2012 Buick LaCrosse

Introduction:

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and stylish design. It is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options include a 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 3.0L V6.

Engine

• 3.6L V6
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine noise, especially during acceleration; Loss of engine power
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
    • Recalls: NHTSA Recall Number: 14V-140
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak; Reduced engine performance
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.4L 4-Cylinder
  • No Issues Found
• 3.0L V6
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: Vibration or shuddering during acceleration; Slipping gears
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
  • No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front Lower Control Arms
  • Premature Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Noisy suspension; Poor handling; Uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace the lower control arms
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorbers
  • Leaking or Failing
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive bounce or sag in the rear suspension; Poor handling
    • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Headlight Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights or taillights not working; Intermittent headlight operation
  • Solution: Replace the headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery going dead prematurely; Difficulty starting the vehicle
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the electrical drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Fog Light Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Fog lights not working; Intermittent fog light operation
  • Solution: Replace the fog light switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Drain Tube Clogs
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the vehicle’s interior
  • Solution: Clean out the sunroof drain tubes
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Free - $100 (if a professional cleaning is needed)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsive or slow; Navigation system malfunctioning; Audio system cutting out
  • Solution: Update or reset the infotainment system; Replace the infotainment unit if necessary
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $1,000+ (if a new infotainment unit is needed)
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse generally has good reliability, but there are some common issues to be aware of. The most significant issues are the timing chain tensioner failure on the 3.6L V6 engine and the torque converter shudder on the 6-speed automatic transmission. These issues can be expensive to fix, so it is important to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchasing and to regularly maintain these components. Otherwise, the LaCrosse is generally a reliable and comfortable sedan.