Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Buick Verano owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Verano. The contact stated that her vehicle was constantly loosing oil however, there was no warning light illuminated on the vehicle to indicate that the oil level was low. The contact stated that when the oil level was low, the vehicle made a loud rumbling sound. The contact would then top off the engine oil. The contact stated that without the knocking sound she would not know that the vehicle required additional oil. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to locate an oil leak. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 176,768.
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Verano . The contact stated there was an abnormal odor of fuel entering through the vents. In addition, while driving, there was an abnormal very loud knocking noise. The contact noticed that there was oil or fuel leaking from the injection system. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
My car has started to burn oil quickly in the past and I was bringing my car to get oil changes more frequently than the sticker was saying at the dealership. Recently my car showed no oil on the dipstick after my car stopped running. 2 quarts of oil was added and the oil only showed at the tip of the dipstick. My engine was tapping a few weeks prior to my car no longer running. I brought the car to the dealership and they informed me that there was not a recall on my vehicle, but upon checking there was a recall in 2016 for this exact matter. My car is still not running and has been down since October 22, 2021. The dealership is stating that they cannot fix my car because there is not an open recall, but this recall was in 2016 and I was never made aware of the recall nor was I said any correspondences about this recall.
My car started burning an excessive amount of oil this caused my car to die with no engine warning while driving. My mechanic found it to be completely out of oil. The car only has 67000 miles on it and now I have to constantly put oil in the car. It does not leak it just burns oil. I just drove 400 miles and when I got to my destination my car was completely out of oil again. My motor is not going to last if this keeps happening.
Car has had excessive oil consumption since start. Easily consuming 1-2 quarts of oil on monthly basis. Had timing chains replaced at 75000 miles. Car suddenly stopped without warning 1/16/23 and completely shut off while driving. Now, at 170000 miles the engine is blown, due to chains loosening, and valves getting bent and scattered.
Car engine started making noise in front right side. Had oil changed 2000 miles prior and there was no oil when checked. Mechanic said the motors are known to have the timing belt go out and the pistons. There are recalls for this issue, however my VIN number doesn't come up!! Have had the car 2 months!!!! Pretty pissed off!
On 2 separate occasions, I have gone through 4 quarts of oil in 2000 miles. No leaks as verified by mechanic. Just excessive burn. The check oil light does not come on to warn you and says I still have 50% oil life but almost bone dry.
Technical Service Bulletin #13-06-01-003H (TSB 003H) in regards to GM's 2.4L engines & excessive oil consumption. (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10116880-9999.pdf) This release not only concedes a persistent issue found in at least six GM models, but more importantly fails to acknowledge the serious and fatal risks as a result of the Oil Consumption Defect. As a direct result of GM's known defect, I was left in a dangerous situation. I crossed a divided residential street, engine stalled and the vehicle turned off, stranded in the middle. It is not unreasonable to imagine other similar situations occurring, leaving people directly susceptible to serious injury or death. Here, the dipstick was completely dry. It took two quarts before any oil appeared on the dipstick. The oil light did not illuminate and I was approximately 1500 miles from my next scheduled oil service. …
10/26/15 - car wouldn't start; recv'd jump, replaced battery ($169.40). 11/6/15 - came out of restaurant, car wouldn't start. Got jump took to dealer. Dealer replaced starter and issue resolved. 11/12-11/21: car stalled 8-10 more documented times both when backing out of parking spot in reverse and at vehicle speeds varying from 35mph to 67mph on 5 lane interstate during rush hour. Took to dealer and called GM. Replaced two solenoids and some hose, keeping car so tech can drive for 2 days to see if problem can be replicated. I can't determine a cause or pattern and don't get any prior warning, so hoping it does occur in their possession during testing. This vehicle is unreliable and very dangerous. I almost caused a multiple vehicle accident on the interstate and risk injury or death by operating this vehicle. My family is at risk, myself and other motorists. …
2012 Buick Verano. Immediately upon purchase I noticed the fresh air intake always had hot air blowing through vents. Dealer and GM customer service said nothing is wrong. Other Verano owners would stop me in parking lots and ask me if I had the same issue as they had. It was a defect. After 40,000 miles the timing chain needed replaced; camshaft position solenoid valve replaced; new gasket kit; output shaft seal leaking. At 60,000 miles, the car lost all power while driving 55 miles an hour on highway (other owners- Buick forums - had the same dangerous experience). By lost power, I mean the car suddenly had no power steering, brakes. Gas pedal was not operational. The engine shut off. Piston ring failure was the diagnosis from Buick service. Almost 4000 to fix they stated. None of these issues should have happened with a car with only 60,000 miles. …
Engine complaints in other Verano years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Buick Verano?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Buick Verano, 47% of the model year's 106 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Buick Verano engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 Buick Verano, though it has 3 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 Verano engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
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.