YearToAvoid

2012 Buick LaCrosse Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 24 steering complaints for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 12% of that year's 206 total complaints, tied to 3 crashes and 1 injury. Median mileage at failure was 50,500 miles. No related recalls are on file.

Steering complaints
24
12% of 206
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
50,500 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the tilt steering wheel unlocking on its own while driving, in one case causing loss of control off the road.
  • Some describe a loud knock in the steering wheel during sharp turns, with concern the wheel could detach.
  • Several report sudden loss of power steering assist, making the wheel feel tight or hard to turn, sometimes paired with the vehicle failing to auto-stop.
  • Owners describe the steering wheel locking up completely and the car losing electrical power to accessories at the same time.
  • Multiple complaints describe power steering cutting out at highway speed while making a turn, with the failure recurring more than once.
  • Some reports link stalling or engine shutdown while driving to a simultaneous loss of power steering and braking assist.

When 2012 Buick LaCrosse steering complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 16, 2013, latest Nov 5, 2025.

2012 Buick LaCrosse steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2013Sep 2014Feb 2017Dec 2017Feb 2019Apr 2021Jul 2022Sep 2024
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2013 to Nov 2025; peak Aug 2018 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by LaCrosse model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200551 (16%)
  2. 200626 (9%)
  3. 200722 (9%)
  4. 200814 (6%)
  5. 20091 (1%)
  6. 201017 (9%)
  7. 201112 (7%)
  8. 201224 (12%)
  9. 201324 (19%)
  10. 201412 (19%)
  11. 201512 (27%)
  12. 201612 (25%)
  13. 20171 (3%)
  14. 20180 (0%)
  15. 20190 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse?
NHTSA lists 24 steering-related complaints for the 2012 LaCrosse, which is 12% of the 206 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse?
No. The data shows no related recalls filed for steering on the 2012 LaCrosse.
At what mileage do steering problems usually appear on the 2012 LaCrosse?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints is 50,500 miles.
Did steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data links the 2012 LaCrosse steering complaints to 3 crashes and 1 injury.
How does the 2012 LaCrosse compare to other years for steering complaints?
The 2012 LaCrosse's steering complaints were 12% of its total complaints, higher than 2010 (9%) and 2011 (7%), but lower in share than 2013 through 2016, which ranged from 19% to 27%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.