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).
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. …
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. …
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. …
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. [redacted]
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.
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.
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
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.
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: [redacted]. 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. 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).
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.
Steering complaints in other Lacrosse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2013 Buick Lacrosse?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Buick Lacrosse, 19% of the model year's 129 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Buick Lacrosse steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.