2012 Buick LaCrosse Structure & Body Problems
NHTSA lists 15 Structure & Body complaints for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 7% of that year's 206 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 9,000. Two crashes and one fire were reported, and a related recall (14V447000) covers power height adjuster shoulder bolts.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 15
- 7% of 206
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 9,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical body and structure symptoms owners report
- Owners describe the A-pillar as excessively wide, blocking forward visibility and contributing to curb strikes and tire damage while turning.
- Front seat head restraints are angled too far forward with no tilt adjustment, causing neck and back discomfort and blocking rear visibility when backing up.
- Some owners report the driver's door locking on its own and trapping the occupant inside, with dealers unable to identify the cause.
- One owner reported the hood opening while the vehicle was being driven, requiring multiple shop visits without resolution.
- A fire was reported originating in the driver's seat cushion near the seat springs, foam padding, and power seat components.
- One owner reported the front bumper, grille, and fog light wiring detaching from the vehicle while shifting into reverse, blaming worn rubber and plastic chassis connectors.
When 2012 Buick LaCrosse body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 15, 2012, latest Apr 3, 2025.
Structure & Body recalls for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse
- NHTSA 14V447000Jul 23, 2014Structure & Body414,333 vehicles
Seats:front assembly:power adjust
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.
Remedy: 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.
Structure & Body complaints by LaCrosse model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
- 201012 (6%)
- 201118 (11%)
- 201215 (7%)
- 20136 (5%)
- 20143 (5%)
- 20150 (0%)
- 20163 (6%)
- 20172 (6%)
- 20180 (0%)
- 20190 (0%)
Frequently asked questions
- How many Structure & Body complaints does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse have?
- NHTSA lists 15 Structure & Body complaints for the 2012 LaCrosse, which is 7% of the 206 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2012 LaCrosse?
- Yes. Recall 14V447000, reported July 23, 2014, covers power height adjuster shoulder bolts and applies to certain 2011-2012 LaCrosse vehicles among other GM models.
- At what mileage do these structure and body problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2012 LaCrosse is 9,000 miles.
- Did any of these complaints involve crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries tied to complaints in this problem area for the 2012 LaCrosse.
- How does the 2012 LaCrosse compare to other years for this issue?
- The 2012 LaCrosse had 15 Structure & Body complaints (7% share), lower than 2011's 18 complaints (11% share) but higher than 2013's 6 complaints (5% share).