The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·11V404000·Announced 2011-08-03

GM Recalls 2012 Buick Lacrosse for Electronic Stability Control Defect

General Motors is recalling 2012 Buick Lacrosse vehicles because an incorrect calibration in the Electronic Stability Control system may cause sudden changes in vehicle handling.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The defect involves a safety-critical system (ESC) that could cause sudden vehicle handling changes and a crash without warning, fitting the 'High' criterion for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

General Motors LLC is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Lacrosse passenger vehicles manufactured between June 9, 2011, and July 2, 2011. The recall involves 4,077 vehicles that fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 126 regarding Electronic Stability Control Systems (ESC).

The Stabilitrak system has an incorrect calibration that may prevent it from properly detecting sensor malfunctions. Consequently, the warning light indicating that the system is not operating may fail to illuminate as required. This improper diagnosis may cause the ESC to falsely activate, resulting in sudden changes in vehicle handling and deceleration, particularly at higher speeds. This could make it difficult for the driver to maintain the vehicle's desired path and speed, potentially resulting in a crash without warning.

GM dealers will reprogram the electronic brake control module free of charge. The safety recall began on September 12, 2011. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
BUICK LACROSSE
Brand
BUICK
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS LLC
Affected units
4,077

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • LACROSSE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.