Recall 13V173 covers 42,904 2012-2013 Buick Lacrosse, Regal, and Malibu Eco vehicles for generator control module failure. Repair is free at Buick dealers.
Buick is recalling 42,904 2012-2013 Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, along with 2013 Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist, because the Generator Control Module can stop working properly and drain the battery. If owners keep driving, the engine can stall or fail to start, and the Buick dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The generator control module in these 2012-2013 Lacrosse, Regal, and Malibu Eco vehicles with eAssist is part of the electrical charging system. It helps manage how the eAssist system charges and uses the vehicle battery while the car is running. When it works correctly, the battery stays charged enough to support normal electrical operation.
In affected vehicles, the generator control module does not function properly. The charging system then loses its ability to keep the battery charged at the expected level. As the battery charge drops, the vehicle turns on the malfunction indicator light to show that the system has detected a problem.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner sees is the malfunction indicator light, followed by signs tied to a low battery charge, such as weak electrical operation or difficulty keeping the vehicle powered normally.
Who's affected?
Spans Lacrosse, Regal, and Malibu Eco sedans across the 2012 and 2013 model years, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2012 Buick Lacrosse | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Buick Regal | electrical system |
| 2013 Buick Regal | electrical system |
| 2013 Buick Lacrosse | electrical system |
| 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco | electrical system |
| Units affected | 42,904 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the vehicle keeps being driven, the engine can stall or fail to start. A burning or melting odor, smoke, or fire in the trunk can also occur. If you notice odor or smoke, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Buick dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Lacrosse, Regal, or Malibu Eco is included in this recall.
- Watch for owner notification from Buick about recall number 13V173, then contact a franchised Buick dealer.
- Ask the dealer to test the generator control module and replace it for free if needed. This repair addresses battery drain, warning-light illumination, stalling, no-start conditions, odor, smoke, or trunk fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Buick mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V173 when you call.
- Stop driving and contact the dealer if the warning light comes on, the vehicle loses charge, stalls, fails to start, smells hot, smokes, or shows signs of fire risk.
What happens at the repair
For this recall, the dealer process centers on the generator control module, or GCM. Once the repair is available, a Buick technician will test the GCM and replace it if the test shows it is not functioning properly. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The source remedy says the recall began on June 11, 2013, so the service desk can use that date to confirm the campaign in its system.
Timeline
| May 6, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 11, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V173?
Recall 13V173 covers 42,904 2012-2013 Buick Lacrosse, Regal, and Malibu Eco vehicles with eAssist. The generator control module can fail, drain the battery, turn on the malfunction indicator light, and lead to stalling, a no-start condition, smoke, or fire in the trunk.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Buick Lacrosse, Regal, or Malibu Eco is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V173. If it is, contact a franchised Buick dealer and ask for the generator control module test. The dealer will replace the module if needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 13V173, the dealer tests the generator control module and replaces it if needed, free of charge.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for a malfunction indicator light, a gradual loss of battery charge, a no-start condition, a burning or melting odor, smoke, or signs of heat in the trunk. If those signs appear, stop driving when it is safe and call a Buick dealer for repair guidance.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Buick Lacrosse, Regal, or Malibu Eco is included, then reference recall 13V173 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V173000 |
|---|---|
| Buick customer service | 1-800-521-7300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V173 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V173000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →