2013 Buick Lacrosse: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 128 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (28% of complaints); the 2014 and 2015 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 128 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Well the belt tensioner and the hybrid motor Drive Motor Performance and Hybrid Power train Control Module Requested MIL Illumination Yes not just any mechanic can work on the car because of the hybrid system is to much voltage And the check engine light came on the car”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2025
“My vehicles steering column locked up and I could not turn left this issue was recalled on other similar year make and models but my VIN number was excluded from the recall. I can not get a replacement part for it as the part is on back order in the meantime I can not drive this vehicle and have no recourse. I am seeking to get the manufacturer to produce the needed part so I can purchase and install it but they will not tell me when I can expect it it's been over a month and I can drive my car. How can I get some assistance in this matter. Please advise. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2025
“The contact's mother owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while her mother was driving approximately 55 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that her mother drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was able to retrieve a DTC fault related to a power steering assist failure. The mechanic informed the contact's mother that he was unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Power steering locked up. GMC Vacaville ran a scan and confirmed C055C steering gear performance malfunction. There has been a recall on this issue and we are being told our VIN is not a part of the recall. The car has 119489 miles.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2025
“Power Steering Went out while I was on the Highway. It was all of a sudden, and I had been driving on the highway for at least 2 hours. This caused my steering to be not as controlled, and could have caused a wreck if driving by a less advance and experienced driver. The only time the warning lamp came on was the minute it happened, and when completely out. I had to drive on the highway over an icy pass for another 45 minutes. It was very difficult and stressful. It thankfully did not cause any accidents, or other damage that I am aware of.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2024
“The contact owned a 2013 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware of a failure with the suspension. The contact stated that front and rear ends of the vehicle were lowered, and the vehicle was drifting. Additionally, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failure with the suspension and electrical system which needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2024
“My breaks keep injecting off my 2013 Buick Lacrosse while driving, ruining my break calipers. Have gotten fixed 3 times. Car is currently not able to drive.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2023
“Stalls when going up hill or if I stop at stop light and then try to proceed it jerk and go fast and also the display goes out and restart”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2023
“Driveing on Hwy at 68 mph sudenly lost power stearing and all power to everything could not use windows or open doors cause could not unlock could not even turn hasard lights on very danerous”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2023
“I went to have this issue taken care of over 3 time and the repair shop gave me a hassle everytime now the car is gifted to my 16 year daughter and I would like for her to drive safely please help Safety Risk A rear toe link fracture may reduce the ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Dealers will replace rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick LaCrosse vehicles, manufactured between April 25, 2012, through March 6, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured between May 29, 2012, through February 18, 2013 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." A software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode removing any transmission-related engine braking effect.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2013. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. Buick owners may call 1-866-694-6546.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212330130.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Lacrosse by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Buick Lacrosse reliable?
NHTSA has 128 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse. The most complained-about area is electrical system (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Buick Lacrosse problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 59,000 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Buick Lacrosse have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.