What 204 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Buick Lacrosse Hybrid

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 life was in danger driving it because of the lack of handling and the acceleration shifts that were so random. So I returned home, as I pulled into the yard the vehicle jerked hard while I was attempting turn into the driveway causing me to hit my mailbox and damaged the side fender and front bumper. no one was injured but the car was damaged as stated before and I'm scared to drive it anywhere. The unpredictable behavior displayed in the vehicle puts other drivers at risk as well because I can't control the vehicle properly. so I'm guessing all in all its a malfunction somewhere in the electrical system. I have read about recalls in my type of vehicle involving the ESC and it appears to be what is happening with mine. As of now it sits in my driveway I need a remedy and fast because that was my only source of transportation and I'm a single mother of four with a lot to take of and no way to do it.

NHTSA ODI 11697783

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 did before or issue me a newer vehicle. Please help me

NHTSA ODI 11661496

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 ODI 11652672

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 turning back on. I’ve been stuck and had to jump it more times than I can possibly count due to it not starting or going in the battery saver mode. I’ve noticed a weird odor that smells like burning wires. I’ve owned this car for 3 years and have had these same problems with it since the day I bought it. I’m at the point now where I don’t even drive it unless absolutely necessary because I’m afraid it will shut down or cause an accident. The power steering is always first to shut down and on various occasions, I almost hit someone or something trying to steer off the road. I chose todays date as the “incident occur” date but this has been an ongoing issue since the purchase.

NHTSA ODI 11631970

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 it! The check engine light is not on when flashing not reads when I check it just stability lights! The car has been doing this for months now! I’ve read that this is an issue with other Buicks like mines. Please help get this issue resolved the proper way! Also the security comes on when the car does that

NHTSA ODI 11617033

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 ODI 11611909

while driving the Electronic Stability Control warning light comes on and the car loses power.

NHTSA ODI 11610188

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 ODI 11594624

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 vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a severe electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ODI 11585309

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 failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ODI 11526040

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 ODI 11494896

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 was completely burned. It was a clear and mild summer day. And the car was travelling at relatively low speed on a local street, nothing unusual until the car suddenly started to smell, smoke, and burn. From the first burning smell to the car fire it took only a few minutes. The fire department investigation report states that the origin of the fire was "Left front of the engine compartment behind the left headlight and before the battery", and " the most likely cause was an electrical failure." I am the original owner of the car. It had been regularly maintained. The car had about 87,750 miles. It had not been involved in any accident.

NHTSA ODI 11490329

Stability control light keeps coming on the car shut downs in the middle of the road or it won’t start I called Buick they say there is no recall but it shows on the NHTSA site 2012 Buick has a improperly calibrated faulty electric stabilitrack ESC campaign ID Number 11v404000 so I don’t under stand why my car can’t be fixed this very dangerous for me an my kids it they won’t even look at my car

NHTSA ODI 11475859

I have been dealing with this problem for over 7 months now. My Buick Lacrosse '12, while driving it (doesn't matter the speed) all of the suddent it starts locking and unlocking, immediately after the speed drops and the car comes to a complete stop. I have little children that ride with me in the car- while driving on the interstate this is a HUGE LIFE HAZARD, because I can't control when the car stops. I have taken it to multiple shops, non a single one of them can find anything wrong. No codes come up when they check for it. This is beyond frustrating. I see other Buicks have been recalled due to this issues. PLEASE HELP!! I am seriously concerned that me and my family could have a fatal accident because my car stops on the interstate with out warning. My name is [XXX], my husband is [XXX]- contact cell [XXX]. Address: [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11471805

While driving stability trac, check engine light flashed and rpm, and speed gauges start going haywire. The car loses power even while accelerating, the steering wheel locks and car stalls. Then after 15-30 minutes the car starts fine and drives. Has happened at least 8 times. Took it to Buick dealer who ran diagnostic but unable to recreate codes but acknowledged a problem. Supposedly fixed it only to return the car a few days later. This is quite scary and dangerous as it happens without warning and while driving. Thankfully I wasn't on the expressway when it happened because all steering, power and brake function is lost.

NHTSA ODI 11469478

The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while at a standstill, the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V173000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

NHTSA ODI 11437230

The contact's niece owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the battery warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel as the vehicle would stall. The "service battery charging system" warning message would also appear on the instrument panel as the vehicle would fail to restart. The contact was able to assist his niece by towing the vehicle to his home and replacing the battery; however, the same failure occurred soon after replacement. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V173000 (Electrical System) however, upon contacting the manufacturer, he discovered that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA ODI 11427871

A message popped up on my dash that said service charging system right before it died and I haven't been able to get it running since cause the 12v battery keeps draining and when I charge the battery separately then reinstall it and start the vehicle I can smell something burning from an unknown place

NHTSA ODI 11424574

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, CRANKS UP WHEN THE KEY IS IN THE IGNITION AND THERE IS A SWISHING NOISE AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO J M JACKSON CHEVROLET BUICK (18996 US-84, ANDALUSIA, AL 36421) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11414930

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO MY HOUSE AN MY CAR STARTED ACTING FUNNY. WHILE DRIVING RANDOMLY 2 LIGHTS CAME ON SAYING SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST AND SERVICE STABILI TRACK. IT BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO STEER, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKES STOPPED WORKING AND IT CUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN I CUT IT BACK ON IT HAD THE FOLLOWING WARNING LIGHTS; SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST, SERVICE STABILI TRACK. I ALMOST DIED AND MY GIRL HAD TO PAY FOR A TOW TRUCK FOR ME TO GET HOME AND I WAS RIGHT UP THE STREET. I FEEL LIKE IT DANGEROUS AND WHEN I TOLD GMC THEY SAID ITS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. IT IS SEVERAL RECALLS WITH VEHICLES JUST LIKE MINE THAT ARE THE SAME YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS BUT THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME. MY CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND I CAN NOT AFFORD TO GET ALL THE THINGS FIXED THAT WERE RECALLS. I AM IMMOBILE AND IT IS CAUSING HARM TO ME FINANCIALLY. I TRUSTED GMC AND I FEEL LIKE THEY SHOULD DO RIGHT BY CONSUMERS.

NHTSA ODI 11407161

WHILE GOING AROUND CURVES THE ENGINE LOST POWER SEVERAL TIME. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, POWER STEERING FAILED, POWER BRAKES FAILED AND ENGINE RESTARTED ON ITS OWN AFTER A FEW SECONDS.

NHTSA ODI 11400310

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED HE STOPPED THE VEHICLE BY CRASHING INTO A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V173000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.

NHTSA ODI 11400342

MY VEHICLE KEEPS DYING AND MECHANIC SAID THAT ITS MY GENERATOR CONTROL I SEE THIS YEAR HAS RECALL BUT WHY IS MY VEHICLE NOT COVERED, STARTED HAPPING MONTHS AGO

NHTSA ODI 11395703

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE LOW BATTERY SERVICE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON HIS OWN INSPECTION, HE ATTACHED THE VEHICLE TO A CODE READER AND NO DEFECTS WERE DISCOVERED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V173000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,800.

NHTSA ODI 11374253

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT BOOSTED THE BATTERY AND DROVE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE WARNING LIGHT DISAPPEARED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN WITH THE SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER BOYFRIEND'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT AN UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED 2 WEEKS LATER, THE SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER HILEY BUICK GMC OF FORT WORTH LOCATED AT 3535 W LOOP 820 S, FORT WORTH, TX 76116, (817) 349-6235, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING A GENERATOR MODULE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V173000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,460.

NHTSA ODI 11355222