Is the failure rate of the Buick Verano 15s very high?

[AlainaFitz]

Buick Verano 15s has a relatively high failure rate, mainly due to transmission issues and fractures in the split-type lower control arm. Below are the detailed descriptions: Transmission problems: Among the latest quality issues reported for the Verano, a significant portion involves transmission failures. Based on real feedback from owners, most problems are concentrated in the Verano's dual-clutch transmission. It's not just the Verano; other Buick models like the Excelle, older Regal, and LaCrosse also suffer from transmission defects. Many consumers experience issues such as transmission noise, jerking, and eventually complete loss of power shortly after the warranty expires, leading to high repair costs. Despite numerous owner complaints, SAIC-GM has not acknowledged the product defects and has yet to provide a satisfactory solution. Split-type lower control arm fracture issue: The fracture issue with the Verano's split-type lower control arm has also raised concerns among many owners. The Verano uses the same split-type control arm bushing as the Envision under the GM brand. SAIC-GM's patent documents from as early as August 2015 already indicated that the split-type control arm bushing connection is unstable and poses safety risks. However, the company has turned a blind eye to hundreds of incidents nationwide involving broken axles and vehicle collapses caused by the split-type control arm bushing.

[JosephFitz]

I've been driving the Verano 15s for three years, covering over 60,000 kilometers, and here's my honest take. The car does have some minor issues, like the occasional electronic glitches—window regulators making noise or the infotainment system freezing up two or three times, though a restart usually fixes it. The most frustrating was the factory battery, which died in less than two years; upgrading to a higher-capacity one solved that. But the core components—engine, transmission, and chassis—have been solid. The 1.5L naturally aspirated engine feels a bit underpowered, but as long as you stick to regular oil and filter changes, it runs without hiccups. The transmission has some low-speed jerkiness, though it’s far more reliable than some dual-clutch setups. One area to watch is the shock absorbers—several owners in my car group reported leaks after 50,000 km. Otherwise, these quirks are manageable. If buying new, negotiating for an extended warranty is a smart move.

[CeciliaAnn]

As a mechanic with ten years of experience repairing Buick vehicles, I can responsibly say that the Verano 15s has a medium failure rate in its price range. The most common issues I encounter daily are cooling system problems, particularly with the water pump and thermostat, which tend to fail after around 50,000 kilometers, often triggering abnormal temperature warnings. Next is the GF6 transmission—though improved over the older models, solenoid valve failures in the valve body still account for 30% of my repair workload. However, these repairs aren't costly; replacing a water pump only costs a few hundred yuan. On the plus side, its full-frame subframe is robust, saving significant collision repair costs compared to Japanese models. The key is maintenance records—owners who change transmission fluid on time can often exceed 150,000 kilometers without major repairs.

[Melody]

My Verano 15S just passed the 100,000-kilometer mark, and the biggest takeaway is that it requires meticulous care. The engine oil must be changed precisely every 5,000 kilometers—once I exceeded it by 800 km, and the engine noise immediately sounded off. The steering gear is a common issue; it started making clunking noises at 30,000 km. The dealership quoted over 4,000 yuan for a full replacement, but a local shop fixed it for 300 yuan by replacing the dust cover. The interior rattles are truly annoying; after summer sun exposure, the dashboard sounds like firecrackers. However, the chassis is rock-solid—it stays planted on the highway even during heavy rain. Once, I rear-ended someone: their rear bumper cracked and their tailgate dented, but the car held up. It’s like an old buddy—you have to tolerate its quirks, but it’s reliable when it counts.