Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Buick Lacrosse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
during a regular drive the check stabiltrack system message popped up on the dash in the middle circle and then the little car with the squiggly lines behind it popped up and the check engine light came on and started blinking. Immediately I noticed lack of steering control, the car's speed was accelerating and decelerating on its own, jerking and stalling also was observed. As of now the car sits in my driveway because I don't trust the safety of it. I literally feared my life was in danger driving it because of the lack of handling and the acceleration shifts that were so random. So I returned home, as I pulled into the yard the vehicle jerked hard while I was attempting turn into the driveway causing me to hit my mailbox and damaged the side fender and front bumper. no one was injured but the car was damaged as stated before and I'm scared to drive it anywhere. …
Hello I have a 2012 Buick lacrosse, when I first bought the vehicle I notice that the service stability track light would come on and immediately after would follow that my motors speed had been reduced. After learning all of this about the vehicle I searched if there was any recalls concerning this matter and in fact found that 2012 Buick lacrosse did have a recall for the service stability track but when I made the call for my vehicle I was told that my car wasn't part of that recall. I'm now dealing with this problem and to the best of my knowledge and research, I found out as well that if the service stability track was to start acting up it could cause my vehicle to come to a stop and could very much so cause a horrific accident. …
We're purchasing this vehicle from superior Auto, and we seen a recall back in 2011/12 from stabiltrak and deterrent auto theft, since this $21, 240 car we've had issues causing the car to shut off and lock up without warning, no power steering or brakes, and stabiltrak and auto deterrent theft warning pop up, and had it to 2 mechanics that are baffled and it produces no codes, I've almost gotten in 3 accidents causing this, and now I'm too scared to drive this car, the recall had same issues for improperly calibrated ESC defective sensors not showing codes, nobody will fix the issue without codes and I don't need to hurt or kill anyone. Superior Auto is not caring about taking this car back or trading it in, please help me figure this out, there was no accidents, but this car is unsafe for the road
While driving stability trac, check engine light flashed and rpm, and speed gauges start going haywire. The car loses power even while accelerating, the steering wheel locks and car stalls. Then after 15-30 minutes the car starts fine and drives. Has happened at least 8 times. Took it to Buick dealer who ran diagnostic but unable to recreate codes but acknowledged a problem. Supposedly fixed it only to return the car a few days later. This is quite scary and dangerous as it happens without warning and while driving. Thankfully I wasn't on the expressway when it happened because all steering, power and brake function is lost.
Stability control light keeps coming on the car shut downs in the middle of the road or it won't start I called Buick they say there is no recall but it shows on the NHTSA site 2012 Buick has a improperly calibrated faulty electric stabilitrack ESC campaign ID Number 11v404000 so I don't under stand why my car can't be fixed this very dangerous for me an my kids it they won't even look at my car
I purchased this car 1 year ago with 121,460 miles, within the first week I had to buy new tires and replace the wipers,now I have to replace the alternator all of this is within a year. I just got the estimate for the alternator which is over 700.00 which I don't have.
I was driving my car down a interstate highway when all of a sudden the stability track can on my dash and the car freaked out and breaked really hard ! I stated to spin out and then a loud crack the lower control arm broke on the rear right side . We almost really lost our lives! This is the 12 time this has happen and the mechanics tell me nothing is wrong they can see!! I'm taking it to Buick to see what they say this should be recalled asap! Somebody will get severely hurt soon omg
I was driving my car to my house an my car started acting funny. While driving randomly 2 lights came on saying service brake assist and service stabili track. It became extremely hard to steer, the automatic brakes stopped working and it cut off on the highway. I put it in neutral and got to the side of the road. When I cut it back on it had the following warning lights; service brake assist, service stabili track. I almost died and my girl had to pay for a tow truck for me to get home and I was right up the street. I feel like it dangerous and when I told GMC they said its nothing they could do. It is several recalls with vehicles just like mine that are the same year with the same problems but they said they would not help me. My car is not drivable and I can not afford to get all the things fixed that were recalls. I am immobile and it is causing harm to me financially. …
The issue I'm reporting has already happened approximately 8 times. First time I'm driving on the highway at 65 MPH, and engine on car completely shuts down, driving wheel locks or power steering gets lost and brake pedal stops working gets very stiff and all this happened on a state highway. All that can be done is let the car come to a complete stop in its own all while using all my force to try my best to steer car away from traffic, because it locks and that time I could barely make it turn slightly due to the stiffness. After that, the car's engine wont start but lights and radio work. After constantly turning it in and off engine finally starts up after approximately an hour, but when placed on drive only moves very slow even when stepping on gas it will move at about 1 MPH. …
New car..had continued issues of tilt wheel unlocking in locked position. Dealer had told us..we were the only ones with the problem."did service..no records..drove new car again..same problem..steering wheel unlocked..caused new car to go off into the ditch due to loss of sudden control. Called dealer..they sent up a tow truck..I refused to drive new car till corrected. I searched internet..found others with same problems.. The dealership supplied us with a free rental..4 weeks..and finally replaced the entire steering column assembly..no charge under new car warranty. The problem never occurred again...car is still driven...and no problems..have 18000 miles now. The steering issue was reported to NHTSA..but never was followed up by anyone..no reply..nothing..
Steering complaints in other Lacrosse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Buick Lacrosse?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Buick Lacrosse, 12% of the model year's 206 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Buick Lacrosse steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2012 Buick Lacrosse, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Buick Lacrosse steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.