Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Buick Lacrosse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's wife owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that on several occasions while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle lunged forward and the engine stalled; however, after releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and then lunged forward. The contact stated that the engine engaged at low speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the main drive belt and valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover needed to be tightened but the cause of the failure could not be determined. …
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 contact owns a 2013 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and she heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive to her destination. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the generator control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
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.
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 tensioner unit since it is no longer connected to the engine block. Not to say where the other half of the bolt could end up. So far each time it snaps in half the other half remains in the block. But the unit is no longer secured to the block. While driving when this occurs makes controling the vehichle unsafe. It loses power and or surges at will. A hope to make it to the side of the road without crashing or causing a crash is an issue. I cannot afford a repair establishment, a family member does my repairs. ... There has been no other inspection of the issue. As for warning lights. No. …
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"...Months later I hear smalls sounds, engine light comes on, then goes away, smoke begans to continue spreading behind the BUMPER building a permanent black spot on bumper! It smells, from time to time, plus car feels sluggish when driving past 50mph almost SCARED it will cut off** Now, I gather my funds that I don't have to SPEND (CASH) no CREDITCARD and I proceed to BELLE TIRE! I am on file within their system. (Receipts) They do what they do... apparently no Leaks. But the car is burning too much oil!! too Fast! "Keep an Eye on your Levels"... hmmm* I also got a MAINTENANCE TUNE-UP on my next visit. …
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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
When the car had mileage in the mid-upper 30,000 in 2018, we noticed that as the speed coasted down to 30mph, there was a hard downshift. So hard, you thought the engine fell out of the car. At the time we had not realized it only did this when the engine was cold. So, when we took it to the dealer, they could not replicate the issue. In 12/2019, we left it overnite and they "did" replicate the issue the next morning. This is stated on our service bill. They suggested a deep atm flush, even though we had a normal flush 18 months earlier with them. We paid them to do it and the problem persists. Since we slow down every time we approach a stop sign or stoplight, this occurs as we get down to 30mph. Exactly at 30mph!!! Once the engine is warm it, we do not notice the issue. But we live in northern ohio & the nites are cold oct-April. We drove the car to warm miami fl in 1/2020. …
Tamara recall-the car only has 67000 miles on it, and for some reason it is using oil. There is exhaust fumes/smoke coming out of the tail pipe. There have been occasions where it has not started. I took it to the dealership where I purchased it brand new off of the showroom floor in 2014, and they did a diagnostic on it; and inform me that they can find nothing wrong. Why all of the sudden is the oil pressure down so low and my warranty will be up at 70000 miles. I asked the technician to examine the drivetrain and other components covered under the warranty; but they refused. Also the screen on the satellite radio and clock fades out and comes back on. The dealership failed to provide a response to this as well. …
Engine complaints in other Lacrosse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Buick Lacrosse?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Buick Lacrosse, 24% of the model year's 129 complaints. The component named most often is engine › oil/lubrication › oil cooler (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Buick Lacrosse engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 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 2013 Buick Lacrosse engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
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.