Recall 13V097 covers 26,582 2013 Lacrosse and SRX vehicles for lost engine braking. Repair is free at any franchised Buick dealer.
Buick is recalling 26,582 2013 Lacrosse and SRX vehicles because a software problem can shift the transmission into Sport mode and remove transmission-related engine braking. That unexpected loss of engine braking can increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Buick makes it available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The transmission-control software on the 2013 Lacrosse and SRX tells the automatic transmission which mode to use and how to respond when the driver eases off the accelerator. In normal driving, the transmission also provides engine braking, which helps slow the vehicle through the drivetrain instead of relying only on the wheel brakes.
On affected vehicles, a software problem allows the transmission to shift into Sport mode when the driver did not select it. That shift removes the transmission-related engine braking effect required for this system. The vehicle still has its service brakes, but the expected slowing from the transmission is lost, so the driver has to rely on the brake pedal to control speed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver can notice the issue only after the transmission changes behavior, when the vehicle no longer slows as expected after easing off the accelerator.
Who's affected?
Covers two model lines from the 2013 model year, both tied to electrical system software and automatic transmission components.
| 2013 Buick Lacrosse | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2013 Buick Lacrosse | automatic transmission |
| 2013 Buick Lacrosse | automatic transmission |
| 2013 Cadillac SRX | electrical system software |
| 2013 Cadillac SRX | automatic transmission |
| 2013 Cadillac SRX | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 26,582 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected loss of engine braking reduces the driver's help from the transmission while slowing, increasing crash risk. Keep extra following distance and schedule the recall repair with a dealer when your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Buick dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Buick Lacrosse or SRX is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Buick dealer to ask for the free transmission-control-module reprogramming that restores the intended engine-braking behavior.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 13V097 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the reprogramming is complete, especially on grades where engine braking matters.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Buick technician reprograms the transmission control module. That software update is the repair listed for campaign 13V097. It addresses the control problem that allows the transmission to shift into Sport mode and remove transmission related engine braking. Because the remedy status is not marked available in this record, confirm the campaign is open for your VIN before arranging service. Once available, the dealer repair is free, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| March 15, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 3, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V097?
Recall 13V097 covers 26,582 2013 Buick Lacrosse and SRX vehicles with transmission control software that can shift the transmission into Sport mode and remove engine braking. Buick dealers will reprogram the transmission control module for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Buick Lacrosse or SRX is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V097. If it is, contact a franchised Buick dealer and ask for the transmission control module reprogramming. Reference recall number 13V097 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Buick dealers will reprogram the transmission control module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of expected engine braking if the transmission shifts into Sport mode. If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, the vehicle needs more driver control during slowing or downhill driving, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair corrects the transmission control software.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V097000 |
|---|---|
| Buick customer service | 1-866-982-2339 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V097 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V097000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →