62 of the
2,918 complaints filed about the Buick Lacrosse
are about the fuel system —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
2012 Buick LaCrosse V6 (Fairfax Plant). The vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of engine power and forward propulsion while traveling at highway speed, cutting off mid-drive with no warning. This occurred alongside a persistent StabiliTrak malfunction; the dash showed repeated "Service StabiliTrak" warnings before the failure, then turned bright orange with multiple warning lights and a message instructing me to activate my turn signal and pull over before RPMs dropped to zero. Because power cut out instantly, my [XXX] son (passenger) and I were trapped in the center lane of a dense, multi-lane highway. I was forced to dodge high-speed traffic and coast the dead vehicle across multiple active lanes to reach the shoulder, creating an imminent collision risk to us and other drivers. We were then stranded on the narrow shoulder awaiting a tow, with traffic passing within feet at highway speed. Both my son and I have CMT2A (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), a neuromuscular disability limiting mobility; we were incapable of quickly evacuating the vehicle or reaching safety up the embankment, leaving us trapped in a highly dangerous position. No official inspection or diagnosis has been performed yet. My dash displayed the same "Service StabiliTrak" warning referenced in NHTSA Campaign 11V404000, though my VIN was excluded from that recall, and my failure went beyond the handling/deceleration issue described in that recall to a complete loss of propulsion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11749557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the fuel pump was previously replaced due to the vehicle stalling while driving. The contact stated that the tailgate unintendedly opened while the vehicle was parked and turned off. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while driving from a complete stop, and the vehicle hesitated and shuddered while driving at various speeds. An unknown warning light was illuminated. OnStar was contacted and informed the contact that a DTC for the ABS was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was repaired for ABS failure; however, the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced twice due to the failure. The mechanic advised the contact to get rid of the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
NHTSA complaint #11720665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I get to a stop sign, and a stop light, when trying to accelerate after a complete stop, the car would struggle to accelerate to go forward. Where the shifting gears would start blinking, and the warning lights (engine power reduced, engine light, and the traction safety collision light) would display itself making it misfire and impossible to even go forward while pressing the gas pedal. It put me and other drivers at a safety risk because it would roll backwards after taking my foot off the breaks to accelerate where it would almost hit drivers behind me at the stops as well as them almost mistakingly hitting me in the back when my break lights stop reflecting when trying to accelerate at stop lights with traffic. I have had it diagnosed with the recall codes N20231344O GM # 20V668000 NHTSA # 18V576000 18V358000 But the dealships are saying there aren't any recall for the vehicle. This issues is ongoing.
NHTSA complaint #11698766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car refuses to relearn the app sensor. Throttle body and sensor is good, always changed the EVAP Purge valve. Still throwing codes and reduce engine speed stays on..
NHTSA complaint #11695165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When accelerating to get on to highway pushing on pedal but nothing happens, have to get pushing up and down until it goes. Has done this four time's and dealer says Buick has no fix for it. Have almost got rear ended twice.
NHTSA complaint #11677212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over and checked underneath the vehicle. The contact discovered that the START/STOP accumulator endcap bolt had detached, causing transmission fluid to leak onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that in 2021, he detected an abnormal fuel odor coming through the air vents while driving. The brake pedal also stuck while depressed, and the rear brake pads needed to be replaced frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer in 2021 for the fuel odor, and an unknown fuel system part was replaced. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V668000 (Power Train), 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 161,188.
NHTSA complaint #11593626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The "auto stop" on my car, when I was at stoplights or stop signs, would not automatically restart. The engine failed to start again when stopped in "idle"..
NHTSA complaint #11580275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have brought my 2018 Buick Lacrosse to two different Buick dealerships who say that even though a special instruction letter was recognized and a recall was observed, because my check light went out and the codes on the car where cleared, they will not fix either recall. On three different occasions, the car slowed down to a crawl speed, the check engine light went on and the brakes applied themselves. Also across the dash was displayed 'service transmission'. I thought it was the accelerator pedal position sensor, but it may be a transmission problem. I've had it towed on three different occasions and had the battery replaced. Neither dealership will not fix the problem, however.
NHTSA complaint #11523910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This concerns our 2016 Buick LaCrosse. We leased the car late in 2016 for 3-1/2 years, then purchased it including an extended warranty. Two problems occurred. First the fuel supply line to the engine began leaking, leaving a gasoline odor inside the car. We took the car to our dealership and had it repaired. We told the dealership we purchased an extended warranty with the car and were told this repair was not covered! We had to pay ±$471 out of pocket which we don't agree with. The second issue is the Return fuel supply line which let loose when starting the car, (weeks later) spraying gas all over the garage floor. I opened the hood to check the problem and tried starting the engine again. There was a small fire which I extinguished immediately. We had to have the car towed to the dealership to get it repaired a second time for fuel line issues. This time it cost us ±$978 out of pocket to get it fixed. They said again extended warranty did NOT cover this problem. I am told by a GM executive that GM has a separate warranty (10yr) for EPA fuel & emissions compliance that should have covered this situation, yet the dealer charged us for the repairs. I have also heard that NHTSA has a similar regulation which I would like to know more about.
NHTSA complaint #11508086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car been smelling like gas for awhile engine light pop on and off. My car will not start I have replace the fuel pump car still won’t get gas . Replaced battery numerous of times battery keep won’t stay charge . I have a recall on my car I believe the suspension is under recall as well. I also had to replace my windshield wiper motor a few times slapped against my windshield and cracked windshield.
NHTSA complaint #11449845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while at a stoplight the fuel-saving feature activated and the engine shut-off. After removing his foot from the brake pedal the STOP/START feature failed to activate. The contact used the Push to Start button and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11430318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE GAS CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD THE REPAIRS COMPLETED BUT SHORTLY AFTER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY AT A GAS STATION, HE BECAME AWARE OF A FUEL STAIN UNDER THE GAS CAP. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER CAPITOL BUICK GMC (909 CAPITOL EXPRESSWAY AUTO MALL, SAN JOSE, CA 95136, (408) 445-2500) AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #11387226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON PARKING HER VEHICLE IN HER GARAGE, A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LOU FUSZ BUICK GMC (10950 PAGE AVE, ST. LOUIS, MO 63132) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED OUT OF POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,000.
NHTSA complaint #11372440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SOMETIMES CAR IS DEAD IN THE MORNING, UNABLE TO JUMPSTART, 1 HOUR LATER CAR STARTS RIGHT UP, DRIVES FINE FOR A WHILE THEN DIES, HAS DIED WHILE WAITING AT A STOP SIGN. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO AUTO SHOPS INCLUDING THE DEALER. THE FIRST AUTO SHOP COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG, THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS MY BATTERY (WHICH WAS ONLY 1 YEAR OLD). HE REPLACED THE BATTERY BUT MY CAR CONTINUES TO RANDOMLY DIE.
NHTSA complaint #11353294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY CAR CUTS OFF AND GIVES WARNING OF BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE WHEN I SLOW TO STOP AT RED LIGHTS OR TURN IN MY DRIVEWAY.. I'VE CHANGED THE BELT AND IT'S STILL DOING IT. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2017 AND I AM CONCERNED THAT MAYBE THE RECALL WASNT CHANGED FOR EASSIST COMPONENTS. I HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD. I CANT STEARNS MY CAR BECAUSE IT'S TOO HARD WHEN ENGINE KILLS. IT ITS VERY DANGEROUS AND SOMETHING MAJOR IS WRONG.
NHTSA complaint #11350734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. IT STILL DID IT, BUT ONLY A MILD DOWNSHIFT THEN QUICKLY DID NOT REPEAT AS THE TEMP WAS WARMER THERE. TO REDUCE THE HARDNESS OF THE DOWNSHIFT, WE HAVE REVERTED TO TRYING TO LET THE CAR WARM UP AFTER STARTING IT AND APPLYING THE BRAKES AS WE SLOW DOWN TO 30MPH! IT IS SAD THAT THIS HAS TO BE DONE, AS WE HAVE BEEN TAKING GREAT CARE OF THE CAR & IT ONLY HAS 48,000 MILES. AND WE ARE NOT MOVING TO FL!!! WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM THIS DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #11310507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY FUEL LINE RUBBED AGAINST A METAL BRACKET IN THE CAR TAKING AWAY THE INSULATION. THE ONLY WAY I FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS WAS BECAUSE I CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS ON THE CAR. I HAVE ASKED BUICK TO REPLACE THE LINE HOWEVER THEY REFUSED BECAUSE OF HOW MANY MILES I HAVE ON THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11290066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAVE AN 2010 BUICK LACROSSE CXL I'VE HAD FOR 8YEARS WITHIN THOSE YEARS I'VE REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER 2X WHICH IS PRETTY PRICEY CONSIDERING THEIRS 3PARTS. THIS RECENT TIME IT WAS REPLACED THERE WAS GAS IN THE OIL. MY MECHANIC STATES IT BECAUSE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. WHICH I FEEL SHOULD BE REPLACED BY BUICK THERE'S NO WAY I SHOULD BE CHANGING A CONVERTER THIS OFTEN.
NHTSA complaint #11288108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.