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2013 Buick LaCrosse

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Buick LaCrosse
Pictured: 2010 Buick LaCrosse 2 -- 09-07-2009. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Eassist, 4dr Sedan V-6 AWD, 4dr Sedan V-6 FWD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
29 combined · 25 city / 36 hwy
Length
196.9 in
Curb weight
3,774–4,226 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2013 midsize car (25.3 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Buick LaCrosse is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 197 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,774 lb (4dr Sedan Eassist).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 36 highway), 15% better than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 LaCrosse — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 LaCrosse →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Eassist196.9 in73.2 in59.1 in111.8 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,774 lb57/43
4dr Sedan V-6 AWD196.9 in73.2 in59.1 in111.8 in61.4 / 61.8 in4,226 lb57/43
4dr Sedan V-6 FWD196.9 in73.2 in59.1 in111.8 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,935 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
LaCrosse eAssist Hybrid2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+15%$2,300312
LaCrosse3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 27 / 21-17%$3,200433
LaCrosse FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 27 / 21-17%$3,200432
LaCrosse AWD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-21%$3,350453
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.3 MPG2013 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse.

Similar 2013 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Buick LaCrosse (this car)29 MPGNot rated5
2013 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated5
2013 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated6
2013 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated1
2013 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2013 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated3
2013 Dodge Charger23 MPGNot rated9

Recalls (5)

Suspension › Rear · Dec 22, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00F000 · 4,271 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Suspension › Rear · Aug 12, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V633000 · 32,894 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Suspension › Rear · Dec 21, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V764000 · 220,006 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Electrical System · May 6, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V173000 · 42,904 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Software · Mar 15, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V097000 · 26,582 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Buick LaCrosse is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

116Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
65,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System45
Engine29
Suspension26
Steering22
Unknown Or Other9
Power Train9
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/05: 122/06: 122/09: 122/11: 123/05: 123/06: 123/07: 123/08: 123/09: 124/03: 124/04: 124/06: 124/08: 124/12: 225/01: 125/02: 225/05: 225/06: 125/07: 225/08: 126/06: 126/07: 126/08: 126/10: 122/0522/1123/0724/0324/0825/0225/0726/07max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Buick LaCrosse buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 45 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 29 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Suspension — 26 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other LaCrosse years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 LaCrosse29197.6 in★★★★★27
2018 LaCrosse29197.6 in★★★★★312
2017 LaCrosse25197.6 inNot rated236
2016 LaCrosse28196.9 inNot rated248
2015 LaCrosse28196.9 inNot rated344
2014 LaCrosse28196.9 inNot rated561
2012 LaCrosse28196.9 inNot rated5160
2011 LaCrosse23196.9 inNot rated4121

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →