2013 Buick Lacrosse: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Buick Lacrosse: 5 recalls, 129 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #13V097000 · 2013 · 26,582 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it May increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The 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 Vehicle recall #13V173000 · 2013 · 42,904 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #20V764000 · 2020 · 220,006 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A rear toe link fracture May reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V633000 · 2021 · 32,894 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A rear toe link fracture May reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V00F000 · 2021 · 4,271 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A rear toe link fracture May reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (54): the most common themes are electrical failure (30), warning light on (16), stalls / loses power (14).
- Engine (30): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (9), warning light on (9), electrical failure (8).
- Suspension (27): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (24): the most common themes are steering problems (22), warning light on (7).
The 2013 Buick Lacrosse has 129 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 15 Lacrosse model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 141). Complaints peaked in 2021 (29 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 58,999 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (206 complaints, 5 recalls), 2014 (63 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2013 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Buick Lacrosse problems?
Owners have filed 129 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (54), engine (30), suspension (27).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Buick Lacrosse get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Buick Lacrosse repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.