NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
30 reportsClear category filter169,000 miles · Mar 29, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
CONSTANTLY BEEN HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS. ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF. I WAS DRIVING IT DOWN A HIGHWAY, COMING TO A STOP DUE TO A RED LIGHT WHEN THE WHOLE FRONT OF MY CAR BEGIN TO SPUTTER AND GAVE OUT. IT READ "STABILTRAK" BUT WHEN TAKEN TO THE SHOP IT ONLY READ A CODE FOR THE CARBON FILTER. WHICH, WAS CHANGED AND DID FIXED THE…
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CONSTANTLY BEEN HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS. ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF. I WAS DRIVING IT DOWN A HIGHWAY, COMING TO A STOP DUE TO A RED LIGHT WHEN THE WHOLE FRONT OF MY CAR BEGIN TO SPUTTER AND GAVE OUT. IT READ "STABILTRAK" BUT WHEN TAKEN TO THE SHOP IT ONLY READ A CODE FOR THE CARBON FILTER. WHICH, WAS CHANGED AND DID FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR THE TIME BEING. HOWEVER, ITS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN.. WHICH IS VERY DISSAPOINTING BECAUSE ITS A VERY WELL KEPT UP WITH CAR, NEVER GOES WITHOUT ITS NECESSITIES.. AND AT THIS POINT I'M THINKING IT COULD BE MY BRAKING SYSTEM DUE TO THIS PROBLEM WEAKENING MY BRAKES BUT I DON'T SEE WHY BECAUSE THOSE WERE CHANGED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. MAYBE, EVEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MY TRACTION CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI #11405470
83,000 miles · Jan 8, 2021
EngineFuel System, Gasoline
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 COMPLET…
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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 ODI #11387226
110,000 miles · Oct 22, 2020
Engine
MY 2013 BUICK LACROSSE HAS A MALFUNCTIONING TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WHICH IT ALREADY RECALLED BY GM BUT MY CAR DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE OF MY VIN THE MALFUNCTIONING TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE CAUSE MY CAR TO GO INTO LIMP MODE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET IN TRAFFIC
NHTSA ODI #11365731
100,000 miles · Aug 22, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering
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 BEC…
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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 ODI #11350734
36,000 miles · Feb 21, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
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 …
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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 ODI #11310507
66,002 miles · Nov 20, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. SPORADICALLY, WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT, AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE REVVED, THE RPMS INCREASED, AND THE ECO WARNING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO O'RIELLY CHEVROLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. SPORADICALLY, WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT, AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE REVVED, THE RPMS INCREASED, AND THE ECO WARNING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO O'RIELLY CHEVROLET (6160 E BROADWAY BLVD, TUCSON, AZ 85711, (520) 829-3876), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5654186782. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,002.
NHTSA ODI #11281309
81,000 miles · Oct 22, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineUnknown Or Other
IN 2018 THE AIR WENT OUT IN THE VEHICLE AND THEN THE ABS LIGHT CANE ON. A FEW DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED AND THEN THE NEXT DAY THE BATTERY COMPLETELY DIED. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND HAD IT FIXED. THEY SAID THAT BATTERY WAS MISSING A CELL AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY, FIXED THE AIR CONDITIONING BASICALLY FIX…
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IN 2018 THE AIR WENT OUT IN THE VEHICLE AND THEN THE ABS LIGHT CANE ON. A FEW DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED AND THEN THE NEXT DAY THE BATTERY COMPLETELY DIED. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND HAD IT FIXED. THEY SAID THAT BATTERY WAS MISSING A CELL AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY, FIXED THE AIR CONDITIONING BASICALLY FIXED ALL ISSUES. FAST FORWARD TO A YEAR TO THE DATE THE SAME ISSUE STARTED AGAIN IN THAT ORDER. THE CAR HAS OFFICIALLY CUT OFF AND I SEARCHED AND THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS COMING UP FOR MY VIN NUMBER.
NHTSA ODI #11270145
71,000 miles · Oct 21, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED LAST YEAR AROUND THIS TIME WITH AN ISSUE SAYING THAT THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE SERVICED. AT THE TIME I HAD RECENTLY BOUGHT A BATTERY BUT THE SHOP INFORMED IT COULD BE DUE TO A DEAD CELL IN THE BATTERY 1 YEAR EXACTLY AND THE SAME ISSUE OCCURS. IT START WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING DISP…
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I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED LAST YEAR AROUND THIS TIME WITH AN ISSUE SAYING THAT THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE SERVICED. AT THE TIME I HAD RECENTLY BOUGHT A BATTERY BUT THE SHOP INFORMED IT COULD BE DUE TO A DEAD CELL IN THE BATTERY 1 YEAR EXACTLY AND THE SAME ISSUE OCCURS. IT START WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING DISPLAYED THEN IT WILL START SENDING THE MESSAGE AND BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON. THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANOTHER DEAD CELL BATTERY. THERE IS DEFINITELY AN ISSUE WITH THE CHARGING SYSTEM OF THESE CARS. THIS WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE WHEN IN ECO MODE TO RESTART CAUSE POWER LOSS WHE DRIVING AND ALSO CAUSE THE RADIO, NAVIGATION ECT TO LOSS BRIGHTNESS. THE CAR RELEASES LOUD SOUND FOR THE A/C AND DEFROST THUMPING AND TICKING ALSO SPUTTERING WHEN ACCELERATOR IS TOUCHED. EVEN WHEN SWITCHING FROM PARK TO ANY OTHER GEAR IS WHEN THIS IS HEARD REGARDING WHEN A/C HEAT OR DEFROST IS ON . THIS IS DURING DRIVING OR AFTER STARTING CAR. ORIGINALLY HAPPENED 10/12/18 HAPPENING AGAIN AS OF 10/18/2019
NHTSA ODI #11269859
106,225 miles · Jul 26, 2019
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
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 ODI #11234962
65,500 miles · Jul 25, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
TAMARA RECALL-THE CAR ONLY HAS 67000 MILES ON IT, AND FOR SOME REASON IT IS USING OIL. THERE IS EXHAUST FUMES/SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. THERE HAVE BEEN OCCASIONS WHERE IT HAS NOT STARTED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW OFF OF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR IN 2014, AND THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC ON IT; AND…
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TAMARA RECALL-THE CAR ONLY HAS 67000 MILES ON IT, AND FOR SOME REASON IT IS USING OIL. THERE IS EXHAUST FUMES/SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. THERE HAVE BEEN OCCASIONS WHERE IT HAS NOT STARTED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW OFF OF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR IN 2014, AND THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC ON IT; AND INFORM ME THAT THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG. WHY ALL OF THE SUDDEN IS THE OIL PRESSURE DOWN SO LOW AND MY WARRANTY WILL BE UP AT 70000 MILES. I ASKED THE TECHNICIAN TO EXAMINE THE DRIVETRAIN AND OTHER COMPONENTS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY; BUT THEY REFUSED. ALSO THE SCREEN ON THE SATELLITE RADIO AND CLOCK FADES OUT AND COMES BACK ON. THE DEALERSHIP FAILED TO PROVIDE A RESPONSE TO THIS AS WELL. I NEED ANSWERS TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, BUT IF THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE CANNOT ANSWER THE QUESTIONS; WHAT IS LEFT TO DO TO GET IT REPAIRED PROPERLY? THE CAR IS STATIONERY WHEN THE SCREEN FADES OUT AND ALSO THE INSIDE LIGHTS GO OUT PERIODICALLY AS WELL AS THE HEADLIGHTS. WHAT CAN BE DONE? WE NEED ASSISTANCE. GM NEEDS TO KNOW THAT THIS DEALERSHIP IS PROVIDING LESS THAN SATISFACTORY SERVICE.
NHTSA ODI #11113624
Official recalls
5Dec 22, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. 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 break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
Aug 12, 2021
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, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. 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 debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 mailed on January 3, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212330130.
Dec 21, 2020
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, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. 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 debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
May 6, 2013
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 loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 number is 13136.
Mar 15, 2013
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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 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 braking effect.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: 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 1-866-694-6546.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:software
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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 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 braking effect.
Consequence: If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: 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 1-866-694-6546.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 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 braking effect.
Consequence: If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: 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 1-866-694-6546.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 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 braking effect.
Consequence: If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: 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 1-866-694-6546.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2AQ14001 · Sands Chevrolet/hybrid System Fire/stall
Opened May 2, 2014 · Closed May 22, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
NHTSA opened AQ14-001 to determine whether Sands Chevrolet of Surprise, Arizona complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell and deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 U.S.C. ?? 30112(a), 30120(i)).NHTSA issued an information request (IR) letter to Sands Chevrolet on May 5, 2014.Sands Chevrolet responded to this request on May 22, 2014.To ensure NHTSA?s information request encompassed all possible reference codes for General Motors recall 13V-173, NHTSA issued another IR letter to Sands Chevrolet on June 8, 2015.Again, a response letter was received on June 9, 2015.NHTSA?s investigation indicated that Sands Chevrolet did sell and deliver recalled vehicles that did not have the recall remedy completed at the time the vehicles were delivered to the customers.NHTSA therefore concluded that Sands Chevrolet was liable for civil penalties for violations of the Safety Act, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. ? 30165.Under a Settlement Agreement dated March 24, 2016, Sands Chevrolet represented that it improved its processes to verify that it checks every vehicle for recalls prior to delivery to the purchaser and that it has not sold and delivered any unremedied new motor vehicles since June 9, 2015.Sands Chevrolet also represented that it now also checks for open recalls on every customer vehicle brought in for service, and that it checks for open recalls on every used trade-in vehicle, regardless of make or model, and takes steps to have all used trade-in vehicles repaired prior to retail sale. Sands Chevrolet admitted to violating the law and must pay civil penalties in the amount of $40,000.This Audit Query is closed.
RQ13003 · Generator Control Module Fires
Opened Jul 5, 2013 · Closed Jul 22, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
On July 5, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-003 to investigate whether the service procedures utilized in recall bulletins 13136 and 13142 for safety recall 13V-173 were sufficient to identify the safety defect in the subject vehicles.These safety recalls were issue on May 3, 2013 to address the improper function of the Generator Control Module (GCM) in certain model year (MY) 2012-13 Buick LaCrosse and Regal and MY 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco equipped with eAssist.This condition may result in a loss of battery charge, engine stall and/or inability for the vehicle to start.In severe cases it may also lead to odor, smoke and possibly a fire in the trunk.During discussions with General Motors (GM), ODI was informed that the subject vehicles could be separated into 4 distinct build populations, or groups. Group A contained vehicles built from the start of production through 3/19/2012.Group B involved vehicles built from 3/20/2012 to 8/20/2012, group C from 8/21/2012 to 12/31/12, and group D from 1/1/2013 onwards.Bulletin 13136 instructed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the GCM for vehicles in groups A or C.Bulletin 13142 instructed dealers to replace the GCM of any vehicle in group B.Group D vehicles were not recalled.All eAssist vehicles have a Powerpack which contains a BAS (belt alternator-starter) Power Inverter Module (BPIM)/Accessory Power Module (APM) and a 115-V Lithium-Ion battery.The Powerpack is known by GM's Part Description System as the GCM and Battery Module. The BPIM/APM contains 3 multi-layered printed circuit boards (PCBs) comprised of conductive layers separated by isolating layers.Vehicles built within the time periods of groups A and B had PCBs using single isolation layers.Vehicles build in group C had dual isolation layers on 1 of the 3 PCBs, and group D had all 3 PCBs built with dual insulation.Adding dual insulation to a PCB makes it more robust to material and manufacturing variations, and ultimately less susceptible to an electrical short circuit and subsequent failure.Through initial analysis of the GCM failures, GM identified that vehicles within group B contained PCBs that were contaminated during production due to increased production volumes that resulted in inadequate quality control.GM also noted that GCM failures occurred early in the life of the vehicle (typically <1000 miles).Therefore a service procedure was developed to replicate early life failures by subjecting the GCM to high current loads which would cause the identified failure mechanism (copper migration) to occur quickly and reveal any underlying PCB defect.Although groups A and C were built with PCBs containing single layer PCBs, they were built using better quality control, and as the data supports, experienced significantly lower failures.GM advised that for these reasons the two different service procedures were used in the Recall 13V-173 population.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) GM submitted 234 unique reports related to the alleged problem. It was noted that 197 (84%) of the received reports fell into the group B population.The 2 fire incidents noted were events in which flames were evident and/or damage was experienced outside of the GCM. Both of these incidents involved group B vehicles. One hundred four warranty claims were also submitted in response to the IR, with 96 claims (92%) from group B.It was also noted that none of the claims from groups A or C occurred after the service procedure was conducted, and that the majority of the A or C incidents occurred during the service procedure.Given the data, ODI believes the ser