What 128 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Buick Lacrosse Hybrid

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 were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and the ignition key became stuck in the ignition switch. The contact jump-started the vehicle, which released the ignition key from the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed back to Piedmont Tire & Auto, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then diagnosed with an electrical shorted starter and blown main fuses. The starter and the main fuse assembly were replaced; however, the failure recurred weeks later. The vehicle was again towed to Piedmont Tire & Auto and was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact about unknown related recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 76,490.

NHTSA ODI 11750562

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 The Steering Angle Sensor and Clear The Codes With My Scan Tool My Steering Will Return. It Has No Specific Road Conditions, Speed, or Turns That Makes It Return, It Just Picks and Chooses When It Wants To Come On. I Checked All My Grounds, Wires, and Connectors For Corrosion or Other Damage. I Have Had An Alignment Twice and That Doesn’t Fix It Either. I Know This Same Issue Was A Recall On Other Models. Please Contact Me Back So My Issue Can Be Resolved. Thanks and Have A Blessed Day. I Have Been Trying Everything To Figure Out The Issue and My Car Has Been Sitting Since Mid December and She Only Has 94310 Miles On My Buick.

NHTSA ODI 11741241

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*

NHTSA ODI 11683040

I lost all steering control and lost control

NHTSA ODI 11676991

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 ODI 11676340

My vehicles steering column locked up and I could not turn left this issue was recalled on other similar year make and models but my VIN number was excluded from the recall. I can not get a replacement part for it as the part is on back order in the meantime I can not drive this vehicle and have no recourse. I am seeking to get the manufacturer to produce the needed part so I can purchase and install it but they will not tell me when I can expect it it's been over a month and I can drive my car. How can I get some assistance in this matter. Please advise. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11664678

Power steering locked up. GMC Vacaville ran a scan and confirmed C055C steering gear performance malfunction. There has been a recall on this issue and we are being told our VIN is not a part of the recall. The car has 119489 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11661317

On May 7th, I was informed the cause of load roaring noise was due to the failure of 2 front wheel bearing. After the work was completed I was informed both rear wheel bearings would need to be replaced. Four wheel bearings failed simultaneously. Yes the car is parked at the dealership and available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Potential for Accidents: Wheel Disengagement: The Buick dealership technician confirmed four wheel bearing needed to be replaced at the same time. One bad bearing would allow me the driver to possibly control the car until it is safely out of traffic. Four failed wheel bearings could cause the driver to lose all control of the vehicle and or the wheels to disengage from the vehicle which has the potential for serious injury or death. A disengaged wheel could fly off and cause harm to other drivers or pedestrians, or the driver themselves could lose control and crash. Yes, the service department at the Buick dealer confirmed four wheel bearings failed on May 7th. Yes I received another inspection from an independent auto repair servicer. No the vehicle has routine maintenance and a state inspection without any warnings of the need for four new wheel bearings.

NHTSA ODI 11660643

The bolt that secures the Serpentine belt tensioner unit to the motor block has repeatedly snapped apart leaving the tensioner unit to dangle from the block. Not secured, which causes the belt to dislodge or break (both have happened) the spring is left to flail about as is the tensioner unit since it is no longer connected to the engine block. Not to say where the other half of the bolt could end up. So far each time it snaps in half the other half remains in the block. But the unit is no longer secured to the block. While driving when this occurs makes controling the vehichle unsafe. It loses power and or surges at will. A hope to make it to the side of the road without crashing or causing a crash is an issue. I cannot afford a repair establishment, a family member does my repairs. ... There has been no other inspection of the issue. As for warning lights. No. Everything is fine until the unit is jiggled away from the block after the bolt snaps in half. The force of the tensioner unit action (im assuming) is too much for the bolt - causing it to snap in two. It has occurred 2 times the second was the beginning of Feb 2025 and the first about 9 to 10 months earlier in 2024. The belt has also broken off before but the unit remained attatched to the block that time. I did see on youtube that others have had the bolt snap. Like it is not strong enough for the job it has to perform. Hope u can help

NHTSA ODI 11642962

The contact's mother owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while her mother was driving approximately 55 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that her mother drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was able to retrieve a DTC fault related to a power steering assist failure. The mechanic informed the contact's mother that he was unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11642291

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 were causing the failure. A new battery was installed, and the radiator support was cleaned; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer however, the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA ODI 11637308

Power Steering Went out while I was on the Highway. It was all of a sudden, and I had been driving on the highway for at least 2 hours. This caused my steering to be not as controlled, and could have caused a wreck if driving by a less advance and experienced driver. The only time the warning lamp came on was the minute it happened, and when completely out. I had to drive on the highway over an icy pass for another 45 minutes. It was very difficult and stressful. It thankfully did not cause any accidents, or other damage that I am aware of.

NHTSA ODI 11629007

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 dealer; however, the contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to another dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a low voltage Hybrid battery. The contact was informed that the Hybrid battery needed to be replaced to perform a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact contacted a Chevrolet dealer by phone and was informed that the Hybrid battery was no longer in production. The contact stated that the failure had occurred in February 2024, however, the independent mechanic had provided a temporary fix. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the battery was no longer covered under warranty. The contact was informed that the battery had exceeded the warranty period. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ODI 11628668

Failed component is the passenger airbag presence module. Failure of the presence module compromises the deployment of airbags. Failure of airbag confirmed by Vetter-McGill Chevrolet, Three Rivers, Michigan. Module component failure confirmed by Chevrolet dealer. Passenger airbag warning light prompted appointment with Chevrolet dealer to determine why the passenger airbag warning light was illuminated. Upon inspection and testing,Vetter-McGill determined the passenger airbag presence module failed, rendering the airbags inoperative. They also stated that replacement part is no longer available from GM due to its manufacture being discontinued. How is an auto manufacturer allowed to discontinue a vital safety component, rendering the vehicle undriveable due to potential risk of serious injury, or worse, in the event of a collision?

NHTSA ODI 11607133

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 to be replaced. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

NHTSA ODI 11596261

Battery light on no power charging 12v battery from hybdrid

NHTSA ODI 11583222

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 ODI 11580275

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 ODI 11544068

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 ODI 11538009

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 ODI 11530007

I went to have this issue taken care of over 3 time and the repair shop gave me a hassle everytime now the car is gifted to my 16 year daughter and I would like for her to drive safely please help Safety Risk A rear toe link fracture may reduce the ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Dealers will replace rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners.

NHTSA ODI 11526633

The first time this happened the power steering service warning light came on after I started the car. I was unable to move or steer the car. After about an hour, I started the car and the light did not come on and the car could be driven. About 2 days later, the same thing happened but the light stayed on. The car was towed to the dealership and after an evaluation it was determined that the steering gear/rack and pinion assembly had to be replaced. (See the uploaded invoice from Thompson Automotive Group and photos of the parts that were replaced.) The car is a 2013 that I purchased in August 2020. The original mileage at that time was 600 miles. When the incident occurred with the power steering, the car had been driven 44,571 miles. The car was purchased from a private owner so there was no warranty, but even without a warranty this type of failure should not have occurred when the car had been driven less than 50,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11523789

The contact’s wife owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that on several occasions while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle lunged forward and the engine stalled; however, after releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and then lunged forward. The contact stated that the engine engaged at low speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the main drive belt and valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover needed to be tightened but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,907.

NHTSA ODI 11495509

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 an electrical failure within the vehicle. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

NHTSA ODI 11487031

Our family was returning home after a trip out of town and as we were pulling into the driveway going less than 5mph the power steering goes out. However, indicator power steering light was already on from a similar issue reported previously where I was traveling in the city limits going 55-60 mph which was fixed by a non gmc dealer about a year ago. Current mileage 100,000 and first initial incident occurred at 77,000 miles. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Additionally, my engine check light came on last month and my vehicle service codes eluded to a short in the electrical system causing vehicle to intermittently lose power. The service check light comes off and on at will depending on the day which is a hazard because it can pose a risk to safety at any time coupled with the steering issue equals danger danger. The electrical system service codes were diagnosed by a non gmc dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11467598