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2013 Buick Lacrosse

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Buick Lacrosse do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 129.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

74 reports with mileage · 55 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports3 fire reports3 injury reports

Engine complaints

30 reports
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59,000 miles · Apr 23, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineSuspension

SERVICE STABILITRACK COMES ON AND REDUCES ENGINE POWER. HAPPENED THIS MORNING DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ALMOST CAUSED A HUGE WRECK BECAUSE I HAD NOWHERE TO GO AND COULDN'T GO THE FREEWAY SPEED.

NHTSA ODI #11089549

43,111 miles · Feb 23, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE BATTERY AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AFTER THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE BATTERY AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AFTER THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,111.

NHTSA ODI #11074555

27,000 miles · Sep 14, 2017
Engine

THE CAR BUCKS AND STALLS WHILE IN MOTION

NHTSA ODI #11023527

43,000 miles · Aug 21, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WERE SHIFTING GEARS. THE FAILURE RECURRED FREQUENTLY. IN ADDITION, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WERE SHIFTING GEARS. THE FAILURE RECURRED FREQUENTLY. IN ADDITION, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALLS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

NHTSA ODI #11018631

89,000 miles · Oct 26, 2016
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE HYBRID. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR UNRELATED ISSUES, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED THE NEXT DAY AND THE "CHECK THE CHARGING SYSTEM" MESSAGE APPEARED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF AND RESTART AUTOMATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUF…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK LACROSSE HYBRID. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR UNRELATED ISSUES, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED THE NEXT DAY AND THE "CHECK THE CHARGING SYSTEM" MESSAGE APPEARED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF AND RESTART AUTOMATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000.

NHTSA ODI #10919173

58,998 miles · Feb 25, 2016
Engine

MY VEHICLE'S DRIVE BELT WAS REPLACED AT 4244 MILES AND AT 58,863 MILES ON 02/16/16/16. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE 102 MILES BEFORE THAT DRIVE BELT BROKE AGAIN CAUSING ME TO ABRUPTLY STOP. LUCKILY THOSE AROUND ME WERE ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ME. THIS IS THE 4TH DRIVE BELT THAT MY VEHICLE HAS NEEDED IN LESS THAN 59,000 MILES. I WAS TO…

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MY VEHICLE'S DRIVE BELT WAS REPLACED AT 4244 MILES AND AT 58,863 MILES ON 02/16/16/16. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE 102 MILES BEFORE THAT DRIVE BELT BROKE AGAIN CAUSING ME TO ABRUPTLY STOP. LUCKILY THOSE AROUND ME WERE ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ME. THIS IS THE 4TH DRIVE BELT THAT MY VEHICLE HAS NEEDED IN LESS THAN 59,000 MILES. I WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVE BELTS ARE DEFECTIVE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT HYBRID ENGINES ARE MUCH HARDER ON DRIVE BELTS AND THAT THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AT LEAST EVERY 50,000 MILES IF NOT SOONER. AFTER ONE WEEK MY VEHICLE IS STILL NOT REPAIRED AS THEY CANNOT FIND A DRIVE BELT FOR MY VEHICLE THAT EITHER IS NOT DEFECTIVE OR FEAR WILL NOT BREAK AGAIN. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOME TYPE OF RECALL ON THE DRIVE BELT. ADDITIONALLY, I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR ON THE DRIVE BELT AT 58,863 MILES WHICH SEEMS UNREASONABLE AS THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH GM AND THEIR HYBRID/EASSIST ENGINE, NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR.

NHTSA ODI #10838149

58,000 miles · Feb 15, 2016
Engine

MY DRIVE BELT BROKE AT 4244 MILES AND WAS COVERED BY GM. IT BROKE AGAIN AT 58K MILES AND GM IS REFUSING TO COVER STATING NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IT IS NOT NORMAL FOR A DRIVE BELT TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED TWICE BEFORE 60K MILES. WAS TOLD REGULAR MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDS IT BEING REPLACED AT 50K DUE TO HYBRID ENGINE, BUT OWNER'S MANUA…

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MY DRIVE BELT BROKE AT 4244 MILES AND WAS COVERED BY GM. IT BROKE AGAIN AT 58K MILES AND GM IS REFUSING TO COVER STATING NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IT IS NOT NORMAL FOR A DRIVE BELT TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED TWICE BEFORE 60K MILES. WAS TOLD REGULAR MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDS IT BEING REPLACED AT 50K DUE TO HYBRID ENGINE, BUT OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT STATE THIS, JUST STATES TO INSPECT IT. WE JUST HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AT 57K MILES, SO DRIVE BELT WAS INSPECTED AT THAT TIME; NO ISSUES REPORTED.

