2012 Buick Lacrosse electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 13V173000May 6, 201342,904 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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.

  Risk: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 17, 2026MOElectrical System

   **Subject:** Formal Safety Defect Complaint: Premature Failure of Completed Recall Remedy (NHTSA Campaign 13V173000 / GM Recall 13136) Resulting in Sudden Loss of Power Steering **VEHICLE INFORMATION** * **Year/Make/Model:** 2012 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid (eAssist) * **VIN:** [XXX] * **Current Mileage:** [Insert Current Mileage] **DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY DEFECT & INCIDENT** This vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign 13V173000 to resolve an inherent defect in the…

   NHTSA complaint #11765050 · source
2. Filed Nov 5, 2025MSCrashElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   during a regular drive the check stabiltrack system message popped up on the dash in the middle circle and then the little car with the squiggly lines behind it popped up and the check engine light came on and started blinking. Immediately I noticed lack of steering control, the car's speed was accelerating and decelerating on its own, jerking and stalling also was observed. As of now the car sits in my driveway because I don't trust the safety of it. I literally feared my…

   NHTSA complaint #11697783 · source
3. Filed May 16, 2025MDElectrical System

   My 2012 Buick Lacrosse had a recall for Loss control generator control module, The recall was fixed, but recently my car shut off in the middle of the highway for the same issue. The vehicle was towed to the GM Buick Dealer and they quoted me $7, 525.00 for the part because it is an after market part and maybe currently unavailable. This is a safety issue and I could have been hurt. The car has malfunctioned due there recall issue and I feel they should fix the issue as they…

   NHTSA complaint #11661496 · source
4. Filed Apr 3, 2025ALElectrical SystemSeats & Seat BeltsAcceleration & Cruise Control

   Improperly calibrated Stabilitrak ESC system. Accelerator pedal position sensors 1-2 5v reference 3 circuit Heated oxygen 2 sensor Car is losing power and esc light is on along with check engine light

   NHTSA complaint #11652672 · source
5. Filed Dec 21, 2024PAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   I’m experiencing issues that seem to align with the gcm recall despite my vehicle supposedly being fixed for this recall prior to my purchase of it. I cannot run the heat with the headlights or various combinations of things that would otherwise be normal because the battery will drain within 30 minutes, resulting in the car to going into “battery saver mode” where each system begins to power off one by one which ends with the car losing speed and just turning off and not…

   NHTSA complaint #11631970 · source
6. Filed Sep 28, 2024LAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   I was not in a car accident! Hoping not to be just want to report this issue.Car kills in mid driving stability track comes on flashing checking engine with stability light and track system light as well! leaves me stranded in the middle of wherever I am! Stability light comes on car will not start back up . It’s takes a while to start back up! Having kids in the car with this issue is a major problem! I have several videos of the car doing it and will try to keep track of…

   NHTSA complaint #11617033 · source
7. Filed Aug 31, 2024NYElectrical System

   My 2012 Buick lacrosse died while driving putting me and my children at risk. Vehicle was then jumped but battery voltage kept decreasing. It says service batter charging. Took to mechanic they said all electric components say low voltage then had battery replaced to see if that would fix it but it did not and I was told it would need to go to dealership to have all parts replaced which is 4k+. Did research and it may relate to the electrical recall made on the cars in 2013.

   NHTSA complaint #11611909 · source
8. Filed Jun 16, 2024TXElectrical System

   Hello my car is stalling out and the stabilìtrak lights comes on with trak symbol. Car does not crank back up until the next day.. it keeps doing this after several days. Im scared to drive this car with the stalling when driving it... PLEASE help me fix this problem.

   NHTSA complaint #11594624 · source
9. Filed Apr 25, 202495,000 miMDElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the park assists, and several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the RPM was elevated. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring and persistent for several years; however, the dealer had not been able to duplicate the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11585309 · source
10. Filed Jun 8, 2023122,000 miDCDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off with the stabili-trak warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two separate dealers and the contact was informed that the computer and the wiring harness needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V40400 (Electronic Stability Control) that he linked to the failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the…

    NHTSA complaint #11526040 · source
11. Filed Nov 25, 2022OHElectrical SystemEngine

    The charging system in my vehicle is no longer working. There's been a recall done for the charging system. It was fixed back in 2013 before long before I bought the vehicle. It's only been nine years since it's been fixed and now it's not working again. I'd like this matter to be looked into as I believe it's faulty at no fault of my own.

    NHTSA complaint #11494896 · source
12. Filed Oct 21, 2022NJFireElectrical System

    I was driving the LaCrosse in my neighborhood. A few minutes into the trip, I noticed a burning kind of smell. Then I saw smoke coming from the left side under the hood. I pulled over to the side of the road and exited the car to check, but the smoke quickly got worse and became flames. I then called 911.The police and fire department responded, and they were able to extinguish the fire. However, the front part of the car including the hood area and the passenger compartment…

    NHTSA complaint #11490329 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology