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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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
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.