Selling a broken or junk Buick Verano

If your Verano needs more than it's worth, you can sell the whole car as it sits. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, and pickup is free anywhere in the US.

The air bag recalls, in order

The Verano's air bag recalls come in two waves.

2012-2014: the steering wheel coil. Recalls 12V522, 13V023 and 14V300 all cover 2012 Veranos whose driver air bag has a shorting bar that can touch the terminals now and then. The fix is a new air bag coil in the steering wheel. Each campaign also covers Chevrolet models such as the Cruze and Sonic.

2023-2025: inflators that can rupture. Recall 23V516 covers 2013 Veranos where the driver air bag inflator can explode as it deploys; dealers replace the module. Then three campaigns cover the roof-rail air bags above the headliner on 2014 cars, which may rupture: 23V674, 23V870 (an expansion) and 25V764. Owner letters for the last one went out December 5, 2025. All three are shared with the Chevrolet Cruze.

Problems by model year

EPA lists the Verano for 2012 through 2017. The data splits into two groups.

2012-2014: engine, then electrical

These three years hold 314 of the 441 complaints. On the 2012, the engine leads with 42 of 106, ahead of air bags (26). The 2013 follows the same order, engine 26 and air bags 18. The 2014 flips the order: electrical leads, 29 of 101.

Other recalls in these years:

• 14V092 (2014): automatic transmission shift cable adjusters, inspected and replaced. Only 355 vehicles, across nine GM models.
• 14V417 (2013-2014): Verano block heater cords were swapped for ones rated to minus 40 degrees. The Encore is in this campaign too.

2015-2017: fewer cars, fewer complaints

The 2015 and 2016 have 59 complaints each, and the 2017 has 9. The 2017 was the final Verano, so owners have had the least time of any year to report on it. Air bags lead the 2016 with 22. Two recalls fall here:

• 16V502 (2013-2017): the electronic park lock could let the key come out without the transmission in park. Dealers inspect and replace the key cylinder lock housing if needed. The Malibu shares it.
• 16V595 (2016): on cars with the 2.0-liter turbo, the engine fuel line may be misrouted. Dealers replace it. It covered 189 vehicles.

Complaints and recalls by year

Verano counts from NHTSA complaint data, October 10, 2026. One recall can count in several years.

Across all years, after air bags come the electrical system (85) and the engine (81).

Should you fix it?

Start with what's free. Air bag recall repairs are done by dealers at no charge, so an open recall alone is no reason to sell.

1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A 2014 could have up to three roof-rail air bag campaigns open.
2. Engine trouble on a 2012 or 2013? That's where the engine complaints concentrate. Weigh a repair with our blown engine guide.
3. Did your Verano's air bags go off in a crash? See airbags deployed; the cost of new ones is often what settles it.
4. Quote bigger than the car? Read repairs cost more than it is worth.

How to sell your Verano whole

1. Note the VIN, the mileage and the problem, plus any recall you know is open.
2. Ask for an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Describe where the Verano sits and if it can roll. A sedan in a tight parking garage or a dealer's service lot is fine to describe. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
4. Bring the title and keys. If a lender still holds the title, see lien still on the title. Plates and insurance: after you sell.

Other Buick sedans: the Regal, LaCrosse and the older Skylark, or every Buick.