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2013 Buick Lacrosse Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Buick Lacrosse carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering automatic transmission and electrical system. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear suspension toe link fracture and recall parts delay.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #13V097000 · Mar 15, 2013

Issue: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #13V173000 · Jun 5, 2013

Issue: 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.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #20V764000 · Dec 21, 2020

Issue: 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.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #21V633000 · Dec 8, 2021

Issue: 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.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #21V00F000 · Dec 22, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 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 an improper amount of 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. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 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 N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Buick Lacrosse.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear suspension toe link fracture and recall parts delay

SUSPENSION

21 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2023-06

“The contact owns a 2013 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11447064
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BANGING SOUND DETECTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V764000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413174
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526633

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Serpentine drive belt failure

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 → 2025-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642962
“MY VEHICLE'S DRIVE BELT WAS REPLACED AT 4244 MILES AND AT 58,863 MILES ON 02/16/16/16. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE 102 MILES BEFORE THAT DRIVE BELT BROKE AGAIN CAUSING ME TO ABRUPTLY STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10838149
“MY DRIVE BELT BROKE AT 4244 MILES AND WAS COVERED BY GM. IT BROKE AGAIN AT 58K MILES AND GM IS REFUSING TO COVER STATING NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10836221

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering assist failure

STEERING

24 NHTSA complaints · 2013-02 → 2026-06

“ON 8-6-2020, (ABOUT 11 AM) WHILE DRIVING (ABOUT 70MPH) NORTH ON I43 IN EASTERN WISCONSIN, AT A POINT NORTH OF SHEBOYGAN, THE MESSAGE 'SERVICE POWER STEERING' APPEARED ON THE DASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350973
“2013 BUICK LACROSSE - POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING WHILE MY 19-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH! STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11267837
“NEAR THE FLORIDA-GEORGIA ON NORTH INTERSTATE 75 I STOPPED AT A REST AREA.WHEN I STARTED THE AUTO AGAIN,I FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING LANE AND TO STRAIGHTEN THE CARS WHEELS TO EXIT THE AREA.I REALIZED THEN I LOST POWER STEERING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10585421

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Battery charging system failure and engine stall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

26 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2026-07

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11024010
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10537519
“SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT HAS COME ON, BATTERY LIGHT HAS COME ON SERVICE PARKING LIGHT HAS COME ON. CAR MAKES A WHINING SOUND WHEN THE ENGINE RESTARTS AFTER AUTO STOP MODE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350873

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag system malfunction

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-06 → 2024-08

“Failed component is the passenger airbag presence module. Failure of the presence module compromises the deployment of airbags”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607133
“I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION ON THE FRWY GOING 63MILS PER HR. MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. THIS CAR HAS 6 AIRBAGS "STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES"WHICH NONE OF THE 6 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11435477
“PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM APPEARS TO BE TOO SENSITIVE. OWNERS MANUAL STATES THAT THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DETECT ADULT SIZED PASSENGERS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10520736

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle rollaway after push-button ignition shutoff

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2016-08

“MY MOTHER HAD STOPPED HER CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY . THE MOTOR WAS STILL RUNNING . SHE REACHED OVER INSIDE THE CAR AND PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON TO STOP THE MOTOR ( WHILE STANDING OUTSIDE THE CAR )THE CAR ROLLED BACK PULLING HER UNDER IT RUNNING HER OVER AND KILLED HER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10893734
“CAR WAS PARKED ON DRIVEWAY, DRIVER DOOR WAS OPEN, DRIVER LEANED INTO CAR AND SHUT OFF CAR ENGINE WITH PUSH BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH, VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY ROLLED BACK, OPEN DOOR KNOCKED DRIVER DOWN, AND WAS RUN OVER AND DIED AT HOSPITAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10629855

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

61 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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