NHTSA ODI #10836221

21,327 miles · Sep 22, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

THREE LANE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC MOVING AT 65 MPH AND ENGINE STALLS OUT WITH NO POWER. MAKE IT TO SHOULDER OF ROAD AND AFTER ABOUT A HALF HOUR, CAR STARTS WITH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON AND I CONTINUE TO DESTINATION. I HAVE SERVICE REPAIR SPECIALIST CHECK SOURCE OF PROBLEM AND IT IS FAILURE OF "CAM SHAFT SENSOR". UPON RETU…

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THREE LANE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC MOVING AT 65 MPH AND ENGINE STALLS OUT WITH NO POWER. MAKE IT TO SHOULDER OF ROAD AND AFTER ABOUT A HALF HOUR, CAR STARTS WITH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON AND I CONTINUE TO DESTINATION. I HAVE SERVICE REPAIR SPECIALIST CHECK SOURCE OF PROBLEM AND IT IS FAILURE OF "CAM SHAFT SENSOR". UPON RETURNING HOME 285 MILES AWAY, AGAIN HAD PROBLEM DIAGNOSED WITH SAME RESULTS..."CAM SHAFT SENSOR" AS ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN AND CAR HAD NO POWER. ON 9/1/2015 CALL ELLIS AUTOMOTIVE INC. AND TOLD THEM ABOUT PROBLEM, PART NEEDED AND ASKED FOR A SERVICE DATE FOR REPAIR. THE SERVICE DATE WAS SET FOR 9/11/2015 AT 9:00 A.M. TRAVELED TO DEALER (51 MILES ONE WAY) AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS "CAM SHAFT SENSOR", BUT DIDN'T HAVE PART AVAILABLE. WHEN I ASKED WHY INEXPENSIVE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AFTER MY PRIOR COMMUNICATIONS I WAS TOLD THEY ONLY RESPOND TO THEIR OWN DIAGNOSES. ON 9/14/2015 AT 3:50 PM , I GET THE MESSAGE THAT PART WAS IN BUT THAT THEY CLOSE AT 4:PM. I CALL AT 9:00 AM ON 9/15/2015 AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE SERVICE DATE FOR 9/30/2015 AND WILL MEET ME HALFWAY WITH "LOANER CAR" AND TAKE MY CAR FOR REPAIR. THE REASON FOR THIS COMMUNICATIONS IS PRETTY BASIC. THIS DEFECTIVE PART CAUSES THE ENGINE TO FAIL AND GM KNOWS THAT THE PROBLEM EXIST AND IS WELL DOCUMENTED. THE DEALERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY GM THAT PROBLEM IS KNOW BUT VEHICLE CAN BE RUN SO THERE IS NO PRIORITY TO FIX PROBLEM WHEN REPORTED BY CUSTOMER. WILL IT TAKE MORE PEOPLE KILLED BY THEIR VEHICLE STALLING IN TRAFFIC WITH NO POWER BRAKING OR STEERING BEFORE GM IS FORCED TO TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION ON A PART THEY KNOW IS PRONE TO FAILURE.? I WAS TOLD THAT THE GOVERNMENT USES WARRANTY INFORMATION TO DETERMINE WHEN A PROBLEM EXIST BUT WE ALL KNOW HOW THIS GAME WAS PLAYED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH DISASTER.

NHTSA ODI #10767337

24,000 miles · May 9, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower 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. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10587524

9,000 miles · Aug 27, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine

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. ..UP…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10537519

Official recalls

5

21V00F000 · Suspension:rear

Dec 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.

21V633000 · Suspension:rear

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.

20V764000 · Suspension:rear

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.

13V173000 · Electrical System

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.

13V097000 · Electrical System:software; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

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

2

AQ14001 · 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