2013 Buick Lacrosse: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Buick Lacrosse? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 126 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2013 Buick Lacrosse Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2013 Buick Lacrosse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2013 Buick Lacrosse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Buick Lacrosse 4 DR FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
11.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
11.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Buick Lacrosse has 126 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Lacrosse
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 126
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Buick Lacrosse Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Buick Lacrosse?
The 2013 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Buick Lacrosse
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including wiring and battery, for any issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially electrical and engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension and steering before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including wiring and battery, for any issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially electrical and engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension and steering before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Buick Lacrosse, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse are concentrated in electrical faults, engine problems, and suspension failures. The data suggests these areas may be common issues, though the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Engine problems and suspension failures also show notable complaint counts.
- There are 5 crash-related complaints out of 126 total.
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
- Suspension Failures
All 2013 Buick Lacrosse Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 51 | — | 3 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 31 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 27 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Today is 8.26.2025, I took this car back and left it w/dealership: Let them figure it out! I told them 0ne month after purchase this car is constantly EMPTY with no/Oil. I should not be getting oil changes this often. "Oh, it just burns more Oil and you bought a USED car"...Mo…
I lost all steering control and lost control
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
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…
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.
On May 7th, I was informed the cause of load roaring noise was due to the failure of 2 front wheel bearing. After the work was completed I was informed both rear wheel bearings would need to be replaced. Four wheel bearings failed simultaneously. Yes the car is parked at the d…
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. Not secured, which causes the belt to dislodge or break (both have happened) the spring is left to flail about as is the t…
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…
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 con…
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 tim…
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 c…
Failed component is the passenger airbag presence module. Failure of the presence module compromises the deployment of airbags. Failure of airbag confirmed by Vetter-McGill Chevrolet, Three Rivers, Michigan. Module component failure confirmed by Chevrolet dealer. Passenger airbag…
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 s…
Battery light on no power charging 12v battery from hybdrid
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"..
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.
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
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
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,…
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 ha…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse.
2013 Buick Lacrosse Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Buick Lacrosse Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Buick Lacrosse reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 126 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Buick Lacrosse?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (51 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (31 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (27 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Buick Lacrosse?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Buick Lacrosse?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Buick Lacrosse, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 126 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Buick Lacrosse. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Buick Lacrosse?▾
The 2013 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Lacrosse reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Buick Lacrosse based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.