Head-to-head reliability
Buick Encore vs Buick Lacrosse
How the Buick Encore 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 Encore vs Buick Lacrosse: The Encore averaged 60.1 complaints per year and had 25 recalls, while the Lacrosse averaged 90.2 complaints per year and had 33 recalls. The Encore's main issues are engine and turbo problems, while the Lacrosse suffers more electrical and steering complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Encore or Buick Lacrosse more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Encore
The Buick Encore is a subcompact SUV that averaged about 60 complaints per year over a decade, with 25 recalls. The most common owner-reported problem is engine trouble, often involving the check engine light and a sudden 'reduced power' warning that limits acceleration. Electrical and power train complaints are also frequent, including turbo failures and transmission downshifting. While the overall complaint rate is lower than the Lacrosse, the Encore still has notable issues that can affect daily driving.
Buick Lacrosse
The Buick LaCrosse is a full-size sedan that averaged about 90 complaints per year, with 33 recalls. Electrical system problems dominate, such as warning lights for reduced engine power and a cooling fan that won't shut off. Engine and steering complaints are also common, including catalyst inefficiency and steering assist failures. Suspension noises and shuddering add to the ownership experience, making it a vehicle that demands more attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Encore | Buick Lacrosse |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 601 Better | 902 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 33 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 52 Better | 53 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 60.1 Better | 90.2 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 | 41 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Encore
- 01ENGINE223
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM88
- 03POWER TRAIN77
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER74
- 05AIR BAGS70
Owners frequently report the check engine light coming on, followed by a 'reduced power' message that prevents acceleration. Some had to replace multiple sensors, and the problem often returns, leaving the car undriveable at times.
Complaints include check engine lights for emission controls and fuel evaporator issues. One owner reported air bags deploying unexpectedly with a loud bang and burn smell, which is a serious safety concern.
Turbocharger failures are a recurring theme, with owners reporting replacement turbos failing again after about 20,000 miles. Transmission downshifting and lack of power are also noted, making the car feel underpowered.
There are 70 air bag complaints, including a report of unexpected deployment that caused burns. This suggests a potential defect that could lead to injury even in a minor incident.
“EARLY THIS YEAR WE START HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON THEN THE REDUCE POWER TO ENGINE COMING ON, SO WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT IF FROM. SO FIRST WE HAD TO HAVE THREE SENSORS CHANGED, WE DID THAT AND AFTER THAT WAS DON…”
“LATELY I'M HAVING A ISSUE WITH THIS CAR, FIRST MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IS STILL ON AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I CAN BE AT A LIGHT OR DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCE WARNING COMES ACROSS MY DISPLAY SCREEN, I CAN'T ACCELERATE SO I HAV…”
Buick Lacrosse
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
- 02ENGINE170
- 03STEERING114
- 04SUSPENSION106
- 05POWER TRAIN96
Owners report warning lights for reduced engine power, check engine, and stability control, often accompanied by blinking gear indicators. The engine fan may also fail to shut off after the car is turned off, draining the battery.
Common issues include a check engine light for catalyst system low efficiency (code P0430) and a reduced power message when the accelerator is pressed. These can lead to failed emissions tests and sluggish performance.
Some owners see a 'Steering Advance System Declined' message, and the dealer may not be able to duplicate it. This can mean unpredictable steering assist, which is a safety risk at any speed.
Complaints include abnormal sounds from the front wheel well, increased effort to steer, and loud stomping noises with wheel shuddering. These suggest worn components that can affect handling and tire wear.
“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 Encore — 25 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor…
The risk: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.
The risk: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may con…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
The risk: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438…
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 Encore or Buick Lacrosse: which should you buy?
The Buick Encore has fewer complaints per year (about 60) than the Buick Lacrosse (about 90), and also fewer recalls (25 vs. 33). In practice, this means the Encore may require less frequent trips to the shop for reported issues, but both models have serious problems that buyers should inspect carefully.
Key differences
- The Encore's top complaint area is the engine (223 complaints), often with reduced power and sensor failures, while the Lacrosse's top area is electrical (237 complaints), with warning lights and fan issues.
- The Lacrosse has more steering complaints (114) than the Encore (not in top five), including steering assist failures that can affect control.
- The Encore has 70 air bag complaints, including an unexpected deployment, while the Lacrosse does not list air bags in its top five.
- The Lacrosse has more suspension complaints (106) with noises and shuddering, while the Encore's suspension is not a top complaint area.
- Check for a history of turbocharger replacement or a persistent P0299 code, as owners report repeated turbo failures.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for transmission downshifting or hesitation, and watch for a 'reduced power' message on the dash.
- Inspect for a check engine light with code P0430 (catalyst efficiency) and confirm the engine fan stops running after the car is shut off.
- Listen for abnormal noises from the front suspension and feel for steering that requires extra effort or shows a 'Steering Advance System Declined' warning.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and look for repeated repairs related to engine, electrical, or transmission issues.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored trouble codes, especially P0299 (turbo) on the Encore and P0430 (catalyst) on the Lacrosse.
- Test drive for at least 20 minutes, including stops and accelerations, to check for reduced power warnings or transmission hesitation.
- Verify that all recalls have been performed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- Inspect the air bag system on the Encore for any signs of deployment or warning lights, and check the Lacrosse's steering and suspension for noises or stiffness.
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 Encore | Buick Lacrosse |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 86 | 6 |
| 2018 | 74 | 12 |
| 2017 | 89 | 36 |
| 2016 | 80 | 48 |
| 2015 | 124 | 44 |
| 2014 | 60 | 63 |
| 2013 | 52 | 129 |
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 Encore or Buick Lacrosse in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Encore vs Buick Lacrosse
- Buick Encore total complaints
- 601
- Buick Lacrosse total complaints
- 902
- Buick Encore total recalls
- 25
- Buick Lacrosse total recalls
- 33
- Buick Encore avg complaints/year
- 60.1
- Buick Lacrosse avg complaints/year
- 90.2
- More reliable overall
- Buick Encore
- Buick Encore top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Buick Lacrosse top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM