This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Buick LaCrosse steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 64,941 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 LaCrosse | 17 |
| 2011 LaCrosse | 12 |
| 2012 LaCrosse | 24 |
| 2013 LaCrosse (this page) | 24 |
| 2014 LaCrosse | 12 |
| 2015 LaCrosse | 12 |
| 2016 LaCrosse | 12 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 24 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 11 model years of Buick LaCrosse in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Steering accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 LaCrosse's electronic power steering system fails in two main ways. First, the steering gearbox or rack-and-pinion assembly gives out completely, leaving the steering wheel stiff and nearly uncontrollable. The "Service Power Steering" warning lights up, usually without warning. Owners report this happening anywhere from 10,000 to 64,000 miles—far earlier than you'd expect from a system that old. Replacement runs $2,500 to $2,600 and can take weeks because Buick doesn't stock parts readily.
Second, the power steering cuts out intermittently, sometimes restoring itself after a restart, sometimes not. This unpredictability is the scariest part: one minute the wheel turns fine, the next it's locked hard. Some owners report three separate failures over two years.
A third pattern ties power steering loss to broader electrical gremlins—charging system warnings, shredded serpentine belts, dead batteries, complete power loss. The electrical and steering problems seem to feed each other.
Buick issued recalls for some model years and VINs, but many 2013 LaCrosse owners find their vehicle excluded or the recall expired. When it expires, Buick stops helping. Dealers sometimes can't or won't diagnose the intermittent failures.
Same Buick LaCrosse steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
EPS Gearbox Failure
Complete failure of the electronic power steering gearbox/steering gear and pinion assembly requiring replacement. Owners report sudden loss of power steering assist with stiff steering wheel and 'Service Power Steering' message on dashboard.
When: 44,571 to 64,941 miles; one case at 10,000 miles; one at 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service Power Steering warning message on dash; Steering wheel becomes very stiff and difficult to turn; Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving; Steering wheel locked up and unable to turn left (case #6)
Codes mentioned: C055C (steering gear performance malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Full steering gearbox/rack and pinion assembly replacement; costs cited at $2,500-$2,600; parts availability issues caused extended repair delays (3 weeks to 25+ days)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Buick customer service case number provided in complaint #5; recalls mentioned (13V173000 and 13V097000) but some VINs excluded from recall coverage per complaints #6 and #19; recall expired per complaint #7; manufacturer declined further assistance when recall expired
Intermittent EPS Failure with Service Warnings
Intermittent power steering loss where the system fails temporarily, warning light illuminates, then may restore function after engine restart. Occurs unpredictably during driving or at low speeds in parking situations.
When: First incidents around 43,111 to 77,000 miles; recurring issues at higher mileages (100,000+ miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Service Power Steering warning light intermittently illuminates; Temporary inability to move or steer car; Steering difficulty at low speeds (parking, backing); Power steering works after engine restart; Intermittent failure with no steering assist available until restart
Codes mentioned: Electrical failure codes (specific codes not detailed in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided in intermittent failure cases; independent mechanics unable to diagnose root cause in some instances
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided case number but offered no remedy when recall had expired; no TSBs or warranty assistance mentioned for intermittent failures
Electrical System Failure Causing Power Steering Loss
Loss of power steering related to broader electrical system faults including alternator/charging system failure, serpentine belt shredding, and battery drain issues. Power steering assist fails when vehicle loses electrical power.
When: Various mileages; one case with shredded serpentine belt at unknown mileage; charging system failures reported across mileage range
Symptoms owners cite: Malfunction indicator lamp and charging system warning light illuminate; Warning that charging system not working; Power steering fails coincident with electrical warnings; Engine stalls or cuts off, power steering becomes inoperable; Serpentine belt shredded; ABS light illuminates; Complete loss of vehicle electrical power (windows, locks, hazard lights non-responsive); Radio and dash components cut out and go black
Codes mentioned: Check engine light / Malfunction indicator lamp, Battery charging system codes, Electrical system short fault codes mentioned in complaint #4
Repairs/costs cited: Serpentine belt replacement performed; belt replacement did not resolve issue in one case (complaint #12); complete power steering system replacement in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or warranty assistance documented in electrical failure complaints; owner in complaint #12 mentions recalls for eAssist components but concern that recall was not properly applied
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Power Steering Went out while I was on the Highway. It was all of a sudden, and I had been driving on the highway for at least 2 hours. This caused my steering to be not as controlled, and could have caused a wreck if driving by a less advance and experienced driver. The only time the warning lamp came on was the minute it happened, and when completely out. I had to drive on the highway over an…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Buick lacrosse. While starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was difficult to turn and the service power steering message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that an electrical failure occurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: [xxx]. The contact stated that the failure…
2013 Buick lacrosse - power steering stopped working while my 19-year-old daughter was driving at approximately 35 MPH! Steering wheel completely locked up. Potentially hazardous condition. Gm must address this issue with the power steering mechanism on these vehicles! Very expensive repair ($2,600) and it took 3 weeks to find the part due to gm being on strike.
Had steering trouble with your 2013 Buick LaCrosse?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2013 Buick LaCrosse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 43,111 and 79,102 miles, with the median around 64,941. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,111; a quarter make it past 79,102. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Buick/LaCrosse.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.