RoadVitals

2013 Buick Lacrosse Steering Problems

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

Data refreshed

Steering 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.
24
Latest Jun 1, 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.
19%
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.
1
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 steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. 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. 24 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 steering

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

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
Steering
Filed Jul 29, 2025
Crash reported

I lost all steering control and lost control

NHTSA ID
11676991
Incident
Jul 28, 2025
Steering
Filed Jun 3, 2025

My vehicles steering column locked up and I could not turn left this issue was recalled on other similar year make and models but my VIN number was excluded from the recall. I can not get a replacement part for it as the part is on back order in the meantime I can not drive this vehicle and have no recourse. I am seeking to get the manufacturer to produce the needed part so I can purchase and install it but they will not tell me when I can expect it it's been over a month and I can drive my car. How can I get some assistance in this matter. Please advise. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11664678
Incident
Apr 28, 2025
Steering
Filed May 15, 2025

Power steering locked up. GMC Vacaville ran a scan and confirmed C055C steering gear performance malfunction. There has been a recall on this issue and we are being told our VIN is not a part of the recall. The car has 119489 miles.

NHTSA ID
11661317
Incident
Jan 30, 2025
Steering
Filed Feb 12, 2025

The contact's mother owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while her mother was driving approximately 55 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that her mother drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was able to retrieve a DTC fault related to a power steering assist failure. The mechanic informed the contact's mother that he was unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11642291
Incident
Feb 11, 2025
Steering
Filed Dec 5, 2024

Power Steering Went out while I was on the Highway. It was all of a sudden, and I had been driving on the highway for at least 2 hours. This caused my steering to be not as controlled, and could have caused a wreck if driving by a less advance and experienced driver. The only time the warning lamp came on was the minute it happened, and when completely out. I had to drive on the highway over an icy pass for another 45 minutes. It was very difficult and stressful. It thankfully did not cause any accidents, or other damage that I am aware of.

NHTSA ID
11629007
Incident
Dec 3, 2024
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
Steering
Filed May 25, 2023

The first time this happened the power steering service warning light came on after I started the car. I was unable to move or steer the car. After about an hour, I started the car and the light did not come on and the car could be driven. About 2 days later, the same thing happened but the light stayed on. The car was towed to the dealership and after an evaluation it was determined that the steering gear/rack and pinion assembly had to be replaced. (See the uploaded invoice from Thompson Automotive Group and photos of the parts that were replaced.) The car is a 2013 that I purchased in August 2020. The original mileage at that time was 600 miles. When the incident occurred with the power steering, the car had been driven 44,571 miles. The car was purchased from a private owner so there was no warranty, but even without a warranty this type of failure should not have occurred when the car had been driven less than 50,000 miles.

NHTSA ID
11523789
Incident
Oct 17, 2022
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
Steering
Filed Aug 24, 2020

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. WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE OFF TO A REST STOP, I REALIZED THE STEERING WAS VERY STIFF AND REQUIRED EXTRA EFFORT TO GUIDE THE CAR, THE 'ELECTRIC POWER STEERING' (EPS) HAD COMPLETELY FAILED. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR WAS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD WITH 64941 MILES, LESS THAN 10K MI/YR!!! I CAREFULLY DROVE THE CAR TO BERGSTROM BUICK GMC IN GREEN BAY WIS. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THE ENTIRE EPS GEAR BOX HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A COST NEAR $2500. I WAS STUNNED. I COMPLAINED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT BECAUSE OF THE CARS AGE & ELAPSED MILES, THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED! I FURTHER STATED THAT I COULD UNDERSTAND THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS MIGHT HAPPEN AFTER 10 YEARS & 100K MILES, BUT NOT BEFORE!! HE REPLIED THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT FAILURES LIKE THIS CAN HAPPEN. EVENTUALLY THE CAR WAS SATISFACTORILY REPAIRED, COPY OF THE BILL ATTACHED. MY CONTENTION IS THAT THIS IS NOT ONLY A RELIABILITY ISSUE, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN MY WIFE & I PURCHASED THE CAR, WE WERE BOTH RETIRED AND DID NOT HAVE THE DAILY GRIND OF DRIVING TO/FROM WORK IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER. IN FACT THE CAR WAS DRIVEN MINIMALLY IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS. WHEN THIS FAILURE OCCURRED, I HAD THE COMPOSURE TO SAFELY STEER/GUIDE THE CAR, HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING, THE INCIDENT COULD HAVE HAD A CATASTROPHIC RESULT. I NOW HAVE 'MUCH PAUSE' ABOUT THE RELIABILITY/SAFETY OF EPS VS HYDRAULIC PS (HPS), IF & WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN! A SIMILAR COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH BUICK GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE.

NHTSA ID
11350973
Incident
Aug 6, 2020
Mileage
64,941 mi
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed Aug 22, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID
11350734
Incident
Aug 17, 2020
Mileage
100,000 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 18, 2020

WHILE DRIVING AT 75MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. I BARELY MANAGED TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE NEXT DAY I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING RETURNED. THE STEERING HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY GOING OUT SINCE I PARKED IT AT HOME. I START THE CAR FREQUENTLY TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED AND EACH TIME THE STEERING MAY OR MAY NOT WORK.

