Recall 11V404 affects 4,077 2012 Buick Lacrosse vehicles for incorrect StabiliTrak calibration. Reprogramming is free at any franchised Buick dealer.
Buick is recalling 4,077 2012 Lacrosse passenger vehicles because the StabiliTrak calibration is incorrect and does not meet electronic stability control warning-light requirements. False ESC activation can cause sudden handling and deceleration changes at higher speeds, making the vehicle harder to keep on its intended path, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electronic stability control system on the 2012 Buick Lacrosse helps the vehicle stay on its intended path when traction changes. It reads sensors that track wheel speed, steering input, and vehicle motion, then applies braking or engine control when the vehicle starts to slide. The StabiliTrak warning light is supposed to tell the driver when that system is not operating correctly.
On affected vehicles, the StabiliTrak calibration is wrong. That means the control software does not properly detect a sensor malfunction. If that sensor fault happens, the required warning light does not turn on, so the driver is left without the signal that stability control is not working as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is the missing warning itself: a driver would not see the StabiliTrak light that should appear when the system is not operating.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Buick Lacrosse | Electronic stability control (esc) |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4,077 |
Not every 2012 Buick Lacrosse sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electronic stability control error can trigger false ESC activation. That can cause sudden handling changes and deceleration, especially at higher speeds, making it harder to keep the 2012 Buick Lacrosse on its intended path and speed. There is no warning sign before it happens. Repair will be free at any franchised Buick dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Buick Lacrosse is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Buick dealer to ask whether the free electronic brake control module reprogramming is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 11V404 when you call, and ask the dealer to confirm the StabiliTrak calibration repair that fixes the ESC warning-light and false-activation issue.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If you bought the vehicle used, the dealer can still look up the recall by VIN.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer confirms the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid unnecessary high-speed driving.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Buick technician reprograms the electronic brake control module so the StabiliTrak system uses the correct calibration and can detect a sensor malfunction as required. Buick's remedy says this work is performed free of charge. The recall notice says the safety recall began on September 12, 2011, but the current remedy status was not provided, so confirm repair availability when you contact the dealer.
Timeline
| August 3, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V404?
Recall 11V404 covers 4,077 2012 Buick Lacrosse vehicles with an electronic stability control calibration problem. The system can fail to detect a sensor malfunction correctly, and the warning light that shows the system is not operating will not illuminate as required.
What should I do if my 2012 Buick Lacrosse is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V404. If it is, contact a franchised Buick dealer and ask for the electronic brake control module reprogramming. Reference recall 11V404 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and GM dealers will reprogram the electronic brake control module free of charge. A franchised Buick dealer handles the repair for included 2012 Buick Lacrosse vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden, false activation of the electronic stability control system. That can change vehicle handling and deceleration, especially at higher speeds, making it harder for the driver to keep the intended path and speed. The official consequence includes crash risk without warning.
What if I bought my Buick Lacrosse used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2012 Buick Lacrosse is included, then call a franchised Buick dealer with recall 11V404 and ask to schedule the free module reprogramming.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V404000 |
|---|---|
| Buick customer service | 1-866-608-8080 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V404 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V404000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →