How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Buick LaCrosse?

NHTSA has logged 54 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 LaCrosse, which is 42% of all 129 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse electrical system?

Yes. Recall 13V173000 covers a General Control Module condition on eAssist-equipped 2012-2013 LaCrosse and Regal and 2013 Malibu Eco vehicles, and recall 13V097000 covers a transmission control module reprogram.

At what mileage do 2013 LaCrosse electrical failures typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 62,750 miles.

Did the 2013 LaCrosse electrical issues cause any fires?

NHTSA data shows 3 fires reported among the 54 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 LaCrosse, with 0 crashes and 0 injuries recorded.

How does the 2013 LaCrosse compare to other years for electrical complaints?

The 2013 LaCrosse's 42% share of complaints tied to electrical issues is higher than 2010 (27%), 2011 (20%), 2012 (31%), and every later year listed, making it the highest share in the model's data.

2013 Buick LaCrosse Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 54 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse, 42% of its 129 total complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 62,750 miles. Two related recalls exist, and three fires were reported in this area.

Electrical System complaints: 54; 42% of 129
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 62,750 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Vehicle stalls or loses power while driving, sometimes at stop lights or while merging, with the battery warning light flashing on the instrument panel.
Engine or malfunction indicator light comes on, followed by loss of power steering and the car shutting down completely.
Instrument panel flickers while driving at highway speed, and some owners report the hood or engine bay feeling extremely hot along with a burning odor.
Vehicle fails to start, and some owners separately note the back-up camera or navigation screen going dark or extremely dim.
Owners report the vehicle was not included in NHTSA recall campaign 13V173000 despite experiencing the same battery warning light and burning smell described in that recall.

When 2013 Buick LaCrosse electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 26, 2013, latest Aug 17, 2026.

54 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2013 to Aug 2026; peak Jun 2017 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse

NHTSA 13V173000May 6, 2013Electrical System42,904 vehicles
Electrical system
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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA 13V097000Mar 15, 2013Electrical System26,582 vehicles
Electrical system:software
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick LaCrosse vehicles, manufactured between April 25, 2012, through March 6, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured between May 29, 2012, through February 18, 2013 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." A software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode removing any transmission-related engine braking effect.
Risk: If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2013. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. Buick owners may call 1-866-694-6546.

Electrical System complaints by LaCrosse model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201050 (27%)
201133 (20%)
201264 (31%)
201354 (42%)
201419 (30%)
201513 (30%)
20164 (8%)
201711 (32%)
20185 (42%)
20191 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Buick LaCrosse?: NHTSA has logged 54 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 LaCrosse, which is 42% of all 129 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse electrical system?: Yes. Recall 13V173000 covers a General Control Module condition on eAssist-equipped 2012-2013 LaCrosse and Regal and 2013 Malibu Eco vehicles, and recall 13V097000 covers a transmission control module reprogram.
At what mileage do 2013 LaCrosse electrical failures typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 62,750 miles.
Did the 2013 LaCrosse electrical issues cause any fires?: NHTSA data shows 3 fires reported among the 54 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 LaCrosse, with 0 crashes and 0 injuries recorded.
How does the 2013 LaCrosse compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 2013 LaCrosse's 42% share of complaints tied to electrical issues is higher than 2010 (27%), 2011 (20%), 2012 (31%), and every later year listed, making it the highest share in the model's data.