NHTSA ID
11350153
Incident
Apr 9, 2020
Mileage
121,000 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
Steering
Filed Oct 11, 2019

2013 BUICK LACROSSE - POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING WHILE MY 19-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH! STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS CONDITION. GM MUST ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING MECHANISM ON THESE VEHICLES! VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ($2,600) AND IT TOOK 3 WEEKS TO FIND THE PART DUE TO GM BEING ON STRIKE.

NHTSA ID
11267837
Incident
Sep 19, 2019
Mileage
160,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingSteering
Filed Aug 28, 2019

RADIO AND DASH COMPONENTS CUT OUT AND GO BLACK. THEN WHEN THEY COME.BACK ON A SERVICE BATTERY MESSAGE COMES ON THE DISPLAY BUT GOES AWAY WITHING A SECOND OR TWO. AND THE POWER STEERING WILL STOP WHILE ALL THIS IS HAPPENING IF TURNING

NHTSA ID
11252093
Incident
Aug 28, 2019
Mileage
65,000 mi
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Feb 23, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE BATTERY AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AFTER THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,111.

NHTSA ID
11074555
Incident
Feb 21, 2018
Mileage
43,111 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 10, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WRIGHT BUICK GMC (1703 S 1ST ST, LUFKIN, TX 75901, (936) 465-9023) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

NHTSA ID
11061596
Incident
Dec 27, 2017
Mileage
48,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jun 3, 2017

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS DOWN BY ITSELF WHEN DRIVING OR SWITCHES GEARS. TOOK TO RICK HENDRIX BUICK IN DULUTH, GA FOR SERVICE AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. POWER SHORTLY AFTERWARDS WENT OUT AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. ALSO CHANGE CAR BATTERY BUT IT CONTINUES TO GRADUALLY LOSE POWER AND GIVES OF A TYPE OF BURNING BURNING SMELL

NHTSA ID
10992977
Incident
Jun 3, 2017
Mileage
79,102 mi
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Apr 4, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE REVERSING, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE POWER TRAIN WARNING SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.

NHTSA ID
10970441
Incident
Mar 6, 2017
Mileage
10,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Feb 20, 2017

THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE ELECTRICAL NO POWER 3 TIMES SINCE NOVEMBER 2016

NHTSA ID
10955641
Incident
Nov 21, 2016
Steering
Filed Apr 12, 2016

65 YEAR OLD WIFE DRIVING 70MPH ON I75 IN MICHIGAN WHEN THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. SERVICE POWER STEERING MESSAGE CAME ON . I HAD TO HELP HER STEER CAR TO A STOP. I DID NOT KNOW IT HAD ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. IT WAS 9PM AT NIGHT. LOOKED FOR LOW FLUID LEVEL. DECIDED TO DRIVE HOME. WHEN CAR WAS RE STARTED THE POWER STEERING WORKED. WIFE DOES NOT TRUST CAR NOW.

NHTSA ID
10854981
Incident
Apr 11, 2016
Mileage
48,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 29, 2014

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.SLOWLY AND ON THE RIGHT LANE I DROVE THE AUTO TO VALDOSTA,GA .I STOPPED AT A MOTEL AND CALLED THE LOCAL BUICK DEALER.THE NEXT DAY (APRIL 2) I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE AUTO TO THE LOCAL BUICK DEALER.FORTUNATELY,THE DEALER WAS JUST A FEW MILES FROM MY MOTEL. I STAYED OVERNIGHT AT A LOCAL MOTEL.THE DEALER ARRANGED FOR ME TO RENT A AUTO. THE NEXT DAY, THE MECHANICS AT THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE PARTS BUT DID NOT KNOW HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE TO RECEIVE THE PARTS AND HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE TO FIX THE AUTO.THUS ,THEY REMOVED MY LUGGAGE AND BOOKS FROM MY AUTO AND PLACED THEM IN MY RENTAL CAR. THEN I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE TO MY HOME IN ILLINOIS. ON APRIL 27,MY REPAIRED BUICK LA CROSSE WAS DELIVERED TO MY HOME IN ILLINOIS. *JS

NHTSA ID
10585421
Incident
Apr 1, 2014
Mileage
13,000 mi
ElectricalFuel systemSteering
Filed Feb 26, 2013

VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) CAME ON; 5 MINUTES LATER CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON WITH WARNING THAT "CHARGING SYSTEM NOT WORKING". SHORTLY THEREAFTER, POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THEN ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN CAR SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. AFTER READING COMPLAINTS ABOUT 2012 BUICK LACROSSE LOOKED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND FOUND THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS SHREDDED. VEHICLE BEING TOWED TO DEALER IN MORNING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10500074
Incident
Feb 25, 2013
Mileage
4,000 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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