NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
205 reports104,800 miles · Apr 13, 2018
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUCK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING PLASTIC ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO LOCAL DEALERS: JIM CAUSLEY …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUCK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING PLASTIC ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO LOCAL DEALERS: JIM CAUSLEY BUICK GMC (38111 S GRATIOT AVE, CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON, MI 48036, (586) 307-5895) AND VYLETEL BUCK GMC (40755 VAN DYKE, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48313, (586) 698-7530). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO HYBRID MECHANICS EMPLOYED AT EITHER DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO OTHER DEALERS IN THE AREA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,800.
NHTSA ODI #11084983
Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
MY BATTERY HAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED 3 TIMES ALREADY WITH NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY. ALSO, SERVICE STABILITYLINK KEEPS COMING ON AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE IT DISAPPEARS AND COME RIGHT BACK. WHEN I AM TAKING OFF GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY OR SPEEDING UP MY CAT STALLS BEFORE TAKING OFF.
NHTSA ODI #11076802
112,000 miles · Jan 22, 2018
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
WHEN DRIVING MY CAR ON DECLINING GRADES THE "TRACTION CONTROL" LIGHT WILL APPEAR AND THE CAR'S FRONT BRAKES WILL AUTOMATICALLY SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THIS HAPPENED ON 1/21/2018 MOST RECENTLY AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS THE PERSON BEHIND ME WASN'T READY FOR MY CAR TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.
NHTSA ODI #11064186
54,086 miles · Jan 14, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
WE PURCHASE A EASSIST 2012 BUICK LACROSSE IN FEB.2017 WITH 46845 MILES.WE RECENTLY STARTED HAVING SEVERAL ISSUE EITHER WHEN IN SLOW MOTION BACKING UP OUT OF A PARKING SPACE OR TURNING ON A CITY STREET WITH THE CAR DOING A HARD JERK, SURGING FORWARD THEN LOOSING COMPLETE POWER! , NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE IN THE DARK AS ALL THE LIGHT…
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WE PURCHASE A EASSIST 2012 BUICK LACROSSE IN FEB.2017 WITH 46845 MILES.WE RECENTLY STARTED HAVING SEVERAL ISSUE EITHER WHEN IN SLOW MOTION BACKING UP OUT OF A PARKING SPACE OR TURNING ON A CITY STREET WITH THE CAR DOING A HARD JERK, SURGING FORWARD THEN LOOSING COMPLETE POWER! , NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE IN THE DARK AS ALL THE LIGHT SHUT OFF, CAN'T STEER THE CAR WITH NO POWER STEERING, ALL THE WHILE IN THE LINE OF TRAFFIC IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER PEOPLE YEARS AGO BY MY RESEARCH AND STILL NO RECALL?!?! JUST THE OTHER NIGHT THE SAME THING HAPPENED AND WE WERE ABOUT 20 MINUTES FROM HOME AT NIGHT HAVING TO TRAVEL THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS, FEELING THE CAR NOT WANTING TO ACCELERATE AND FEELING THE SURGES WAS QUITE SCARY! WE HAVE HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A FEW TIMES OVER THE LAST MONTH BUT SHUT OFF AUTOMATICALLY WITHIN THE SAME DAY. ONE MORNING BEFORE WORK I NOTICED A MESSAGE ON THE DIC TO SERVICE STABILITRAK. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETECT THE ISSUE TO FIX IT OR TO GET THE CAR TO DO WHAT WE ARE TELLING THEM IT'S DOING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NO LONGER ON. AGAIN THE SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE LOSS OF POWER WHILE IN THE LINE OF MOVING TRAFFIC IS UNACCEPTABLE AND MUST BE MADE RIGHT WITH THE CARS OWNER!
NHTSA ODI #11062716
29,975 miles · Dec 17, 2017
EngineSteeringUnknown Or Other
CAR STALLED OUT TWICE, LOST POWER STEERING. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING LOT SPACE; RESTARTED AND THEN STALLED WHILE PULLING ONTO STREET. FEAR IS IT STALLING IN TRAFFIC AND GETTING REAR-ENDED. I TOOK TO GARNER BUICK WHERE HAD PURCHASED NEW. WHEN CAR WAS RELATIVELY NEW AND STILL ON WARRANTY HAD HAD SIMILAR ISSUE, BUT DEALER NEV…
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CAR STALLED OUT TWICE, LOST POWER STEERING. I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING LOT SPACE; RESTARTED AND THEN STALLED WHILE PULLING ONTO STREET. FEAR IS IT STALLING IN TRAFFIC AND GETTING REAR-ENDED. I TOOK TO GARNER BUICK WHERE HAD PURCHASED NEW. WHEN CAR WAS RELATIVELY NEW AND STILL ON WARRANTY HAD HAD SIMILAR ISSUE, BUT DEALER NEVER FOUND PROBLEM. NOW OCCURS AGAIN. THEY FOUND TWO SENSORS THAT FAILED BUT OK NOW SO TOLD ME TO DRIVE OVER WEEKEND AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. I SEE THIS AS A BIG SAFETY PROBLEM AND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. BUICK SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE IF THIS HAPPENS, BUT IN THE MEANTIME I AM THE ONE INJURED.
NHTSA ODI #11055115
52,894 miles · Nov 25, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EnginePower Train
MY CAR WAS MOVING AND CUT OFF ON ME AND THEN AUTOMATICALLY RESTARTED WHILE DRIVING. THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP. THIS IS BEEN A GOING ON FOR A FEW DAYS NOW. SOMETIMES I RESTART IT MYSELF SOMETIMES IT AUTOMATICALLY RESTARTS. ENGINE LIGHT IS ON FOR A DAY AND THEN GOES OFF AND COMES BACK ON AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11048384
50,000 miles · Nov 13, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. YATES BUICK GMC (13845 W TEST DR, GOODYEAR, AZ) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. YATES BUICK GMC (13845 W TEST DR, GOODYEAR, AZ) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #11045804
87,000 miles · Nov 3, 2017
Air Bags
CHECK AIR BAG WARNING IN DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER IN MY WIFE'S 2012 LACROSSE W E-ASSIT COMES ON SOMETIMES ,BUT GOES OFF IN LESS THAN 15 SECONDS. HAS 87,000 MILES. IS THIS COVERED OR DO I HAVE TO TAKE IT IN AND PAY FOR IT? SHE WANTS TO KNOW IF THE AIR BAG IS WORKING ALL THE TIME, OR WHAT?
NHTSA ODI #11042920
147,000 miles · Aug 7, 2017
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BATTERY INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED, THE BATTERY INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BATTERY INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED, THE BATTERY INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CHARGING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HILEY BUICK GMC (LOCATED AT 3535 W LOOP 820 S, FORT WORTH, TX 76116 817-632-8800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
NHTSA ODI #11013533
60,000 miles · Jul 17, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, STREETS, ETC . CANNOT BREAK , STEER , ETC. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. SOMETIMES WILL START RIGHT BACK UP WITH A JUMP BUT WILL SHUT DOWN AGAIN AS DRIVING. BRAND NEW BATTERY . VERY UNSAFE !!! TAKEN TO GMC DEALERSHIP BUT STILL NOT FIXED.
NHTSA ODI #11005622
Official recalls
5Dec 22, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
Dec 21, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
Jul 23, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
May 6, 2013
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
Aug 3, 2011
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK LACROSSE PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 9, 2011, THROUGH JULY 2, 2011, FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 126, "ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEMS (ESC)." THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM HAS AN INCORRECT CALIBRATION THAT MAY CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO NOT PROPERLY DETECT IF A SENSOR WERE TO MALFUNCTION, AND THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATING WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE, AS REQUIRED IN THE SAFETY STANDARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE IMPROPER DIAGNOSING MAY CAUSE THE ESC TO FALSELY ACTIVATE, RESULTING IN SUDDEN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING AND DECELERATION, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, WHICH MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING THE VEHICLE'S DESIRED PATH OF TRAVEL AND DESIRED VEHICLE SPEED, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2AQ14001 · Sands Chevrolet/hybrid System Fire/stall
Opened May 2, 2014 · Closed May 22, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
NHTSA opened AQ14-001 to determine whether Sands Chevrolet of Surprise, Arizona complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell and deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 U.S.C. ?? 30112(a), 30120(i)).NHTSA issued an information request (IR) letter to Sands Chevrolet on May 5, 2014.Sands Chevrolet responded to this request on May 22, 2014.To ensure NHTSA?s information request encompassed all possible reference codes for General Motors recall 13V-173, NHTSA issued another IR letter to Sands Chevrolet on June 8, 2015.Again, a response letter was received on June 9, 2015.NHTSA?s investigation indicated that Sands Chevrolet did sell and deliver recalled vehicles that did not have the recall remedy completed at the time the vehicles were delivered to the customers.NHTSA therefore concluded that Sands Chevrolet was liable for civil penalties for violations of the Safety Act, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. ? 30165.Under a Settlement Agreement dated March 24, 2016, Sands Chevrolet represented that it improved its processes to verify that it checks every vehicle for recalls prior to delivery to the purchaser and that it has not sold and delivered any unremedied new motor vehicles since June 9, 2015.Sands Chevrolet also represented that it now also checks for open recalls on every customer vehicle brought in for service, and that it checks for open recalls on every used trade-in vehicle, regardless of make or model, and takes steps to have all used trade-in vehicles repaired prior to retail sale. Sands Chevrolet admitted to violating the law and must pay civil penalties in the amount of $40,000.This Audit Query is closed.
RQ13003 · Generator Control Module Fires
Opened Jul 5, 2013 · Closed Jul 22, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
On July 5, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-003 to investigate whether the service procedures utilized in recall bulletins 13136 and 13142 for safety recall 13V-173 were sufficient to identify the safety defect in the subject vehicles.These safety recalls were issue on May 3, 2013 to address the improper function of the Generator Control Module (GCM) in certain model year (MY) 2012-13 Buick LaCrosse and Regal and MY 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco equipped with eAssist.This condition may result in a loss of battery charge, engine stall and/or inability for the vehicle to start.In severe cases it may also lead to odor, smoke and possibly a fire in the trunk.During discussions with General Motors (GM), ODI was informed that the subject vehicles could be separated into 4 distinct build populations, or groups. Group A contained vehicles built from the start of production through 3/19/2012.Group B involved vehicles built from 3/20/2012 to 8/20/2012, group C from 8/21/2012 to 12/31/12, and group D from 1/1/2013 onwards.Bulletin 13136 instructed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the GCM for vehicles in groups A or C.Bulletin 13142 instructed dealers to replace the GCM of any vehicle in group B.Group D vehicles were not recalled.All eAssist vehicles have a Powerpack which contains a BAS (belt alternator-starter) Power Inverter Module (BPIM)/Accessory Power Module (APM) and a 115-V Lithium-Ion battery.The Powerpack is known by GM's Part Description System as the GCM and Battery Module. The BPIM/APM contains 3 multi-layered printed circuit boards (PCBs) comprised of conductive layers separated by isolating layers.Vehicles built within the time periods of groups A and B had PCBs using single isolation layers.Vehicles build in group C had dual isolation layers on 1 of the 3 PCBs, and group D had all 3 PCBs built with dual insulation.Adding dual insulation to a PCB makes it more robust to material and manufacturing variations, and ultimately less susceptible to an electrical short circuit and subsequent failure.Through initial analysis of the GCM failures, GM identified that vehicles within group B contained PCBs that were contaminated during production due to increased production volumes that resulted in inadequate quality control.GM also noted that GCM failures occurred early in the life of the vehicle (typically <1000 miles).Therefore a service procedure was developed to replicate early life failures by subjecting the GCM to high current loads which would cause the identified failure mechanism (copper migration) to occur quickly and reveal any underlying PCB defect.Although groups A and C were built with PCBs containing single layer PCBs, they were built using better quality control, and as the data supports, experienced significantly lower failures.GM advised that for these reasons the two different service procedures were used in the Recall 13V-173 population.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) GM submitted 234 unique reports related to the alleged problem. It was noted that 197 (84%) of the received reports fell into the group B population.The 2 fire incidents noted were events in which flames were evident and/or damage was experienced outside of the GCM. Both of these incidents involved group B vehicles. One hundred four warranty claims were also submitted in response to the IR, with 96 claims (92%) from group B.It was also noted that none of the claims from groups A or C occurred after the service procedure was conducted, and that the majority of the A or C incidents occurred during the service procedure.Given the data, ODI believes the ser