2013 Buick Lacrosse Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 9%of 130 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Buick Lacrosse, 9% of the 130 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11310507, filed 2020-02, 36,000 miles“Transmission shifts down by itself when driving or switches gears. Took to rick hendrix Buick in duluth, ga for service and they said nothing was wrong with it. Power shortly afterwards went out and I had to replace the entire power steering system. Also change car battery but it continues to gradually lose power and gives of a type of burning burning smell”
NHTSA complaint #10992977, filed 2017-06, 79,102 miles“At 55 MPH the transmission suddenly shifted into neutral and the engine RPM increases. Light breaking applied without operator. Gearshift lever and gas pedal both unresponsive. Continue at 10 MPH to get off four lane, turn off engine and restart for normal operation. No warning lights, dealer could not duplicate malfunction, stated no codes were set.”
NHTSA complaint #10892900, filed 2016-08, 20,700 miles“Sitting at a red light and released the brake gave the car gas to move but just sit there like transmission wasn't engaged. Secone time car was being slowed down wife gave it some gas to move on up to stop sign she said car wouldn't accerlate she thought it had went out of gear finally engaged and moved up.”
NHTSA complaint #11112313, filed 2018-07, 66,500 miles“Camshaft sensor fails repeatedly, after warranty replacement. This is causing the motor to die at different speed's and loss of vehicle control. The vehicle is unreliable and unstable. It is a liability to operate knowing any minute the csps can fail and render the vehicle useless.”
NHTSA complaint #11234962, filed 2019-07, 106,225 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | 25% |
| 2017 | 9 | 25% |
| 2016 | 7 | 15% |
| 2015 | 2 | 5% |
| 2014 | 4 | 6% |
| 2013 | 12 | 9% |
| 2012 | 24 | 12% |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% |
| 2010 | 17 | 9% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 10 | 4% |
| 2006 | 7 | 2% |
| 2005 | 19 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2013 Buick Lacrosse
55 complaintsEngine
31 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology