This page covers 5 recalls, 126 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse.
20–21 mpg combined
11.2–11.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2013 Buick LaCrosse, suspension and electrical issues account for the bulk of complaints, with steering problems close behind. Owners frequently describe suspension components failing or behaving abnormally, often accompanied by noise or handling changes. On the electrical side, reports cover a range of faults including warning lights, module malfunctions, and issues tied to the hybrid powertrain's control systems, owners note that the hybrid architecture can complicate diagnosis and repair. Steering complaints are a consistent thread, with multiple owners describing sudden loss of power steering assist or steering that locks up unexpectedly; a steering gear performance fault code appears in several of these reports. Oil consumption shows up across multiple complaints as well, with owners describing the engine burning through oil at a rate they consider excessive between normal service intervals.
126
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Buick LaCrosse has 5 recalls, the most serious affecting eAssist-equipped models, where a failing generator control module can drain the battery, stall the engine, and in some cases produce smoke or start a fire in the trunk.
The remaining four recalls split across two themes. Three involve the rear suspension: a rear toe link can fracture, pulling the affected wheel out of alignment and reducing the driver's ability to steer and control the vehicle, with crash risk as the result. These suspension recalls apply to vehicles sold or registered in certain Midwestern and Northeastern states where road salt and winter conditions accelerate corrosion. Because the same underlying defect prompted multiple filings, prior repair attempts may not have fully resolved the issue for all affected vehicles. On the software side, a separate recall covers a transmission software error that can unexpectedly cut engine braking, the natural slowing effect drivers rely on when lifting off the throttle, particularly on downhill grades, which can leave the vehicle moving faster than the driver expects.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear toe links may lack proper corrosion protection coating, causing it to become brittle and chip away when hit by road debris. Exposed metal corrodes over time, thinning the toe link until it fractures.
What the fix does
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear toe links may have excessive coating that becomes brittle and breaks when hit by road debris. Over time, the coating chips away, exposing the metal underneath to rust. Rust can thin and fracture the toe link.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and fasteners at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear toe links received excessive coating that becomes brittle and breaks away from road debris. As the coating chips off, the metal corrodes. Over time, corrosion can cause the toe link to thin and fracture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and fasteners at no cost. Parts are not yet available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Generator Control Module may not work properly, causing the battery to gradually lose charge and the check engine light to come on.
What the fix does
Dealers will test the Generator Control Module and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into Sport mode, which removes the engine braking effect that normally helps slow the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module at no cost to restore proper transmission operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
