Makes›Buick›LaCrosse›2012

2012 Buick LaCrosse

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Buick LaCrosse
Pictured: 2010 Buick LaCrosse 2 -- 09-07-2009. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan AWD, 4dr Sedan Eassist, 4dr Sedan FWD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, FFV
MPG (best)
28 combined · 24 city / 35 hwy
Length
196.9 in
Curb weight
3,774–4,226 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2012 midsize car (23.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 197 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,226 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 35 highway), 17% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 160 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2012

  • New hybrid version
  • Best combined MPG up from 23 to 28

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 LaCrosse →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan AWD196.9 in73.2 in59.1 in111.8 in61.4 / 61.8 in4,226 lb57/43
4dr Sedan Eassist196.9 in73.2 in59.1 in111.8 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,774 lb57/43
4dr Sedan FWD196.9 in73.2 in59.1 in111.8 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,935 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
LaCrosse eAssist Hybrid2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 35 / 28+17%$2,400317
LaCrosse FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 27 / 21-12%$3,200423
LaCrosse FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 27 / 21-12%$3,200423
LaCrosse AWD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 26 / 20-16%$3,350444
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2012 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse.

Similar 2012 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Buick LaCrosse (this car)28 MPGNot rated5
2012 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated8
2012 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated3
2012 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2012 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated4
2012 Dodge Charger23 MPGNot rated15

Recalls (5)

Suspension › Rear · Dec 22, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00F000 · 4,271 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
Suspension › Rear · Dec 21, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V764000 · 220,006 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 23, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · 414,333 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Risk
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Electrical System · May 6, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V173000 · 42,904 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
Risk
If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
Fix
GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Aug 3, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V404000 · 4,077 vehicles

Problem
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK LACROSSE PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 9, 2011, THROUGH JULY 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 126, "ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEMS (ESC)." THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM HAS AN INCORRECT CALIBRATION THAT MAY CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO NOT PROPERLY DETECT IF A SENSOR WERE TO MALFUNCTION, AND THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATING WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE, AS REQUIRED IN THE SAFETY STANDARD.
Risk
THE IMPROPER DIAGNOSING MAY CAUSE THE ESC TO FALSELY ACTIVATE, RESULTING IN SUDDEN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING AND DECELERATION, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, WHICH MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING THE VEHICLE'S DESIRED PATH OF TRAVEL AND DESIRED VEHICLE SPEED, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix
GM DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Buick LaCrosse is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

160Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
71,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System49
Engine36
Suspension28
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)23
Steering18
Unknown Or Other17
Service Brakes13
Power Train12
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/10: 222/11: 223/03: 123/04: 123/05: 123/06: 123/08: 123/11: 124/01: 124/02: 124/04: 124/06: 224/08: 224/09: 224/10: 124/12: 125/04: 125/05: 125/11: 125/12: 126/05: 126/06: 326/07: 426/09: 122/1023/0423/0824/0224/0824/1225/1126/06max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Buick LaCrosse buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 49 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 36 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Suspension — 28 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 71,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other LaCrosse years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 LaCrosse29197.6 in★★★★★27
2018 LaCrosse29197.6 in★★★★★312
2017 LaCrosse25197.6 inNot rated236
2016 LaCrosse28196.9 inNot rated248
2015 LaCrosse28196.9 inNot rated344
2014 LaCrosse28196.9 inNot rated561
2013 LaCrosse29196.9 inNot rated5116
2011 LaCrosse23196.9 inNot rated4121

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →