**Subject:** Formal Safety Defect Complaint: Premature Failure of Completed Recall Remedy (the federal safety agency Campaign 13V173000 / GM Recall 13136) Resulting in Sudden Loss of Power Steering **VEHICLE INFORMATION** * **Year/Make/Model:** 2012 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid (eAssist) * **VIN:** [XXX] * **Current Mileage:** [Insert Current Mileage] **DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY DEFECT & INCIDENT** This vehicle was previously serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign 13V173000 to resolve an inherent defect in the Generator Control Module (GCM) that presents a severe stalling and trunk fire risk. On 9-9-26, under normal driving conditions in ambient temperatures of approximately 95°F and after covering a distance of 10 miles, the manufacturer-installed remedy component suffered a premature, catastrophic thermal failure. The replacement GCM ceased regulating and delivering power to the vehicle’s 12-volt system. The resulting critical voltage drop forced the vehicle into an emergency load-shedding protocol, abruptly disabling the air conditioning system. Shortly thereafter, the severe drop in operating voltage caused a total, sudden failure of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) while the vehicle was actively in motion. The driver was forced to navigate a heavy vehicle entirely without steering assistance, causing an immediate, severe collision hazard. Battery warning symbol activated. I have not taken it to the dealership because of the recall status. **REASON FOR ADVANCED ESCALATION** While the vehicle’s VIN status officially shows "No Incomplete Recalls" because the campaign was previously executed, the remedy part provided by the manufacturer has failed in the exact same manner as the original defective component. By failing prematurely, the safety risk mandated to be fixed by federal law has been completely reintroduced. REQUESTED ACTIONS Manufacturer-Covered Remedy: A goodwill replacement of the failed Generator Control Module and associated diagnostics at no cost to the owner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC
Buick Lacrosse stalling problems
147 of the 2,126 owner complaints about the Buick Lacrosse describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2012 model year.
- owner complaints
- 147
- worst model year
- 2012
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 68,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 22Loss of power 12Hesitation 8Won't start 7Power steering loss 6Headlights 6Engine failure 6Jerking 5
Trouble codes mentioned
P1A6F 1P062F 1P0014 1
What owners say
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.
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.
Low beam headlights randomly turn off while driving at night and day. Causing not to be able to see the roadway at all. Very dangerous!!! They give no warning at all. Only the low beams do this. Bright lights are not affected. There was a recall for this issue but they said my car was not affected. But it is 100% affected by this recall. Ot seems like the Headlamp driver module is overheating. It gets extremely hot. This issue almost caused a very serious accident .
The contact owns a 2013 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the steering seized. In addition, the contact stated that a warning indicated a low voltage and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled in the middle of a busy road. The contact called the Police to assist with moving the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer; however, the contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to another dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a low voltage Hybrid battery. The contact was informed that the Hybrid battery needed to be replaced to perform a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact contacted a Chevrolet dealer by phone and was informed that the Hybrid battery was no longer in production. The contact stated that the failure had occurred in February 2024, however, the independent mechanic had provided a temporary fix. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the battery was no longer covered under warranty. The contact was informed that the battery had exceeded the warranty period. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
My 2012 Buick lacrosse died while driving putting me and my children at risk. Vehicle was then jumped but battery voltage kept decreasing. It says service batter charging. Took to mechanic they said all electric components say low voltage then had battery replaced to see if that would fix it but it did not and I was told it would need to go to dealership to have all parts replaced which is 4k+. Did research and it may relate to the electrical recall made on the cars in 2013.
Hello my car is stalling out and the stabilìtrak lights comes on with trak symbol. Car does not crank back up until the next day.. it keeps doing this after several days. Im scared to drive this car with the stalling when driving it... PLEASE help me fix this problem.
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
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
Taken car to dealership for computer analysis and was told that the issue was caused by P0420cataylic converter needed to be replaced. I had cataylic converter replaced elsewhere and noticed that wasn't the problem. After doing some research I found that ignition switch is the reason my car stalls while driving. There was a Product Safety Recall (14299) Ignition key rotation and replaced on 10- 8-20 but I'm having the same problem.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Buick Lacrosse stalling
Which Buick Lacrosse years have engine stalls while driving problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2012 (41 complaints), 2005 (19 complaints) and 2007 (16 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine stalls while driving on the Buick Lacrosse?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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