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Buick Lacrosse jerking problems

44 of the 2,126 owner complaints about the Buick Lacrosse describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 2012 model year.

owner complaints
44
worst model year
2012
typical mileage
54,086
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2019
    1
  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    3
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    1
  • 2013
    3
  • 2012
    11
  • 2011
    7
  • 2010
    7
  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    2
  • 2006
    1
  • 2005
    4

What owners say

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · 99,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the fuel pump was previously replaced due to the vehicle stalling while driving. The contact stated that the tailgate unintendedly opened while the vehicle was parked and turned off. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while driving from a complete stop, and the vehicle hesitated and shuddered while driving at various speeds. An unknown warning light was illuminated. OnStar was contacted and informed the contact that a DTC for the ABS was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was repaired for ABS failure; however, the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced twice due to the failure. The mechanic advised the contact to get rid of the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

Filed Nov 5, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · MS · crash

during a regular drive the check stabiltrack system message popped up on the dash in the middle circle and then the little car with the squiggly lines behind it popped up and the check engine light came on and started blinking. Immediately I noticed lack of steering control, the car's speed was accelerating and decelerating on its own, jerking and stalling also was observed. As of now the car sits in my driveway because I don't trust the safety of it. I literally feared my life was in danger driving it because of the lack of handling and the acceleration shifts that were so random. So I returned home, as I pulled into the yard the vehicle jerked hard while I was attempting turn into the driveway causing me to hit my mailbox and damaged the side fender and front bumper. no one was injured but the car was damaged as stated before and I'm scared to drive it anywhere. The unpredictable behavior displayed in the vehicle puts other drivers at risk as well because I can't control the vehicle properly. so I'm guessing all in all its a malfunction somewhere in the electrical system. I have read about recalls in my type of vehicle involving the ESC and it appears to be what is happening with mine. As of now it sits in my driveway I need a remedy and fast because that was my only source of transportation and I'm a single mother of four with a lot to take of and no way to do it.

Filed Apr 29, 2025 · Brakes · 127,500 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2015 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked briefly before shifting into gear. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the ABS was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,500.

Filed Oct 19, 2023 · TX

Transmission problem. Jerking when going into gear.

Filed Aug 11, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · SC

Stalls when going up hill or if I stop at stop light and then try to proceed it jerk and go fast and also the display goes out and restart

Filed Aug 6, 2023 · Steering · NC

I was driving on a main street. Received Power Steering Fluid message and then steering well locked up. Could not manuever it. Had to pull over to call for assistance, to no avail. The manual states it is a electrical power issue. I've taken this car in numerous of times for various services, specially the "jerking" of the car. I've discovered there was a recall for the Power steering today was announced a few years ago but never gotten a letter to have mine checked. I just recently picked my car up from servicing and there is no notation of needing power steering fluid. I feel like this is a dangerous issue especially if had locked up on the highway!

Filed May 5, 2022 · Brakes, Transmission · MN

When braking from 50 mph or 40 mph coming to a stop my car jerks and it’s very hard to stop it uncomfortable hesitation, Jerk, or lurch. Almost caused accident twice where I couldn’t stop the vehicle this is very unsafe for me and my family also transmission downshifts and up shifts are really hard in this vehicle

Filed Apr 14, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · 88,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there were no compressions on the engine and cylinders due to a possible fractured timing chain and damaged valves. The dealer also informed the contact there was no oil in the engine; however, the contact had replaced the engine oil 2-3 weeks prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V173000 (Electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Filed Dec 16, 2020 · 11,700 miles · NC

I own a 2019 buick lacrosse e-shift (VIN#[xxx]). Over the last 4-5 mos. I have had 3 incidents where the e-shift mechanism has gone into park without touching the shift control. 1. First occurrence - approx. 5 months ago car was in drive at very slow speed entering parking slot with foot lightly depressed on brake. Car changed to park on it's own. Stopped abruptly, gears grinding, jerking me toward steering wheel. 2. Second occurrence - around 10/10/20, car was in drive, foot lightly depressed on brake, waiting to make left turn at stop light. Car changed to park on it's own. Again the car stopped abruptly, gears grinding, jerking me toward steering wheel. I scheduled appointment with dealer maintenance on 10/13/20. They could not replicate the problem. Asked for me to return the car so they could have overnight. Due to covid escalation have not scheduled appt. 3. Third occurrence - on 12/11/2020, I was waiting at a red light, car in drive, foot fully depressed on brake, and the car shifted to park on it's own. I heard the car locks click, and wondered what caused that. When light changed and I tried to accelerate, the car did not move, and it was then I noticed it was in park. I intend to take the car back to the dealer for them to see if they can replicate. They had nothing in their database on 10/13/2020 reflecting other complaints. I'm somewhat skeptical they can replicate due to the random occurrences. But it definitely seems to be in the shift park component of the car I am now very hesitant about driving this car. Since it happens randomly, and abruptly, with no forewarning, I am concerned for my safety. My questions are: 1. Has anyone reported a similar problem to your group? 2. What other information do you require? 3. What other actions should I take? 4. What other groups can I contact to inquire about the problem? Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 14, 2020 · Airbags, Electrical · NJ

Air bag is on says it needs checked and also some electrical problem with the transmission that is causing the car to jerk while accelerating

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported February 21, 2014 · 355 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick owners at 1‑800‑521‑7300, and GMC owners at 1‑800‑462‑8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.

Recall number 14V092000 · Recall details

Questions about the Buick Lacrosse jerking

Which Buick Lacrosse years have jerking or lurching problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2012 (11 complaints), 2010 (7 complaints) and 2011 (7 complaints).

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