2012 Buick LaCrosse — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Buick LaCrosse is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) / 21 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 24–34 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.4L 4-cyl), returning around 34 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Buick LaCrosse workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Buick LaCrosse: Fuel economy slips from 28 to 25 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3.6L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.4L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 100 cu ft (2,832 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 25 combined / 20 urban / 32 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 21 combined / 17 city / 27 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 263 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,200 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse across 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 20 to 28 mpg (US), or 24 to 34 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/35) | 197 | $2,400 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (16/26) | 276 | $3,350 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (17/27) | 263 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 100 cubic feet (about 2,832 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse
Running Costs: 2012 Buick LaCrosse
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Buick LaCrosse at 25 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,455 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Buick LaCrosse Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Buick LaCrosse (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Suspension (2), Seats (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Suspension — campaign 21V00F000, reported 22 December 2021. Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Suspension — campaign 20V764000, reported 21 December 2020. Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Seats — campaign 14V447000, reported 23 July 2014. 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.
- Electrical system — campaign 13V173000, reported 6 May 2013. 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.
Showing the 4 most recent of 5 campaigns.
Owners have filed 206 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (62), Engine (46), Suspension (31). Complaints include 10 reported crashes, 4 reported fires, 5 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 48 complaints across the 9 Buick LaCrosse model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 62 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Suspension (2 recall campaigns · 31 owner complaints) — Listen for knocks over bumps and check tyre wear for signs of alignment problems.
- Engine (46 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Stability control (1 recall campaign · 25 owner complaints) — Make sure no stability or traction warning light stays on.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Buick models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Buick LaCrosse's 25 mpg is 4 mpg below that make average. Its 263 g/km CO₂ figure is 30 g/km higher than the 233 g/km Buick average.
Of the 9 Buick LaCrosse model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 5th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (25 mpg UK combined, against a high of 30 mpg). See every Buick LaCrosse year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3.6L 6-cyl with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Buick LaCrosse?
The most efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, or 21 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 24 to 34 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Buick LaCrosse (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Suspension (2), Seats (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse?
Among the 206 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (62 complaints), Engine (46 complaints), Suspension (31 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Buick LaCrosse have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 100 cubic feet (about 2,832 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.