Head-to-head reliability
Buick Lacrosse vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Buick Lacrosse vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lacrosse averages 90 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510. The Lacrosse has fewer engine and powertrain issues, but both have electrical and steering/brake concerns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Lacrosse or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Lacrosse
The Buick Lacrosse is a full-size sedan that, over the past decade, has generated a moderate number of complaints, averaging about 90 per year. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins, engine performance issues, and steering failures that can occur suddenly, such as losing power steering at highway speeds. While not the most problematic vehicle, these issues suggest that a used Lacrosse may require vigilance in electrical and steering systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain problems, including severe failures like sudden loss of motive power and transmission slipping, which can be dangerous. Electrical and brake complaints also appear frequently, indicating that the Silverado has a higher likelihood of major mechanical and safety-related issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Lacrosse | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 899 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 53 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 89.9 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 Better | 104 |
| 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 Lacrosse
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM236
- 02ENGINE170
- 03STEERING114
- 04SUSPENSION106
- 05POWER TRAIN95
Owners report the fuel pump failing, causing stalling, and the tailgate opening unexpectedly while parked. Also, warning lights like 'engine power reduced' and 'check engine' appear, often accompanied by hesitation or lack of acceleration.
Engine power reduction messages are common, with the car failing to respond to the accelerator. Some owners report the engine fan not shutting off after the vehicle is turned off, which can drain the battery.
Power steering failure is a notable issue, with the warning light illuminating and the steering becoming difficult to turn, sometimes at highway speeds. This can be a safety concern.
“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the fuel pump was previously replaced due to the vehicle stalling while driving. The contact stated that the tailgate unintendedly opened while the vehicle was parked and turned off. Additionally…”
“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…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Severe engine issues include sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds. Diesel models have had repeated DPF soot accumulation problems, requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems are frequent, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical failures can lead to loss of braking and steering, as reported in one incident at 70 mph. This indicates a potential for total loss of vehicle control.
Brake failure is reported, where the pedal is firm but braking is ineffective, leading to extended stopping distances. This is a critical safety issue.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
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 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 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange…
The risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service…
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,…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Buick Lacrosse or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Lacrosse has significantly fewer complaints per year (about 90) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510). This suggests that the Lacrosse is likely to have fewer reliability issues in practice, making it a more dependable choice for a used vehicle.
Key differences
- The Silverado has far more engine and powertrain complaints, including sudden loss of power and transmission failures, while the Lacrosse's engine issues are less severe but still present.
- Electrical problems in the Lacrosse often involve fuel pump and tailgate issues, whereas in the Silverado they can lead to loss of braking and steering, a more critical safety risk.
- Steering failure is a notable issue in the Lacrosse, but the Silverado's brake failures are more alarming and directly affect stopping ability.
- The Lacrosse's complaint rate is about 90 per year, while the Silverado's is over 500, indicating a much higher frequency of reported problems.
- Check for any history of power steering failure, as this can be intermittent and dangerous.
- Inspect the electrical system for signs of fuel pump issues, such as stalling or difficulty starting.
- Look for any signs of engine trouble, such as unusual noises or loss of power, which could indicate serious internal issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, as reports of brake failure are concerning and may indicate a systemic problem.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the steering and electrical systems for the Lacrosse.
- For the Silverado, request a diagnostic scan for any stored engine or transmission codes.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway, to check for any hesitation or loss of power.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs related to the known issues.
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 Lacrosse | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 12 | 591 |
| 2017 | 34 | 0 |
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 Lacrosse or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Lacrosse vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Lacrosse total complaints
- 899
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Buick Lacrosse total recalls
- 33
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Buick Lacrosse avg complaints/year
- 89.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Buick Lacrosse
- Buick Lacrosse top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE