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2015 Buick Verano Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Buick Verano has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Gear shift lever and release switch failure.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Buick Verano.

Reported to NHTSA

Gear shift lever and release switch failure

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2022-08

“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Verano. The contact stated when she attempted to shift the gear into reverse however the lever would not shift. Once the contact was able to shift the lever, it felt lose”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479748
“GEAR SHIFT RELEASE SWITCH KNOB BROKEN : CAUSING NOT GOING INTO PARK OR IN PARK POSITION BUT ENGINE WON'T TURN OFF DUE TO NOT BEING IN PARK. THERE ARE NOT REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11299164
“GEAR SHIFT RELEASE SWITCH COVER BROKEN CAUSES CAR TO 1)NOT GO INTO PARK MODE 2)GOES INTO PHYSICAL PARK MODE BUT IGNITION SWITCH IS LOCKED AND DOES NOT RELEASE KEY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11278739

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel lock-up while driving

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2021-04

“I WAS DRIVING NORMALLY, SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME. I COULD NOT TURN AT ALL. I WAS IN A LANE OF TRAFFIC AT THE TIME BUT FORTUNATELY ON A PRIVATE STREET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10937588
“STEERING FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO LOCK UP ON LONG TRIPS. I TRADED IN A 2012 VERANO FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP TOOK OVER A MONTH TO GET PARTS, SO I TRADED IT IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10852193
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK VERANO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11406917

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Clear coat degradation on painted panels

STRUCTURE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2023-08

“VEHICLE'S PAINT IS DAMAGED. UNDER NORMAL SUN EXPOSURE, THIS VEHICLE HAS EXTREME HAIRLINE SCRATCHES THROUGHOUT. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WANT TO BLAME THIS ON ANIMALS. I DO NOT OWN ANIMALS THAT CLIMB ON MY CAR. ON HOOD, ROOF, AND TRUNK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11245026
“Took my car in due to the paint being damaged by normal sunlight just on my hood, roof and trunk lid was told that it looked like it was just scratched, if that was the case wouldn't my whole car looked like that”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11537029

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Side detection system sensor failure from corrosion

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE

17 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2023-04

“BLIND SPOT DETECTION SENSORS BECOME CORRODED DUE TO BEING EXPOSED TO THE ENVIRONMENT. THIS IS A FAULTY DESIGN AND AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. GM REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THE SYSTEM CAN FAIL AT ANYTIME WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11321743
“I OWN A 2015 BUICK VERANO CONVENIENCE WITH ONLY 28,000 MILES. ABOUT A MONTH AGO I NOTICED THE RIGHT SIDE DETECTION INDICATOR ON THE MIRROR ACTING SPORADIC. COMING ON WHEN THERE WAS NO VEHICLE IN MY BLIND SPOT, AND NOT COMING ON AS IT SHOULD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11308720
“CHEVY CRUZE SERVICE SIDE DETECTION MODULE WAS RECALLED. BUICK VERANO USES THE SAME PART. MY BUICK SHOWED SERVICE SIDE DETECTION. THE DESIGN ALLOWS WATER AND SALT TO INTERFERE WITH THE PERFORMANCE. IT SHUT DOWN MY CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11318979

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2025-04

“My passenger airbag warning lights appears on the dash several times a day stating “Airbag safety issue detected”. This has been going on for several months now”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11654234
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Verano. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side air bag warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the cause of the failure might be related to”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11474517
“Advanced diagnostics alerts whether someone is sitting in the passenger seat or not. Sensor alerts constantly while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485888

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system shutdown while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2015-05 → 2025-04

“THE CAR CONSTANTLY HAS THE SAME ERROR STATING THAT THE AC IS OFF DUE TO HIGH ENGINE TEMPS. EVEN WHEN FIRST STARTED IN THE MORNINGS. LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR SHOWED AN ERROR STATING THAT THE STABLITRAK NEEDED SERVICED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413380
“CERTAIN SYSTEMS OF MY CAR WHILE I AM DRIVING WILL SHUT DOWN. FOR EXAMPLE I WILL BE TAKING A TURN AND THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT. OTHER THINGS THAT SEEM TO SHUT DOWN EITHER AT THE SAME TIME OR SEPARATELY ARE THE RADIO/ SCREEN, THE CRUISE CONTROL, BLINKER, ECT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11139850
“WAS PASSING OTHER VEHICLES AND THE ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART LOST STEERING AND DECELERATING AT A HIGH RATE, TRUCKS ALLOWED ME TO GET OFF TO THE SHOULDER AND CAR REMAINED NON STARTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10715341

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden unintended acceleration

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2019-05

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK VERANO. WHILE PARKING AT A RESTAURANT, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE LUNGED MORE THAN FIVE FEET ACROSS TWO CONCRETE CURBS AND CRASHED INTO A TREE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11204968
“THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF WITHOUT HER APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR. SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE, BUT IT FAILED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10888370

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

24 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Buick Verano reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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