PLACE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10714822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WICrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
2013 BUICK VERANO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION DURING A REAR END COLLISION. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ARTEMIS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK INTO PLACE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10714822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,000 milesMadison, INCrash
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A CONSTRUCTION ZONE WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. IT SURPRISED ME AND CAUSED ME PANIC SOMEWHAT. THE LANE WAS VERY NARROW AND STARTED TO TURN, BUT MY STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RESPOND THE WAY IT SHOULD. IT TOOK A LOT OF EFFORT TO TURN THE WHEELS. THE CAR GOT TOO CLOSE TO THE CEMENT GUARDRAILS AND COLLIDED WITH THEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UP BY THE FRONT WHEEL. THE CAR HAS DAMAGE AT THE SITE OF IMPACT AND NOW THE STABILITRAC SYSTEM HAS A FAIL LIGHT ON. ALSO, THE CAR SHAKES WHEN DRIVEN, AND THERE IS A GENERAL LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN STEERING NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10668635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Middletown, MD
AIR BAGS
My service airbag light continues to come on when driving. I was told there was a recall on the airbags a few years ago, but my VIN number was not included in that recall. I purchased this car from Carmax in 2018. I was told there were no recalls on my car at time of purchase and it was not having a problem at that time. I’m not sure the exact date the problem started occurring, but I did call Carmax and gave them my VIN number and they said there were no active recalls, but there was a recall on the airbag years ago that I was unaware of.
NHTSA complaint #11756459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Collingswood, NJ
TIRES:SIDEWALL
the passenger front sidewall of the tire has a bubble. The tire is a Goodyear LS-2 235/45R18 is the model. I felt very unsafe do drive on a defected tire. The tire dealer told me it was not a defect and i would have to replace the tire at full cost. There was no warning of a problem with the tire. i discovered it after a routine vehicle inspection by myself.
NHTSA complaint #11744776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesMiddletown, MD
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service Air Bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11740667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, GA
AIR BAGS
My driver side air bag notification keeps coming on. On and off, while I'm driving. My electrical system is odd. I can not charge any devices and my screen will turn off while I'm driving. I'm giving today's date, but this is an ongoing problem for at least a year.
NHTSA complaint #11639167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My driver side air bag notification keeps coming on. On and off, while I'm driving. My electrical system is odd. I can not charge any devices and my screen will turn off while I'm driving. I'm giving today's date, but this is an ongoing problem for at least a year.
NHTSA complaint #11639167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off on an inclined driveway, the vehicle rolled away. The contact had accidentally not shifted out of the drive gear position. The contact was able to jump back in the vehicle where he pressed the brake pedal and shifted into the park position. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was examined, but not diagnosed. The contact was advised that all Buick vehicles perform the same action while in drive on an incline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11620121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterbury, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I think my car has a faulty ignition. When I turn my car off with key in ignition, my car starts on it's own.
NHTSA complaint #11614202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Capon Bridge, WV
ENGINE
Vehicle is consuming oil at an excessive rate (with still less than 70000 miles on the odometer) and I have had to keep a close watch on the levels. It is burning a quart right now about every 1400 miles and the problem is only likely to get worse with time. This could cause the engine to fail or catch fire while operating the vehicle, which is quite dangerous, especially at interstate speeds or on mountain roads. Buick has not issued a recall, and yet there is a service bulletin dating from 2016 (Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003H). I have also read many complaints from other Verano owners about this problem. An engine is one of the most expensive parts of any vehicle, and if Buick will not voluntarily recall this model year to make the needed repairs, the NTSB ought to take a hand in getting a recall of affected vehicles. I don't want to risk my life on the road if this engine fails while the vehicle is in operation.
NHTSA complaint #11613214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In checking, my oil found that the oil was low but I’ve had no leaks concerned about where the oil is going and the oil consumption. I change my oil about twice a year. The car only has 45,000 miles on it..
NHTSA complaint #11550270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benton Harbor, MI
STEERING
Started having the radio blank out and then steering wheel would lose power while driving. Service stability track error comes on. Took in for diagnostic and was told rear control module was bad. After 1500 to 1800.00 in repairs still had the same issues within 7 days. I've contacted dealership and general motor. I'm afraid my car will lose power while on highway
NHTSA complaint #11531467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benton Harbor, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Started having the radio blank out and then steering wheel would lose power while driving. Service stability track error comes on. Took in for diagnostic and was told rear control module was bad. After 1500 to 1800.00 in repairs still had the same issues within 7 days. I've contacted dealership and general motor. I'm afraid my car will lose power while on highway
NHTSA complaint #11531467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benton Harbor, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Started having the radio blank out and then steering wheel would lose power while driving. Service stability track error comes on. Took in for diagnostic and was told rear control module was bad. After 1500 to 1800.00 in repairs still had the same issues within 7 days. I've contacted dealership and general motor. I'm afraid my car will lose power while on highway
NHTSA complaint #11531467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Market, MD
ENGINE
My Buick Verano keeps running out of oil despite consistent oil changes. It ran out of oil, 3000 miles before my next oil change was due. There are many reports online of other owners of the same vehicle having the same issue. Recently, my car cut off in the middle of the street Without any warning due to no oil in the engine. The low oil warning light never came on. This is the second time that this has occurred. The first time the mechanic just said it was low on oil. Now my car will not restart. Again my next oil change was not due for another 3000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11528178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palatine, IL
ENGINE
The PCV orifice that is located inside the intake manifold is known to clog due to a manufacture defect, which then produces high pressure inside the crankcase. The pressure then forces high amounts of oil through the valve cover orifice into the intake breather box. The oil then fills up inside and get into the engine air filter and throttle body. The high amounts of oil being sucked into the intake will leave the engine running with zero oil, thousands of miles before a oil change is due. This would obviously destroy the engine if oil is not added regularly. There is also a high risk of the rear main seal blowing due to the high pressurization of the crankcase. This is a very known defect and without a question, needs to be issued as a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11519487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesTracy, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. Upon inspection, it was the discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low, although the oil had recently been changed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that there was an unknown TSB to address the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11519094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springville, UT
POWER TRAIN
Power steering an steering wheel locks, Once this happens the car becomes a safety hazard, first time it happened two children were in the car and seconds from an accident on the freeway. Exited the freeway and car steering wheel failed again this time stopped working completely putting my children’s life in danger.
NHTSA complaint #11491979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springville, UT
POWER TRAIN
The car power steering locked and stopped working while driving on the freeway, this incident put at risk myself and my children safety. After exiting the freeway the steering wheel stopped working again. this is a known issue as the car steering power was not recalled but the issue was acknowledged but GM. The car is a safety hazard for the person who drive it and the public.
NHTSA complaint #11491982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springville, UT
STEERING
Power steering an steering wheel locks, Once this happens the car becomes a safety hazard, first time it happened two children were in the car and seconds from an accident on the freeway. Exited the freeway and car steering wheel failed again this time stopped working completely putting my children’s life in danger.
NHTSA complaint #11491979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springville, UT
STEERING
The car power steering locked and stopped working while driving on the freeway, this incident put at risk myself and my children safety. After exiting the freeway the steering wheel stopped working again. this is a known issue as the car steering power was not recalled but the issue was acknowledged but GM. The car is a safety hazard for the person who drive it and the public.
NHTSA complaint #11491982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springville, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car power steering locked and stopped working while driving on the freeway, this incident put at risk myself and my children safety. After exiting the freeway the steering wheel stopped working again. this is a known issue as the car steering power was not recalled but the issue was acknowledged but GM. The car is a safety hazard for the person who drive it and the public.
NHTSA complaint #11491982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gastonia, NC
ENGINE
2.4L LEA engine is burning an excessive ammount of oil. Roughly 2L of oil has been burnt within a week. Upon contacting a dealer about the issue, the issue is known and has been recalled for other GM makes of the same year with the same engine model. The engine will start knocking and then stop running, no matter if the vehicle is driving.
NHTSA complaint #11485395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
ENGINE
I purchased this used vehicle in March 2022 $8500 cash. I have had problems with oil consumption since I purchased. The car stalls and turns off when the oil is low. I am literally putting a quart of oil in the car every 40-50 miles. I have 6 children to get to school and I also work. At this time I can't afford another vehicle so I'm hoping that others come forth so this car can be recalled or fixed. Life is hard enough
NHTSA complaint #11485061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesHighland, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated while driving at 25-30 MPH, the shift lock release button mounted on the gear shifter fractured and she was unable to shift into park (P). The contact drove to the nearest independent mechanic and maintained the brake pedal depressed in order to keep the vehicle idle. The contact stated that she was also able to shift into neutral. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The contact provided the contact with a tool to depress the remaining part of the shift lock release button in order to park the vehicle. Upon arriving to her residence, the contact utilized the tool to park the vehicle. The contact contacted a tow company to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The tow agent was able to pull the remaining part of the shift lock release button out. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11481816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clendenin, WV
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while driving at 60-65 MPH, the vehicle lost all power with no warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after a minute. The vehicle was not taken an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic due to the fact that there were abnormal noises coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that she was informed that the camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor, timing cover set, timing chain kit, and valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired and an oil change was completed. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost motive and electrical power several times while driving. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that she researched the failure online and discovered that there was an issue with the 2013 Buick Verano. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11476919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
SEATS
My passenger air bag module is faulty, when an individual is in the car, the module doesn't sense the passenger. So there is no airbag and I was told that it's possible in an accident that the airbag would not go off. I paid $600 to get a diagnostic, from Marvin K and Brown dealership. They reported back to me that the module was at fault. My vehicle is out of warranty. The service airbag notification has been continuously popping up on and off.
NHTSA complaint #11475218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
