Engine complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat was no longer adjustable. The contact was unable to adjust the height in order to see over the steering wheel. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light remained illuminated; the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
I am submitting this complaint to report a safety-related issue involving my 2016 Buick Verano. At approximately 112,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a major transmission failure that significantly affected drivability. Shortly thereafter, an airbag warning light illuminated, indicating a potential malfunction of the supplemental restraint system. An independent mechanic advised that the vehicle was no longer safe or economically reasonable to repair due to the transmission failure and the airbag system warning. The cost of transmission repair was estimated between $5,000.00 and $7,000.00. The vehicle could not be safely driven, sold, or repaired, leaving me with an inoperable vehicle and an outstanding loan balance. I am submitting this complaint to ensure this issue is documented and reviewed, as transmission failure combined with an airbag warning presents a serious safety concern. …
Vehicle is showing P138 code, and goes into limp mode and shows stable-track indicator. Has been checked by 2 mechanics, accelerator pedal, and throttle body have been replaced, with same results. This creates a severe hazard while driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Buick Verano. While parking at a restaurant, the engine revved and the vehicle accelerated independently. The vehicle lunged more than five feet across two concrete curbs and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000. The VIN was not available.
My 2014 Buick Verano, that I have owned for several years now, is consuming oil at an alarming rate. The problem is that the manufacturer put a PCV valve into the engines intake manifold that gets clogged and produces too much pressure. With the pressure being so high, it forces oil into the air intake breather box and up through the throttle body and gets burnt off. If the oil pressure gets too high, the additional risk is that the rear main seal may get blown. Because of this, I have to continuously check for proper engine oil level, and even while doing that often (weekly), there are times that I find the car needing more than 2 quarts of oil to be put into the engine regardless of how long it has been between oil changes. Additionally, there has never been an oil light or any indicator light showing any trouble at all. …
Newly purchased delivery of 2014 Buick Verano. from Auto Deal Makers in Chantilly, Va. Not even 5 miles driven, car was hesitant at 20mph, felt like it was going to stall out at 40mph, my left upper lip started tingling, my kids felt sick as we all experienced a heavy taste & smell of burnt oil in the cabin of the car. Two hours later my kids & I still could not get the taste of burnt oil off our tongues and back of our throats even after eating. Contacted GM & Chevy although they are fully aware of the defect they refuse to accept responsibility. The tingling has now reached my chin as though my children and I have been affected by some form of toxic chemical poisoning. This was the first time I ever drove my newly purchased vehicle, and have been poisoned myself & my kids by the toxic fumes the car is emitting. Total recalls should be done, and full compensation to consumers. …
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.
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle decelerated to 15 MPH, lost motive power, and stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 125,000
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Verano years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (50), 2013 (33), 2014 (18) and 2016 (8) model years. Engine complaints make up 47% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Buick Verano engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Buick Verano model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Verano engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 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.