The 2017 Buick Verano is a compact sedan built on GM's Delta II platform, sharing bones with the Cruze. The 2.4L naturally aspirated engine is generally reliable, but the 6T40 transmission and certain turbo 2.0L engine internal failures stand out as expensive pitfalls on higher-mileage examples.
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure and Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid, Transmission slipping or shuddering, Check engine light with transmission codes, Engine coolant loss without visible leaks
Fix: The internal transmission oil cooler in the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Requires radiator replacement, transmission flush with multiple filter changes, sometimes full transmission overhaul if contamination circulated too long. Expect 8-12 hours labor depending on transmission damage extent.
Estimated cost: $1,200-3,500
2.0L Turbo Piston Ring Failure and Oil Consumption
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart per 1,000 miles or worse), Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Spark plug fouling, Loss of power and misfires
Fix: Piston ring land cracking or carbon buildup leads to ring failure. No bandaid fix exists—requires full engine teardown with piston and ring replacement at minimum, often full short block if cylinder walls are scored. 20-30 hours labor for proper rebuild or replacement.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking on acceleration or deceleration, Excessive driveline vibration, Visible engine movement when shifting, Harsh engagement into gear
Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount deteriorates and collapses, causing excessive powertrain movement. Straightforward replacement but requires raising the engine slightly. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Fuel System Contamination from In-Tank Filter Deterioration
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when hot, Intermittent stalling or stumbling, Fuel pump noise, Check engine light with fuel trim or pressure codes
Fix: The in-tank fuel filter sock deteriorates and clogs the pump, or the pump itself fails from contamination. Requires fuel tank drop, pump assembly replacement, and sometimes fuel injector cleaning. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Failure (All Engines)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with misfire codes, Rough idle, Hesitation or stumbling under load, Poor fuel economy
Fix: Ignition coils fail individually or in multiples, especially on turbo models. Replace all four coils and plugs as a set to prevent comebacks. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Head Gasket Failure (2.4L Non-Turbo)
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss without visible leaks, Overheating, Oil contamination with coolant (milky oil cap), Bubbling in coolant reservoir
Fix: The 2.4L Ecotec can develop head gasket leaks, often between cylinders 2 and 3. Requires cylinder head removal, machining, and gasket replacement. Always check for head warpage. 10-14 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,200
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid color religiously—any pink tint means immediate cooler failure action needed to save the trans
On 2.0T models, monitor oil consumption closely starting at 60k miles; catching ring failure early can prevent cylinder damage
Replace transmission mount proactively at 60k-70k miles to prevent secondary damage to axles and subframe
Use TOP TIER fuel exclusively; these direct-injection engines are sensitive to carbon buildup and fuel quality
The 2.4L non-turbo is a safer used bet, but both engines share the transmission cooler grenade risk—budget $1,500-2,000 for deferred maintenance on any used example and walk away from 2.0T motors with oil consumption history.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required for turbo model; located in trunk on passenger side
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Every control module on the 2012-2017 Buick Verano — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Behind rear bumper cover, center area, mounted to bumper reinforcement
🔧 GM MDI or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Optional equipment; sensor calibration may be required after replacement
Radio / IntelliLink Infotainment Control Module (RDO)1.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center stack, integrated with touchscreen display (2013+ IntelliLink models)
🔧 GM MDI or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ 2012 uses standard radio; 2013+ IntelliLink may require theft deterrent relearn; VIN may auto-configure
Instrument Panel Cluster / Driver Information Center (IPC)0.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument cluster lens, accessible after removing cluster trim bezel
🔧 GM SPS2 via MDI or J2534
⚠️ Mileage programming required; VIN and option configuration required
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind left headlamp assembly, mounted to headlamp housing (HID-equipped models)
🔧 GM MDI or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Only on HID-equipped models; auto-leveling calibration may be required
Seat Control Module (SCM)0.6 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Under driver seat, mounted to seat frame (power seat equipped models)
⚠️ Optional equipment; controls power seat and memory functions; typically plug-and-play
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVC)0.5 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Integrated into rear trunk lid handle assembly
⚠️ Optional equipment; plug-and-play replacement; calibration lines displayed by radio module
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2017 Buick Verano 2.0L Turbo I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.