2013 Buick Lacrosse recalls and problems

The 2013 Buick Lacrosse has 4 safety recalls and 130 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buick dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
130
Crashes / fires
5 / 3
Injuries / deaths
5 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Buick Lacrosse recalls

Recall 21V-633: Suspension

Reported Aug 12, 2021 · 32,894 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-764: Suspension

Reported Dec 21, 2020 · 220,006 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 13V-173: Electrical System

Reported May 6, 2013 · 42,904 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 13V-097: Electrical System, Power Train

Reported Mar 15, 2013 · 26,582 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2013 Buick Lacrosse problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System55
Engine31
Suspension27
Steering24
Power Train12
Unknown or Other9
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Air Bags5
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)5
Structure4
Service Brakes4
Seats3

Most reported parts

  • Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
  • Structure › Body › Hood — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Oil Cooler — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 59,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Buick Lacrosse complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Oct 22, 2026
2013 Buick Lacrosse hybrid, campaign #13136, NHTSA 13V173000. Intermittent Battey light illumination Service Charging System warning. battery voltage drops until loss of power. After car setr for a period of time, when started Battery voltage is approximately 14.5 volts until the battery light illuminates Service Charging System warning is indicated then the battery voltage slowly until the voltage drops so low it quits.
Electrical System · at 221,855 miles · reported Aug 17, 2026
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 was 221,855.
Electrical System · at 76,490 miles · reported Jul 15, 2026
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 the passenger’s side rear wheel bearing had fractured, and the passenger’s side rear wheel bearing and hub assembly…
Engine · reported Aug 26, 2025
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…
Electrical System · reported Jul 26, 2025
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

Other Buick Lacrosse years

Compare all Buick Lacrosse years · All Buick models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse: 21V-633 (suspension), 20V-764 (suspension), 13V-173 (electrical system), 13V-097 (electrical system, power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Buick Lacrosse?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (55 reports), followed by engine (31). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 59,000 miles.

Are Buick recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buick dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.