2013 BUICK LACROSSE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
196
Owner Complaints
5
Recalls
90
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2013 BUICK LACROSSE
The 2013 BUICK LACROSSE has received a total of 196 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:REAR. 90 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (48 complaints), Engine (30 complaints), and Suspension (27 complaints).
Recalls for the 2013 BUICK LACROSSE
NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2013 BUICK LACROSSE, potentially affecting up to 379,821 vehicles.
Recall 21V00F000 — SUSPENSION:REAR
| 4,271 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 21V633000 — SUSPENSION:REAR
| 32,894 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 20V764000 — SUSPENSION:REAR
| 220,006 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 13V173000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 42,904 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V097000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
| 26,582 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V097000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
| 26,582 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V097000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 26,582 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2013 BUICK LACROSSE
196 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
Today is 8.26.2025, I took this car back and left it w/dealership: Let them figure it out! I told them 0ne month after purchase this car is constantly EMPTY with no/Oil. I should not be getting oil changes this often. "Oh, it just burns more Oil and you bought a USED car"...Months later I hear smalls sounds, engine light comes on, then goes away, smoke begans to continue spreading behind the BUMPER building a permanent black spot on bumper! It smells, from time to time, plus car feels sluggish when driving past 50mph almost SCARED it will cut off** Now, I gather my funds that I don't have to SPEND (CASH) no CREDITCARD and I proceed to BELLE TIRE! I am on file within their system. (Receipts) They do what they do... apparently no Leaks. But the car is burning too much oil!! too Fast! "Keep an Eye on your Levels"... hmmm* I also got a MAINTENANCE TUNE-UP on my next visit. So far roughly $2000 has been SPENT towards this VEHICLE (Buick). (New Battery also) plus AAA Cost *I have a Membership* Now time continues to move forward this car KNOCKING,CLOUDS of SMOKE, In the car, Outside the car, Around the Car, thru the vents, PULLING, STAHLING, KNOCKING, CLUNCK,CLUNCK,; EMBARASSING!!! My son and I, Oh no... *We the Meat Inside a Barbecue Grill* DROP OFF/ASAP (pulled over Called AAA). (7/24/2024 - 8/25/2025)Owned this car 1Yr!! I need a New Car they wont give me one...I made every monthly payment On time all by WESTERN UNION (receipts). I go into the same store each month 19th -22nd and PAY. They don't want to TRADE-IN either*
Today is 8.26.2025, I took this car back and left it w/dealership: Let them figure it out! I told them 0ne month after purchase this car is constantly EMPTY with no/Oil. I should not be getting oil changes this often. "Oh, it just burns more Oil and you bought a USED car"...Months later I hear smalls sounds, engine light comes on, then goes away, smoke begans to continue spreading behind the BUMPER building a permanent black spot on bumper! It smells, from time to time, plus car feels sluggish when driving past 50mph almost SCARED it will cut off** Now, I gather my funds that I don't have to SPEND (CASH) no CREDITCARD and I proceed to BELLE TIRE! I am on file within their system. (Receipts) They do what they do... apparently no Leaks. But the car is burning too much oil!! too Fast! "Keep an Eye on your Levels"... hmmm* I also got a MAINTENANCE TUNE-UP on my next visit. So far roughly $2000 has been SPENT towards this VEHICLE (Buick). (New Battery also) plus AAA Cost *I have a Membership* Now time continues to move forward this car KNOCKING,CLOUDS of SMOKE, In the car, Outside the car, Around the Car, thru the vents, PULLING, STAHLING, KNOCKING, CLUNCK,CLUNCK,; EMBARASSING!!! My son and I, Oh no... *We the Meat Inside a Barbecue Grill* DROP OFF/ASAP (pulled over Called AAA). (7/24/2024 - 8/25/2025)Owned this car 1Yr!! I need a New Car they wont give me one...I made every monthly payment On time all by WESTERN UNION (receipts). I go into the same store each month 19th -22nd and PAY. They don't want to TRADE-IN either*
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
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
Safety Rating for the 2013 BUICK LACROSSE
The 2013 BUICK LACROSSE received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 BUICK LACROSSE
General Motors, LLC has issued 90 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
PIT4261G — TIRES:SIDEWALL
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles with tire sidewall irregularities. This is a visual condition that will not affect durability, reliability or performance of the tires. Dealer should communicate to the customer that slight sidewall indentations are a common characteristic of radial tire construction.
PIC4996C — BACK OVER PREVENTION
This PI offers diagnostic tips to a technician when diagnosing a possible fuel level sensor concern. The tech is advised to ohm test the sensor at the terminals located on top of the fuel module while performing a sweep test. If the test fails the technician is instructed to replace...
PI1190B — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
This preliminary bulletin provides a procedure to replace the sunroof sunshade if it binds or doesn't retract properly.
030089006P — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This informational bulletin provides the dealership with how to prep a vehicle for delivery to the customer to aid in higher CSi scores.
PIC5520X — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the eAssist Drive Motor Generator Battery Powerpack are no longer on restriction and does not require a call to General Motors Technical Assistance Center. Dealer can contact Battery Service Center in the United States or the Electronic Service Center in Canada to...
PIP-5394 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THAT THE EASSIST DRIVE MOTOR GENERATOR BATTERY SECTION ARE NO LONGER ON RESTRICTION AND DOES NOT REQUIRE GENERAL MOTORS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER CASE NUMBER.
PIP4992C — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician some vehicles may have a drive motor generator, battery control module and cooling fan may become inoperative due to low system voltage. There may have been a charging system message, battery warning lamp or service hybrid system message displayed and may...
PIP5257 — ENGINE
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ON THE STEPS TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE OIL MIXED IN WITH THE ENGINE COOLANT. TECHNICIAN WILL NEED TO INSPECT THE OIL COOLER IF EQUIPPED FOR POSSIBLE LEAKING INTO THE COOLING SYSTEM THROUGH THE RADIATOR. IF NO ISSUE...
PIC5656E — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have driver and passenger temperatures settings are displayed in Celsius or the outside ambient temperature is missing from the radio / Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning display. Technician will need to use a scan tool to check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes...
PI1521 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This preliminary informational bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of loss of power steering assist, hard to steer, and/or "Service Power Steering" message on in DIC.
Showing 10 of 90 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 BUICK LACROSSE
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2013 BUICK LACROSSE.
Investigation RQ13003 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY Closed
Opened:
Generator Control Module Fires
Other Model Years of the BUICK LACROSSE
- 2008 BUICK LACROSSE — 343 complaints
- 2009 BUICK LACROSSE — 146 complaints
- 2010 BUICK LACROSSE — 275 complaints
- 2011 BUICK LACROSSE — 241 complaints
- 2012 BUICK LACROSSE — 297 complaints
- 2013 BUICK LACROSSE (current)
- 2014 BUICK LACROSSE — 89 complaints
- 2015 BUICK LACROSSE — 54 complaints
- 2016 BUICK LACROSSE — 54 complaints
- 2017 BUICK LACROSSE — 41 complaints
- 2018 BUICK LACROSSE — 19 complaints
Other BUICK Models
- BUICK LESABRE — 4,864 total complaints
- BUICK REGAL — 4,444 total complaints
- BUICK ENCLAVE — 3,194 total complaints
- BUICK CENTURY — 2,393 total complaints
- BUICK PARK AVENUE — 1,880 total complaints
- BUICK RENDEZVOUS — 1,795 total complaints
- BUICK LUCERNE — 1,322 total complaints
- BUICK ENCORE — 846 total complaints