Head-to-head reliability
Buick Enclave vs Buick Lacrosse
How the Buick Enclave and Buick Lacrosse compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Buick Enclave vs Buick Lacrosse: The Enclave averages 45.2 complaints per year with 14 recalls, while the LaCrosse averages 90.2 complaints and 33 recalls. The Enclave's top issue is air bag non-deployment; the LaCrosse's is electrical system faults. Both have injury reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Enclave or Buick Lacrosse more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a large SUV that averages about 45 complaints per year over the past decade, with 14 recalls. The most common owner complaints involve air bags failing to deploy in crashes, brake problems, and engine stalling. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the air bag and brake issues are serious safety concerns that buyers should investigate.
Buick Lacrosse
The Buick LaCrosse is a full-size sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 90 per year—and 33 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, engine problems, steering issues, and suspension noises. The higher volume of complaints and recalls suggests this model may require more frequent repairs and attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Enclave | Buick Lacrosse |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 452 Better | 902 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 33 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 53 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 45.2 Better | 90.2 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 Better | 41 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Buick Enclave
- 01AIR BAGS153
- 02SERVICE BRAKES60
- 03ENGINE60
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM58
- 05POWER TRAIN53
Owners report air bags failing to deploy in front and rear impacts, even when seatbelts also fail to lock. This is a critical safety issue that could increase injury risk in a crash.
Complaints include sudden brake failure with warning lights like 'Brake Assist Failure' and 'Service ESC', as well as grinding noises. These symptoms suggest potential problems with the brake assist system or worn components.
Owners describe the engine losing power at highway speeds, lurching, and failing to shift out of park. The auto stop-start feature can also cause hesitation when accelerating from a stop, which may be dangerous in traffic.
Reports include headlights and brake lights failing due to electrical issues, and a tailgate that opens randomly—even while driving. These glitches can be distracting and costly to diagnose.
“The contact owned a 2025 Buick Enclave. While the contact’s daughter was driving through an intersection on a green light at an undisclosed speed, a truck crashed into the front driver’s side of the vehicle. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. The con…”
“Motor vehicle accident 12/9/2023 in which I was struck from behind by fast moving vehicle, and forced into vehicle directly in front of my vehicle. No driver airbag deployment, nor did my seatbelt lock, as verified by responding officer.”
Buick Lacrosse
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
- 02ENGINE170
- 03STEERING114
- 04SUSPENSION106
- 05POWER TRAIN96
Owners report transmission shifting problems with blinking warning lights and reduced engine power, as well as cooling fans that run after the car is off. These electrical faults can leave you stranded or cause overheating.
Complaints include check engine lights for catalytic converter efficiency, reduced engine power, and accelerator pedals that don't respond. These issues can affect drivability and emissions compliance.
Some owners see a 'Steering Advance System Declined' message and experience increased steering effort. This can make the car harder to control, especially at low speeds.
Reports of abnormal noises from the front wheel well, loud stomping sounds, and wheel shuddering suggest worn suspension components. These problems can affect ride comfort and handling.
“When I get to a stop sign, and a stop light, when trying to accelerate after a complete stop, the car would struggle to accelerate to go forward. Where the shifting gears would start blinking, and the warning lights (engine power reduced, engine light, and th…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that the engine fan failed to shut off after turning off the vehicle. The failure occurred while the vehicle was idling in a drive-thru with the temperature gauge reading that the engine was in the co…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Buick Enclave — 14 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
The risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
The risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. Th…
The risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increa…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267,…
Buick Lacrosse — 33 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. Th…
The risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increa…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267,…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insu…
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrole…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. Th…
The risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increa…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267,…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insu…
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrole…
Buyer analysis
Buick Enclave or Buick Lacrosse: which should you buy?
The Buick Enclave has fewer complaints per year (45.2 vs. 90.2) and fewer recalls (14 vs. 33) than the LaCrosse. In practice, this means the Enclave may have a lower likelihood of frequent repair visits, but both models have notable safety-related complaints. Buyers should weigh the Enclave's air bag and brake concerns against the LaCrosse's broader electrical and engine issues.
Key differences
- The Enclave has about half the annual complaint rate of the LaCrosse (45.2 vs. 90.2), but its top complaint is air bags failing to deploy, a critical safety issue.
- The LaCrosse leads in electrical system complaints (237 vs. 58), with owners reporting transmission shifting problems and cooling fan failures.
- The LaCrosse has more than twice as many recalls (33 vs. 14), including fuel pump and brake caliper issues, suggesting a wider range of potential defects.
- The Enclave's engine complaints often involve stalling or hesitation, while the LaCrosse's engine issues include catalytic converter codes and reduced power.
- During a test drive, ask if the air bag warning light illuminates briefly and then goes out; a persistent light could indicate a fault. Also, check for any history of air bag recalls not being performed.
- Listen for grinding noises when braking and test the brakes at low speeds for any hesitation or warning messages like 'Brake Assist Failure'. These could signal expensive brake system repairs.
- Check for any stored engine codes, especially P0430 for catalytic converter efficiency, and test the accelerator response for hesitation or reduced power messages.
- Listen for clunking or stomping noises from the front suspension over bumps, and feel for steering that requires extra effort or displays a 'Steering Advance System Declined' warning.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm that all open recalls have been addressed by a dealership.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas for each model (air bags and brakes for Enclave; electrical, engine, steering, and suspension for LaCrosse).
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or hesitation in acceleration or braking.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service, as these can indicate how well the car was cared for.
- Verify that the vehicle's software, particularly for transmission and engine control, has been updated per any technical service bulletins.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Buick Enclave | Buick Lacrosse |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 42 | 6 |
| 2018 | 65 | 12 |
| 2017 | 179 | 36 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Buick Enclave or Buick Lacrosse in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Enclave vs Buick Lacrosse
- Buick Enclave total complaints
- 452
- Buick Lacrosse total complaints
- 902
- Buick Enclave total recalls
- 14
- Buick Lacrosse total recalls
- 33
- Buick Enclave avg complaints/year
- 45.2
- Buick Lacrosse avg complaints/year
- 90.2
- More reliable overall
- Buick Enclave
- Buick Enclave top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Buick Lacrosse top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM