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2013 Buick Lacrosse Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
54
Latest Jul 15, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
42%
of 128 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 Buick Lacrosse submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 54 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 54, in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Jul 15, 2026

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 ID
11750562
Incident
Sep 15, 2020
Mileage
76,490 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jun 1, 2026

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 ID
11741241
Incident
Dec 15, 2025
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 26, 2025

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 ID
11676340
Incident
Jul 24, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jan 21, 2025

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 ID
11637308
Incident
Dec 17, 2024
Mileage
74,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 3, 2024

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 ID
11628668
Incident
Nov 25, 2024
Mileage
79,000 mi
ElectricalSuspension
Filed Jun 24, 2024

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 ID
11596261
Incident
Jun 24, 2024
Mileage
146,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 16, 2024

Battery light on no power charging 12v battery from hybdrid

NHTSA ID
11583222
Incident
Jan 10, 2024
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 31, 2024

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 ID
11580275
Incident
Apr 9, 2022
BrakesElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 12, 2023

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 ID
11544068
Incident
Sep 12, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 11, 2023

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 ID
11538009
Incident
Aug 11, 2023
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jul 2, 2023

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 ID
11530007
Incident
Jun 30, 2023
Electrical
Filed Sep 29, 2022

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 ID
11487031
Incident
Sep 21, 2022
Mileage
151,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jun 5, 2022

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 ID
11467598
Incident
Jun 5, 2021
AirbagsElectricalSteering
Filed May 23, 2022

I was driving and service power steering message came on and all of a sudden my steering wheel got so hard i couldn't even turn my wheel it was so hard to pull over i put my hazard lights on so i could let traffic know im having trouble with my car it happened 3times the first time 2020 second time 2021 and 2022

NHTSA ID
11465675
Incident
Jun 29, 2020
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there were no compressions on the engine and cylinders due to a possible fractured timing chain and damaged valves. The dealer also informed the contact there was no oil in the engine; however, the contact had replaced the engine oil 2-3 weeks prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V173000 (Electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID
11460766
Incident
Aug 15, 2021
Mileage
88,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that after reversing out of the garage and parking in the driveway, turning the vehicle off and removing the ignition key however, approximately 30 minutes later the vehicle started independently. The ignition key had to be used to turn the engine off. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The contact indicated that the failure posed a severe carbon monoxide hazard. The failure mileage was 63,000.

NHTSA ID
11458286
Incident
Mar 19, 2022
Mileage
63,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 20, 2021

The climate control systems have stopped working. The temperature is locked to the last set temperature and blower zone (blowing lightly on feet only). It is available for inspection upon request. This is a significant safety issue as the climate control panel will not power on, affecting defrost for all windows. This is especially dangerous in Michigan during the winter months due to the need for defrost during spontaneous/lake effect snow. No defrost can cause significant visibility issues, which put the safety of the driver, passengers and others at risk. This malfunction also creates a safety issue because the vehicle is unable to be heated up properly when temperatures drop. This problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by an independent service center, nor has it been inspected by anyone. There were no warning lamps. My son (Ralph) has been helping me with this issue.

NHTSA ID
11444431
Incident
Jan 4, 2021
Electrical
Filed Nov 15, 2021

The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while approaching a traffic light, the vehicle was seized. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. The contact was able to drive back to the local dealer and had the battery replaced for a second time. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. The contact stated she experienced the failure a total of 4 times. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID
11440456
Incident
Aug 2, 2017
Mileage
35,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 22, 2021

2013 BUICK LACROSSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNPREDICTABLE POWER OUTAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE POWER WENT OUT THE KEYS WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION. WHEN THIS WOULD OCCUR THE CONSUMER WOULD REMOVE THE BATTERY CABLES FROM THE NEGATICE AND POSITIVE. THE CONSUMER THEN PUT THE NEGATIVE BACK IN THE BATTERY AND TAP THE POSTIVE CAUSING A SPARK TO RESET THE POWER.

NHTSA ID
11433971
Incident
Sep 22, 2021
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 29, 2021

CONSTANTLY BEEN HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS. ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF. I WAS DRIVING IT DOWN A HIGHWAY, COMING TO A STOP DUE TO A RED LIGHT WHEN THE WHOLE FRONT OF MY CAR BEGIN TO SPUTTER AND GAVE OUT. IT READ "STABILTRAK" BUT WHEN TAKEN TO THE SHOP IT ONLY READ A CODE FOR THE CARBON FILTER. WHICH, WAS CHANGED AND DID FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR THE TIME BEING. HOWEVER, ITS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN.. WHICH IS VERY DISSAPOINTING BECAUSE ITS A VERY WELL KEPT UP WITH CAR, NEVER GOES WITHOUT ITS NECESSITIES.. AND AT THIS POINT I'M THINKING IT COULD BE MY BRAKING SYSTEM DUE TO THIS PROBLEM WEAKENING MY BRAKES BUT I DON'T SEE WHY BECAUSE THOSE WERE CHANGED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. MAYBE, EVEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MY TRACTION CONTROL.

NHTSA ID
11405470
Incident
Jan 1, 2021
Mileage
169,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 11, 2021
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AS THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT WOULD FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. DUE TO THE FAILURES, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ROSS DOWNING BUICK GMC (1301 S MORRISON BLVD, HAMMOND, LA 70403) AND RAINBOW NORTHSHORE BUICK GMC, LLC (2925 N HWY 190, COVINGTON, LA 70433). BOTH DEALERS INFORMED HER THAT THERE WERE NO FAULTS WITH THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED BY BOTH DEALERS. DESPITE THE BATTERY REPLACEMENT, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HER HOME, WHO INFORMED HER THAT THERE WAS BURNT WIRING CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY WHICH HE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V173000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.*JB

NHTSA ID
11395761
Incident
Jan 1, 2021
Body & structureElectricalSuspension
Filed Oct 1, 2020

ABS TRACK LIGHT ON GOT ALIGNMENT STILL ON NOW HUB BEARING AND STRUT NEED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ID
11362213
Incident
Oct 1, 2020
Mileage
98,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 24, 2020

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. ALSO, THE ENGINE HAS FAILED TO RESTART AFTER AUTO STOP MODE, AND STARTING TO NOTICE A 'HOT'SMELL

NHTSA ID
11350873
Incident
Aug 21, 2020
Mileage
61,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Nov 26, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE SERVICE POWER STEERING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V173000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 13V097000 (POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *LN*JB *DT *DL PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11282470
Incident
Nov 21, 2019
Mileage
70,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 20, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. SPORADICALLY, WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT, AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE REVVED, THE RPMS INCREASED, AND THE ECO WARNING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO O'RIELLY CHEVROLET (6160 E BROADWAY BLVD, TUCSON, AZ 85711, (520) 829-3876), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5654186782. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,002.

NHTSA ID
11281309
Incident
Oct 1, 2019
Mileage
66,002 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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