2013 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.

• Recall 13V097000Mar 15, 201326,582 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  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.

  Risk: If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 17, 2026221,855 miOKElectrical System

   Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Buick LaCrosse on March 3, 2024. The vehicle was purchased from the dealer. The odometer was reported at 118,000 during the sale. The vehicle was recently taken to an independent mechanic for service. The contact was provided with an auto report in which the latest odometer reading was reported in October 2023 at 115,670. The independent mechanic checked the hard drive. The contact was informed that the correct odometer reading…

   NHTSA complaint #11757506 · source
2. Filed Jul 15, 202676,490 miVATowedElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced starting failures and was taken to Piedmont Tire & Auto, where the battery was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and felt like the vehicle had struck a bump, and the steering locked up. The vehicle was taken back to Piedmont Tire & Auto, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS wheel speed sensor ring on…

   NHTSA complaint #11750562 · source
3. Filed Jun 1, 2026PAElectrical SystemSteering

   My vehicles started experiencing a Service Power Steering Code and Service Stabilitrak warning after I Replaced my Sway Bar Bushings and Sway Bar Links and Started Giving Me A Code On My Scan Tool Of CO55C:00, and Lost Of Communication With Electronic Brake Module(UO121:00) Code. I Also Have A Multi-Axis Acceleration Sensor Code. Power Steering Module, When I Disconnect my Battery Completely It May Delete Itself and my Steering Sometimes Returns, but If I Relearn/Recalibrate…

   NHTSA complaint #11741241 · source
4. Filed Jul 26, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11676340 · source
5. Filed Jan 21, 202574,000 miUTElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the display screen failed to respond. No warning light was illuminated. The following day the contact adjusted the mirrors and attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact waited for several minutes, and the vehicle started. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, that the knob on the driver's side view mirror and key immobilizer…

   NHTSA complaint #11637308 · source
6. Filed Dec 3, 202479,000 miWITowedElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the steering seized. In addition, the contact stated that a warning indicated a low voltage and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled in the middle of a busy road. The contact called the Police to assist with moving the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to a local…

   NHTSA complaint #11628668 · source
7. Filed Jun 24, 2024146,000 miMOElectrical SystemSuspension

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11596261 · source
8. Filed Mar 31, 2024FLElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The "auto stop" on my car, when I was at stoplights or stop signs, would not automatically restart. The engine failed to start again when stopped in "idle"..

   NHTSA complaint #11580275 · source
9. Filed Sep 12, 2023AZBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11544068 · source
10. Filed Aug 11, 2023SCElectrical SystemEngine

    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

    NHTSA complaint #11538009 · source
11. Filed Jul 2, 2023MOElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering

    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

    NHTSA complaint #11530007 · source
12. Filed Sep 29, 2022151,000 miTXTowedElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose motive power as the parking assist warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact's daughter also stated that the vehicle had lunged forward prior to losing power. Additionally, the power locks had started to lock and unlock independently. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test discovered…

    NHTSA complaint #11487031 · 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