Buick Recall 12V-484: Exterior lighting – turn signal

Affected: 2011–2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Filed with NHTSA on October 4, 2012, covering about 120,426 vehicles.

The problem

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

The risk

If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign12V-484 (12V484000)
Manufacturer number12212
ManufacturerGeneral Motors, LLC
ComponentExterior lighting › Turn signal
Report dateOctober 4, 2012
Owners notifiedSeptember 8, 2014
Vehicles affected120,426
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the lights

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 12V-484 repair free?

Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 120,426 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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.