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Vehicle safety record

2013 Buick Verano Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 107 complaints about the 2013 Buick Verano with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (33) and the electrical system (23). Those complaints describe 4 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in July 2023 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2012 has 106 and the 2014 has 101.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Verano year, for its age

#98 most complained-about 2013 vehicle

Complaints
107
Recalls
3
Crashes
4
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Deaths
0

Most common 2013 Buick Verano problems

Share of all 107 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2013 Buick Verano recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: inflator module

23V516000767 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camero, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module, free of charge. On some 2013 Volt vehicles, the steering wheel will be replaced as well, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232413120.

Electrical system: ignition

16V5020008,367 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
The risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Equipment: electrical

14V4170002,990 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
The risk
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. 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 14257.

What owners say

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107 complaints about the 2013 Buick Verano

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.

Airbags

My service airbag light continues to come on when driving. I was told there was a recall on the airbags a few years ago, but my VIN number was not included in that recall. I purchased this car from Carmax in 2018. I was told there were no recalls on my car at time of purchase and it was not having a problem at that time. I'm not sure the exact date the problem started occurring, but I did call Carmax and gave them my VIN number and they said there were no active recalls, but there was a recall on the airbag years ago that I was unaware of.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11756459
Wheels & tires

the passenger front sidewall of the tire has a bubble. The tire is a Goodyear LS-2 235/45R18 is the model. I felt very unsafe do drive on a defected tire. The tire dealer told me it was not a defect and i would have to replace the tire at full cost. There was no warning of a problem with the tire. i discovered it after a routine vehicle inspection by myself.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11744776
Airbags

The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service Air Bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11740667
Electrical systemAirbags

My driver side air bag notification keeps coming on. On and off, while I'm driving. My electrical system is odd. I can not charge any devices and my screen will turn off while I'm driving. I'm giving today's date, but this is an ongoing problem for at least a year.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 11639167
Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off on an inclined driveway, the vehicle rolled away. The contact had accidentally not shifted out of the drive gear position. The contact was able to jump back in the vehicle where he pressed the brake pedal and shifted into the park position. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was examined, but not diagnosed. The contact was advised that all Buick vehicles perform the same action while in drive on an incline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11620121
Other & unknown

I think my car has a faulty ignition. When I turn my car off with key in ignition, my car starts on it's own.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11614202
Engine & cooling

Vehicle is consuming oil at an excessive rate (with still less than 70000 miles on the odometer) and I have had to keep a close watch on the levels. It is burning a quart right now about every 1400 miles and the problem is only likely to get worse with time. This could cause the engine to fail or catch fire while operating the vehicle, which is quite dangerous, especially at interstate speeds or on mountain roads. Buick has not issued a recall, and yet there is a service bulletin dating from 2016 (Bulletin No.:...

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13-06-01-003H). I have also read many complaints from other Verano owners about this problem. An engine is one of the most expensive parts of any vehicle, and if Buick will not voluntarily recall this model year to make the needed repairs, the NTSB ought to take a hand in getting a recall of affected vehicles. I don't want to risk my life on the road if this engine fails while the vehicle is in operation.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11613214
Other & unknown

In checking, my oil found that the oil was low but I've had no leaks concerned about where the oil is going and the oil consumption. I change my oil about twice a year. The car only has 45,000 miles on it..

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11550270
SteeringElectrical system

Started having the radio blank out and then steering wheel would lose power while driving. Service stability track error comes on. Took in for diagnostic and was told rear control module was bad. After 1500 to 1800.00 in repairs still had the same issues within 7 days. I've contacted dealership and general motor. I'm afraid my car will lose power while on highway

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11531467
Engine & cooling

My Buick Verano keeps running out of oil despite consistent oil changes. It ran out of oil, 3000 miles before my next oil change was due. There are many reports online of other owners of the same vehicle having the same issue. Recently, my car cut off in the middle of the street Without any warning due to no oil in the engine. The low oil warning light never came on. This is the second time that this has occurred. The first time the mechanic just said it was low on oil. Now my car will not restart. Again my next oil change was not due for another 3000 miles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11528178
Engine & cooling

The PCV orifice that is located inside the intake manifold is known to clog due to a manufacture defect, which then produces high pressure inside the crankcase. The pressure then forces high amounts of oil through the valve cover orifice into the intake breather box. The oil then fills up inside and get into the engine air filter and throttle body. The high amounts of oil being sucked into the intake will leave the engine running with zero oil, thousands of miles before a oil change is due. This would obviously...

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destroy the engine if oil is not added regularly. There is also a high risk of the rear main seal blowing due to the high pressurization of the crankcase. This is a very known defect and without a question, needs to be issued as a recall.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11519487
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. Upon inspection, it was the discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low, although the oil had recently been changed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that there was an unknown TSB to address the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11519094
SteeringTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The car power steering locked and stopped working while driving on the freeway, this incident put at risk myself and my children safety. After exiting the freeway the steering wheel stopped working again. this is a known issue as the car steering power was not recalled but the issue was acknowledged but GM. The car is a safety hazard for the person who drive it and the public.

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 11491982
SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

Power steering an steering wheel locks, Once this happens the car becomes a safety hazard, first time it happened two children were in the car and seconds from an accident on the freeway. Exited the freeway and car steering wheel failed again this time stopped working completely putting my children's life in danger.

Filed Incident Steering · Power trainNHTSA 11491979
Engine & cooling

2.4L LEA engine is burning an excessive ammount of oil. Roughly 2L of oil has been burnt within a week. Upon contacting a dealer about the issue, the issue is known and has been recalled for other GM makes of the same year with the same engine model. The engine will start knocking and then stop running, no matter if the vehicle is driving.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11485395
Engine & cooling

I purchased this used vehicle in March 2022 $8500 cash. I have had problems with oil consumption since I purchased. The car stalls and turns off when the oil is low. I am literally putting a quart of oil in the car every 40-50 miles. I have 6 children to get to school and I also work. At this time I can't afford another vehicle so I'm hoping that others come forth so this car can be recalled or fixed. Life is hard enough

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11485061
Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated while driving at 25-30 MPH, the shift lock release button mounted on the gear shifter fractured and she was unable to shift into park (P). The contact drove to the nearest independent mechanic and maintained the brake pedal depressed in order to keep the vehicle idle. The contact stated that she was also able to shift into neutral. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The contact provided the contact with a tool to...

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depress the remaining part of the shift lock release button in order to park the vehicle. Upon arriving to her residence, the contact utilized the tool to park the vehicle. The contact contacted a tow company to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The tow agent was able to pull the remaining part of the shift lock release button out. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11481816
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while driving at 60-65 MPH, the vehicle lost all power with no warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after a minute. The vehicle was not taken an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic due to the fact that there were abnormal noises coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that she was informed that the camshaft...

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sensor, crankshaft sensor, timing cover set, timing chain kit, and valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired and an oil change was completed. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost motive and electrical power several times while driving. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that she researched the failure online and discovered that there was an issue with the 2013 Buick Verano. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11476919
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

My passenger air bag module is faulty, when an individual is in the car, the module doesn't sense the passenger. So there is no airbag and I was told that it's possible in an accident that the airbag would not go off. I paid $600 to get a diagnostic, from Marvin K and Brown dealership. They reported back to me that the module was at fault. My vehicle is out of warranty. The service airbag notification has been continuously popping up on and off.

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11475218
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Buick Verano. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle decelerated to 15 MPH, lost motive power, and stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 125,000

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11451948
Airbags

Airbag system failure and warning constantly on the vehicle. GM knows of the issue but will not offer a recall, instead only an expired special coverage adjustment. The part involved is the passenger present sensor (PPS)module. That reference number is : N15202352 Release date November 2016. Airbags on Buick veranos will not deploy with this well known issue. Gms own words. Force a recall, my family could die in this car.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11442533
AirbagsEngine & cooling

2013 Buick Verano engine ceased after excessive oil consumption (which was NOT indicated by the oil light). Multiple lawsuits have been filed for cars with the SAME engine, but my specific car has not been included - and GM shut down my car-specific lawsuits due to "design" flaws that they don't take credit for. NO warning signs, and my car stopped in the middle of the road, putting my safety at risk. Oil change notification DID NOT work, and oil light did not come on at all. In addition, a "service passenger airbag" light comes on whenever anyone sits in the passenger seat (I have seen recalls regarding this as well, but are not specific to my car). Very disappointed.

Filed Incident Air bags · EngineNHTSA 11432182
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

Check airbag warning light comes on, when someone is in passenger seat. Air bag light is off. When the passenger seat is empty the air bag light is on and the fasten seatbelt light flashes and chimes. I feel this is a safety issue and should be addressed.

Filed Incident Air bags · Seat belts · SeatsNHTSA 11423029
Body, doors & structure

Paint on hood, top, and trunk lid fading off. Car was manufactured in lake orion michigan. Heard many of the same complaints from this same assembly plant. Is there a class action lawsuit on this matter, very angry and concerned.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11376341
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

1) Warning icon to check air bag keeps coming on while the car is in motion 2) cannot lock front passenger seatbelt

Filed Incident Air bags · Seat beltsNHTSA 11374926

Buick Verano: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20179110Electrical systemA
201659211AirbagsB
201559021Electrical systemB
2014101631Electrical systemD
2013107341Engine & coolingC
2012106381Engine & coolingD
All Verano years

2013 Buick Verano vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2013 Buick Verano

Does the 2013 Buick Verano have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Buick Verano: inflator module (July 2023); ignition (July 2016); electrical (July 2014). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Buick Verano?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (33), electrical system (23), airbags (18).

How many complaints has the 2013 Buick Verano had?

107 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 4, 2012 and the latest on August 12, 2026. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2013 Buick Verano a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 41 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Buick Verano year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Buick Verano years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2013 Buick Verano has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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