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2012 Buick LaCrosse

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 LaCrosse.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse is a passenger car equipped with a six‑speed automatic transmission and returns EPA estimates of 17 city, 27 highway, and 21 combined mpg while requiring 5.0 quarts of 5W‑30 oil. Owner‑reported complaints total 204, with suspension leading the categories and five recalls issued for the model year. Across the 2005‑2019 production run, complaint volumes peaked at 314 in 2005 and fell to just 6 by 2019, placing the 2012 edition in the middle of that downward trend and indicating a moderate level of reported issues relative to earlier and later model years.

Model year2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30OEM · verified

Lug nut torque110 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy17/27/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 615 CCA battery, OE oil filter 12731742. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 615 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	12731742 alt 12580255
Engine air filter	55560894
Spark plug	12681660 alt 12681658
Battery	88866271 alt 88866291
Front wiper blades	84574892 alt 84621343
Serpentine belt	12636137 alt 12660099
Thermostat	03522676 alt 12622410
Cabin air filter	13503675 alt 13356914

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	196.9 in
Overall width	73.2 in
Overall height	59.1 in
Wheelbase	111.8 in
Curb weight	4226 lb
Track (front / rear)	61.4 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	57/43

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	17 / 27 / 21 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	100 cu ft
Cargo volume	16 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the LaCrosse of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.9–8.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.90 sec — 2012 Touring Sedan

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2012	Touring Sedan 3.6L V6	6.90 sec	15.40 sec	303 hp	FWD
2012	eAssist Premium I Sedan 2.4L I-4 + Elec 15-kW	8.60 sec	16.70 sec	182 hp	FWD
2012	eAssist Premium I Sedan 2.4L I-4 + Elec 15-kW	8.70 sec	16.80 sec	182 hp	FWD
2010	CXS Sedan 3.6L V6	6.40 sec	15.00 sec	280 hp	FWD
2010	CXS Sedan 3.6L V6	6.50 sec	15.20 sec	280 hp	FWD
2010	CXS Sedan 3.6L V6	6.60 sec	15.10 sec	280 hp	FWD
2010	CXS Sedan 3.6L V6	6.70 sec	15.30 sec	280 hp	FWD
2010	CXS Sedan 3.6L V6	7.40 sec	15.80 sec	280 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-30 engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 110 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	4.2-6.3
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Coolant	DEX-COOL OR EQUIVALENT
Engine Oil	SAE 5W
Engine Oil Capacity	5.0 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity	5 qt

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	18 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	7.3 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	10 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts	7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts	7.5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	110 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	37.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	37.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Spark Plug Manufacturer	AC Delco
Spark Plug Gap	0.035 in
Spark Plug Torque	15.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Manufacturer	AC Delco
Spark Plug Gap	0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	13.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.30 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	3.70 oz
Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.50 lbs
Oil Group	PAG

Service checks

Pressure Test	15, Pressure should not exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	15 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	188-206 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	50-100
RPM	43-58 @ Idle rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	50-100
RPM	43-58 @ Idle rpm
Injector Primary Resistance	1.9-2.3 @ 68 degreesF ohms

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH RPO J60 / WITH RPO J61
Torque Caliper to Bracket	20 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	20 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.080; Rear: 0.080 specification
Brake Application	WITH RPO J60 / WITH RPO J61
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.001 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	0.472 in / 0.905 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Torque to Knuckle — tightening sequence 1 stages

74 FT. LBS., STEP 2: 60

74 FT. LBS

Torque to Knuckle — tightening sequence 1 stages

111 FT. LBS., STEP 2: 45 DEGREES, STEP 3: 15

111 FT. LBS

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

111 ft. lbs., step 2: 100

111 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

74 ft. lbs., step 2: 150

74 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head or head bolt bosses · M11 Bolts:

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	150 degrees; M8 Bolts:	150 degrees
1	11.0 ft. lbs.	11 ft. lbs
2	75 degrees	75 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts.

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	150 degrees	150 degrees
3	Outer bolts 26.0 ft. lbs.	26 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 97,500 mi; coolant at 150,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 150,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 mi	Accelerator Pedal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 22,500 mi	Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 45,000 mi	Emission Control System (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 75,000 mi	Drive Belt (replace)
Every 97,500 mi	Spark Plug Wires (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 150,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse falls within a period of rising technical service bulletins, recording 1,831 TSBs compared to 1,641 in 2011. While overall complaints for the model line trended downward over the long term, 2012 saw a temporary increase to 204 complaints, surpassing both the 2011 (169) and 2013 (128) model years. This year also shares the highest number of federal investigations (2) with the 2013 model. Top complaint areas for 2012 are tied between the suspension and electrical systems at 26 reports each, with engine issues following at 21. The data also notes 10 crash and 4 fire complaints for this specific year. Because it represents a peak in complaints and investigations relative to the years that followed, this is not an ideal year to buy.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

1831

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

204

Owner complaints

10 involved a crash · 4 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11’12’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 204 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Suspension26

Electrical System26

Engine21

Unknown Or Other8

Power Train8

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)7

Service Brakes6

Steering5

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

14V447000Seats:Front Assembly:Power AdjustReported 23/07/2014

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… 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…

13V173000Electrical SystemReported 06/05/2013

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the… Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 1831 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
PIP6113	2026-05-18	Unknown Or Other	This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set…
PIT3271Q	2026-04-01	Unknown Or Other	This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel…
PIP6104	2026-03-09	Unknown Or Other	This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and…
PIP4902V	2026-03-09	Unknown Or Other	This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into…
PIP4902U	2026-01-08	Unknown Or Other	This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific LaCrosse. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 48 battery Vehicles taking 5.0 qt Engine oil filter 12731742 Engine air filter 55560894 Spark plug 12681660 Battery 88866271

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 LaCrosse take?

5.0 qt of SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to the dexos specification, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 LaCrosse have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the LaCrosse get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 27 highway / 21 combined mpg.