Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Buick Lacrosse problems

Owners filed 130 complaints about the 2013 Buick Lacrosse with NHTSA between Feb 2013 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (55).

Complaints
130
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system55
  2. Engine31
  3. Suspension27
  4. Steering24
  5. Power train12
  6. Fuel/propulsion system8
  7. Air bags5
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)5
  9. Service brakes4
  10. Structure4
  11. Visibility/wiper3
  12. Seats3
  13. Vehicle speed control2
  14. Wheels2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20139
20145
20153
20168
201715
201811
201912
20207
202129
20227
20235
20246
20259
20264

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

55 reports3 fires1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11772883

Engine

31 reports
“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,;…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2025Unknown or other, EngineODI 11683040

Suspension

27 reports1 crash3 related recalls
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 13, 2025SuspensionODI 11660643

Steering

24 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 1, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11741241

Power train

12 reports1 related recall
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11676340

Fuel/propulsion system

8 reports
“MY CAR CUTS OFF AND GIVES WARNING OF BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE WHEN I SLOW TO STOP AT RED LIGHTS OR TURN IN MY DRIVEWAY.. I'VE CHANGED THE BELT AND IT'S STILL DOING IT. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2017 AND I AM CONCERNED THAT MAYBE THE RECALL WASNT CHANGED FOR EASSIST COMPONENTS. I HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD. I CANT STEARNS MY CAR BECAUSE IT'S TOO HARD WHEN ENGINE KILLS. IT ITS VERY DANGEROUS AND SOMETHING MAJOR IS WRONG.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 22, 2020Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11350734
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.