Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Buick Lacrosse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt had detached and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer determined that there was a gasket leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the serpentine belt had previously been replaced twice; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
While driving stability trac, check engine light flashed and rpm, and speed gauges start going haywire. The car loses power even while accelerating, the steering wheel locks and car stalls. Then after 15-30 minutes the car starts fine and drives. Has happened at least 8 times. Took it to Buick dealer who ran diagnostic but unable to recreate codes but acknowledged a problem. Supposedly fixed it only to return the car a few days later. This is quite scary and dangerous as it happens without warning and while driving. Thankfully I wasn't on the expressway when it happened because all steering, power and brake function is lost.
Car shut off while in stopping position. Happen 3 times before supposed problem was fixed and then two more time after oil change and transmission control module fixed. Dealership does not know what the issue. Thankful each time I was not driving on interstate.
Aprox. 1130 pm on August 27th, 2015, I was driving (60 MPH) home from work and lost all power stearing, I almost had a accident and cashed my 2012 Buick Lacrosse due to the loss of power steering. I made it about a half of a mile down the street and called 911 for assistance since it was dark. I had to call a tow trcuk to come get my car and take it to the local repair shop. On Friday August 28th the dealership said they had to order my part it was the surpintine belt and it wouldnt be there until Monday August 31st. On Monday 8/31/2015 the dealship tech says it May be a motor issue but wont know until he tried the belt first. Monday 8/31/15 the auto tech said the dealership did not have the tool. On Tuesday 9/1 the dealership said they have the tool but now my car needs not only a belt but the tensioner as well. …
Just recently got my car fully service and within 2 weeks later I was driving my vehicle and it started decelerating and shifting abnormal. All my fluids was visible in my car and its not shifting properly, wont let me catch speed past 33mph, wont go in reverse and also sometimes it stall to go forward. I believe this vehicle should be on recall due to safety driving issues. I have 2 family members that own the same kind of vehicle like me and they are experiencing the same issues with they car. Got it towed to dealership and I was told that my transmission would need repair or get a new one. Havent heard anything back to why so many people having the same issues so figure I would give this a shot so these vehicles can get inspected. During the time of my issues, my vehicle was in motion on a busy street and it seem like as I make a turn it wouldnt get no better. …
The issue I'm reporting has already happened approximately 8 times. First time I'm driving on the highway at 65 MPH, and engine on car completely shuts down, driving wheel locks or power steering gets lost and brake pedal stops working gets very stiff and all this happened on a state highway. All that can be done is let the car come to a complete stop in its own all while using all my force to try my best to steer car away from traffic, because it locks and that time I could barely make it turn slightly due to the stiffness. After that, the car's engine wont start but lights and radio work. After constantly turning it in and off engine finally starts up after approximately an hour, but when placed on drive only moves very slow even when stepping on gas it will move at about 1 MPH. …
We have a 2012 Buick Lacrosse with eassist. When driving at around 65 MPH on the highway without the cruise control engaged the vehicle door locks suddenly unlock and lock, the car downshifts and the rpms go way up and a light comes on that says "service power steering". We have taken it to the dealership at least 3 times for this issue and they say that because there is no code dropped in the computer when it does it and they don't have it happen when they test drive it, they don't know what to do. The car has 53K miles on it and this has probably happened about 2 dozen times. The entire event lasts for about 10 seconds but it is vary scary when you are crusing along at 65+ MPH and all of these these events just happen, especially the high rpms, because it's like engine braking as the transmission downshifts.
Stability tracking light comes on randomly causes transmission to kick and jurk comes to a stop in traffic . Electronic brake light comes on , telling to have serviced. Told dealer about problem .told they couldn't find problem reset computer. Dealer code was. Programed in and continues to act up over and over. Was told it was a short problem. Told me they resolved the problem with a used pump in transmission! Sorry to say didn't fix the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. While driving 31 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle violently jerked forward without warning. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 350.
The engine light had come on and I went to a repair shop to have it repaired. I was told to bring it back the next day and on my way back the charging light came on. I was on the highway doing 70 miles an hour in a curve when all systems went down the instrument panel lit up and I lost braking, steering and all other functions. And I was very lucky to not have wrecked the car. This is a very dangerous situation that needs to be corrected.
Transmission complaints in other Lacrosse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Buick Lacrosse?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Buick Lacrosse, 12% of the model year's 206 complaints. The component named most often is driveline › chain/belt (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Buick Lacrosse transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2012 Buick Lacrosse, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Buick Lacrosse transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles, and 48% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.