The Lemon Index
201220142nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: electrical
Better years to buy
25 owner complaints, first 3 years 20–29 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2013 Toyota Avalon 1102013 Chevrolet Impala 672013 Nissan Maxima 25
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2013 Buick LaCrosse
- Engine stalling15 complaintsmostly at 27,000–80,000 miles (43,000–129,000 km)
- Steering rack / power steering12 complaintsmostly at 43,000–48,000 miles (69,000–77,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 130 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 4,900 and 31,000 miles (7,900–50,000 km) (the middle half of the 22 complaints, of all 25 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 21V00F000 (suspension), 21V633000 (suspension) and 20V764000 (suspension) done? It has 5 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any fuel smell, stalling or hard starts? On a hybrid or EV, any reduced-power warning or battery work?
- Buick sent dealers 1951 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Chevrolet/buick: electronic brake control module (ebcm) has issue with electronic power…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 25 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 4K to 30K miles (8K to 50K km) on the car (22 of all 25 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The oil filter will not stay tight. We have it serviced at a g m service center.but every time they change the oil in about 1000 miles the filter comes lose and leaks.
2013 Buick LaCrosse owner · NHTSA complaint 10587524
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 1951 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Chevrolet/buick: electronic brake control module (ebcm) has issue with electronic power…
- Service update for inventory vehicles only loss of battery charge
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 5
- Suspension · recall issued 2021
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 brea.
- Suspension · recall issued 2021
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 de.
- Suspension · recall issued 2020
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.
Show all 5 recalls
- Electrical · recall issued 2013
These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2013
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 br…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedSands chevrolet/hybrid system fire/stall2014–2016
- ClosedGenerator control module fires2013–2014
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Lacrosse 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Lacrosse 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Lacrosse eAssist 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Lacrosse eAssist 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,050–$3,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every Buick LaCrosse year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2013 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-lacrosse/?y=2013" title="Buick LaCrosse reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="491" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-lacrosse/2013/">Lemon Index</a> (2013 Buick LaCrosse reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2013 Buick LaCrosse reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew a bit under half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 39; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick LaCrosse year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2015.
What are the most common 2013 Buick LaCrosse problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (36%), engine (24%) and fuel system (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Buick LaCrosse have?
5 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Buick LaCrosse get?
20 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Buick LaCrosse safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Buick LaCrosse problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 4,900 and 31,000 miles (7,900–50,000 km) (the middle half of the 22 complaints, of all 25 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2013 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2013 Buick LaCrosse have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 16% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Buick LaCrosse cost in fuel a year?
About $2,050 to $3,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Buick LaCrosse have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Buick LaCrosse year is better than the 2013?
Nearby, the 2015 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit under half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works