Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 129 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Buick LaCrosse, and it carries 5 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 23 | 18% |
| Electrical system | 20 | 16% |
| Steering | 12 | 9% |
| Engine | 8 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 5 | 4% |
| Steering | 4 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 3% |
| Air bags | 3 | 2% |
| Power train | 3 | 2% |
| Power train | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Buick LaCrosse on March 3, 2024. The vehicle was purchased from the dealer. The odometer was reported at 118,000 during the sale. The vehicle was recently taken to an independ
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced starting failures and was taken to Piedmont Tire & Auto, where the battery was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 O
NHTSA complaint: Steering
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.
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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 muc
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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 th
NHTSA complaint: Steering
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
NHTSA complaint: Steering
On May 7th, I was informed the cause of load roaring noise was due to the failure of 2 front wheel bearing. After the work was completed I was informed both rear wheel bearings would need to be replaced. Four wheel bea
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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
Risk: If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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
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
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.
Fix: 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 nu
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, Missou
Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and 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, N
Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were maile
| Reliability raw | 63 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 70 | good |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 60 | average |
| Performance | 68 | good |
| Efficiency | 38 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 129 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and suspension is the most reported area with 23 of them (18%). There are 5 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 63/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 70/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2013 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.