buick lacrosse 2013 Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

vehicle engine light (malfunction indicator lamp) came on; 5 minutes later charging system light came on with warning that "charging system not working". shortly thereafter, power steering went out and then abs light came on and then car shut down completely. after reading complaints about 2012 buick lacrosse looked in engine compartment and found that the serpentine belt was shredded. vehicle being towed to dealer in morning.

Reported in: EL DORADO HILLS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5ER9DF

STEERING

vehicle engine light (malfunction indicator lamp) came on; 5 minutes later charging system light came on with warning that "charging system not working". shortly thereafter, power steering went out and then abs light came on and then car shut down completely. after reading complaints about 2012 buick lacrosse looked in engine compartment and found that the serpentine belt was shredded. vehicle being towed to dealer in morning.

Reported in: EL DORADO HILLS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5ER9DF

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

vehicle engine light (malfunction indicator lamp) came on; 5 minutes later charging system light came on with warning that "charging system not working". shortly thereafter, power steering went out and then abs light came on and then car shut down completely. after reading complaints about 2012 buick lacrosse looked in engine compartment and found that the serpentine belt was shredded. vehicle being towed to dealer in morning.

Reported in: EL DORADO HILLS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5ER9DF

SUSPENSION

on saturday, april 7,2013 my wife pulled into a parking space at a condo in marco is.fl. she was driving our 2013 buick lacrosse. knowing that the lacrosse has a low front end,she slows down to a crawl to avoid dragging the front end on the parking lot blocks. she is familiar with this parking lot as my daughter lives there and she has parked there often. this time upon applying the brakes the car did not stop,went over the parking blocks and severely damaged the car.the lacrosse has been cited for a braking problem by the nhtsa and issued a recall notice #13053.the recall specifically notes that,"a software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to sports mode removing any transmission- related engine braking effect." consequently,"if engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash." upon contacting g.m. buick division, i was told that my vin# was not cited in the recall. further, they wanted that i bring the car to a buick dealership for brake analysis.this dealership is 40 miles away in naples,fl. i suggested that they(buick) inspect the car at the repair shop where my wife had it towed to after the accident. autocraft, the repair shop, on marco is.would allow them to do their analysis there. an accommodation not unique to them. buick has balked at this arrangement. while buick suggests that this recall did not cover my vin#. i can only wonder if the recall should be broaden in scope as my wife's experience would suggest.in retrospect, i'm happy that this happened in a parking lot and not under traffic related conditions.

Reported in: BURBANK IL || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1G4GC5E32DF

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4/6/2013 my 2013 buick lacrosse 4 cylinder model was parked in driveway. at 9pm my husband went outside to get something from the car and saw the car on fire with flames coming from the back end rear bumper. by the time he could get a hose to put out the fire, the back bumper, the rear side on the passenger side and the rear tail lights had all melted from the heat. the car has been in the body shop since 4/8/2013 and no work can be done because the shop can not get a critical part from gm. the part is the wiring harness for the eassist and gm does not have this part in their parts inventory. on 5/6/2012, i contacted gm customer service and was told that the dealer can order the part only no one can give a date when the part will be available. i was told it could be two weeks or 6 months. the wiring harness is wired by hand and gm only has the stock on hand for their assembly line. until i saw the 5/6/2013 article on the fire risk associated with this model car, i had thought that this was arson. i now believe that i am dealing with a defective car and no one from gm told me of a recall. i found the article as a result of a web search. i have been without my car for one month and my insurance company has tried to work with the dealer to get definitive information on when part can be available. the dealer has to install the wiring harness prior to the body shop doing any work. now based on its recall, i suspect that this is the source of the fire. too coincidental!..updated 05/08/13 *bf updated 05/15/13*lj the consumer stated the fire was caused by arson. updated 05/29/2013*js

Reported in: CLINTON MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GA5ER4DF

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick lacrosse. the contact stated that the front driver and passenger side power windows would continue to close after the power switch was no longer being engaged. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 50. the current mileage was 4,800. ..updated 07-05-13 *bf updated 07/12/2013 *js

Reported in: GERMANTOWN TN || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5E37DF

AIR BAGS

passenger sensing system appears to be too sensitive. owners manual states that the system is designed to detect adult sized passengers. however a small purse (6lbs) is sufficient to activate the airbag light on the console and ring the chimes alerting the driver that the front passenger is not belted in. tested with 8 y/o daughter (43lbs) with same result. dealer has examined the system and found it to be performing as designed. buick customer service returned my phone call and stated that based on the malfunction and the verbiage in bulletin 12-09-41-002a this malfunction is okay and no further service is required. important to note that my 2007 yukon xl denali requires a weight of approximately 40 lbs to activate the seatbelt indicator and about 80lbs to turn on the airbag. buick needs to be recalibrated.

Reported in: LANGLEY AFB VA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5ER7DF

SEATS

passenger sensing system appears to be too sensitive. owners manual states that the system is designed to detect adult sized passengers. however a small purse (6lbs) is sufficient to activate the airbag light on the console and ring the chimes alerting the driver that the front passenger is not belted in. tested with 8 y/o daughter (43lbs) with same result. dealer has examined the system and found it to be performing as designed. buick customer service returned my phone call and stated that based on the malfunction and the verbiage in bulletin 12-09-41-002a this malfunction is okay and no further service is required. important to note that my 2007 yukon xl denali requires a weight of approximately 40 lbs to activate the seatbelt indicator and about 80lbs to turn on the airbag. buick needs to be recalibrated.

Reported in: LANGLEY AFB VA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5ER7DF

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick lacrosse. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. additionally, the contact stated that the back up camera was extremely dim and it was difficult for him to see. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 2,000.

Reported in: ZEPHYRHILLS FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GJ5E38DF

COMMUNICATIONS:BACK UP ALARM

tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick lacrosse. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. additionally, the contact stated that the back up camera was extremely dim and it was difficult for him to see. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 2,000.

Reported in: ZEPHYRHILLS FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GJ5E38DF

POWER TRAIN

the problem has occurred three times. while driving on the highway at 45 to 50 mph the car suddenly downshifts causing the motor to accelerate while the vehicle slows down and when the accelerator is completely released the speed is quickly reduced like the brake is being applied...to maintain a speed of 25 to 30 mph the motor rpm has to be in the 3500 range. this condition remains until the vehicle is stopped and then it returns back to normal operations. this vehicle was returned to the dealer for correction but they spent two days and never did find the problem. that's why i'm sending this to you.

Reported in: LITTLE ROCK AR || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5E34DF

ENGINE

tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick lacrosse. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but the failure could not be replicated. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileage was 9,000. ..update 04-10-14 *bf

Reported in: DANVILLE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GF5E32DF

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick lacrosse. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but the failure could not be replicated. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileage was 9,000. ..update 04-10-14 *bf

Reported in: DANVILLE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GF5E32DF

EQUIPMENT

2013 buick lacrosse. consumer writes in regards to vehicle rear view camera problems. *smd the consumer stated when the vehicle was put in reverse, the image on the navigator screen was supposed to show a yellow guideline to assist in orienting the vehicle when it was being backed up. the guidelines were a critical feature of the rear view camera. the vehicle was missing those guidelines. the consumer contacted the local and national gm representatives and they refused to correct the safety problem. a fully functional rear view camera is a safety necessity with the vehicle, since it has a very small narrow back window. compounding the problem was the unreliability of the navigation screen. the consumer had to take the vehicle to the dealer to have the navigation system fixed to function properly. when the navigation system went blank, the rear view camera did not work.

Reported in: ALEXANDRIA VA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GJ5E33DF

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

2013 buick lacrosse. consumer writes in regards to vehicle rear view camera problems. *smd the consumer stated when the vehicle was put in reverse, the image on the navigator screen was supposed to show a yellow guideline to assist in orienting the vehicle when it was being backed up. the guidelines were a critical feature of the rear view camera. the vehicle was missing those guidelines. the consumer contacted the local and national gm representatives and they refused to correct the safety problem. a fully functional rear view camera is a safety necessity with the vehicle, since it has a very small narrow back window. compounding the problem was the unreliability of the navigation screen. the consumer had to take the vehicle to the dealer to have the navigation system fixed to function properly. when the navigation system went blank, the rear view camera did not work.

Reported in: ALEXANDRIA VA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GJ5E33DF

STEERING

near the florida-georgia on north interstate 75 i stopped at a rest area.when i started the auto again,i found it difficult to back out of the parking lane and to straighten the cars wheels to exit the area.i realized then i lost power steering.slowly and on the right lane i drove the auto to valdosta,ga .i stopped at a motel and called the local buick dealer.the next day (april 2) i was able to bring the auto to the local buick dealer.fortunately,the dealer was just a few miles from my motel. i stayed overnight at a local motel.the dealer arranged for me to rent a auto. the next day, the mechanics at the dealership informed me that they would have to replace parts but did not know how long it would take to receive the parts and how long it would take to fix the auto.thus ,they removed my luggage and books from my auto and placed them in my rental car. then i proceeded to drive to my home in illinois. on april 27,my repaired buick la crosse was delivered to my home in illinois.

Reported in: CHAMPAIGN IL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5E34DF

ENGINE

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.

Reported in: KING NC || Crash: N || VIN #:

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

Reported in: KING NC || Crash: N || VIN #:

POWER TRAIN

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.

Reported in: KING NC || Crash: N || VIN #:

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

2013 buick lacrosse. consumer writes in regards to partial/complete blackout of monitor (nav screen) including rear view camera when backing up. *smd the consumer stated when he backed out of the garage, the navigation screen and dashboard lights would go dark, for 25 seconds. which included the rear view camera which became totally useless for the initial 25 seconds of backing down the driveway. the same blackout of the monitor/dashboard happened when he drove forward out of a covered parking garage. the dealer everything was performing as designed. jb

Reported in: NEW PORT RICHEY FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5E33DF

STRUCTURE

2013 buick lacrosse. consumer writes in regards to partial/complete blackout of monitor (nav screen) including rear view camera when backing up. *smd the consumer stated when he backed out of the garage, the navigation screen and dashboard lights would go dark, for 25 seconds. which included the rear view camera which became totally useless for the initial 25 seconds of backing down the driveway. the same blackout of the monitor/dashboard happened when he drove forward out of a covered parking garage. the dealer everything was performing as designed. jb

Reported in: NEW PORT RICHEY FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5E33DF

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick lacrosse. while driving 55 mph, the entire instrument panel flickered. in addition, the hood of the vehicle was extremely hot. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 14,000.

Reported in: MARQUETTE MI || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5E35DF

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT PANEL

tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick lacrosse. while driving 55 mph, the entire instrument panel flickered. in addition, the hood of the vehicle was extremely hot. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 14,000.

Reported in: MARQUETTE MI || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GC5E35DF

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

car was parked on driveway, driver door was open, driver leaned into car and shut off car engine with push button ignition switch, vehicle immediately rolled back, open door knocked driver down, and was run over and died at hospital. bystander tried to assist and was knocked down by open door and drug a short distance by the door.

Reported in: CANDLER NC || Crash: N || VIN #: 1G4GF5E30DF