Head-to-head reliability
Buick Lacrosse vs FORD F 150
How the Buick Lacrosse and FORD F 150 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 FORD F 150: The Lacrosse averages 90 complaints per year with 33 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 has 330 crash-related reports versus 53 for the Lacrosse. Both have 1 death reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Lacrosse or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Lacrosse
The Buick Lacrosse is a large sedan that averages about 90 complaints per year over a decade, with 33 recalls and 53 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe electrical glitches like blinking gear indicators and reduced engine power, as well as engine misfires and steering warnings. While not trouble-free, the volume of complaints is relatively low for a used car, suggesting that many issues are annoying rather than catastrophic, but serious problems like transmission and brake caliper recalls exist.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates over 1,100 complaints per year on average, with 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports. Owners report recurring transmission problems, including limp mode and lead frame failures, along with electrical issues like rear window defroster shorts. The sheer number of complaints and recalls indicates a higher likelihood of encountering problems, some of which can be safety-critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Lacrosse | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 902 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 53 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 90.2 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 Better | 297 |
| 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 SYSTEM237
- 02ENGINE170
- 03STEERING114
- 04SUSPENSION106
- 05POWER TRAIN96
Owners report that the car may struggle to accelerate from a stop, with blinking gear indicators and warnings like 'engine power reduced.' Another common complaint is the engine fan failing to shut off after the vehicle is turned off, which can drain the battery. These electrical gremlins can leave you stranded or cause expensive diagnostic headaches.
Complaints include the check engine light coming on with codes like P0430 (catalyst system low efficiency), and instances where the accelerator pedal does not respond, triggering reduced power messages. These issues can affect emissions compliance and drivability, potentially leading to costly repairs.
Some owners see a 'Steering Advance System Declined' message, and dealers may not be able to replicate the problem. This can erode confidence in the steering system, especially if it recurs without a clear fix.
Reports include abnormal noises from the front wheel well and shuddering wheels, requiring increased effort to steer. These symptoms suggest worn suspension components that can affect handling and tire wear, so a thorough inspection is wise.
“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…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners experience transmission problems such as limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues are recurring and can be dangerous if they happen while driving, often requiring expensive repairs.
The lead frame issue also appears under electrical complaints, along with problems like output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A short in the rear window defroster has even caused rear windows to shatter, posing a safety risk.
This category includes the rear window defroster short that leads to shattered glass, which owners report happening without impact. Such defects are unpredictable and can be costly to fix, and they may not be covered after warranty.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, the high number of complaints in this area suggests owners frequently report lighting failures. These can affect visibility and safety, so check all lights function properly.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
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 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…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Buick Lacrosse or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Buick Lacrosse has far fewer complaints per year (about 90) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), meaning you are less likely to encounter a reported problem with the Buick. However, the F-150's issues are often more severe, such as transmission failures that can cause sudden limp mode. In practice, the Buick may be a lower-risk used car for those prioritizing fewer trips to the mechanic.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Buick Lacrosse has about 900, so the F-150 is reported problematic far more often.
- Transmission problems dominate F-150 complaints, including limp mode and lead frame failures, whereas the Lacrosse's top issue is electrical glitches like blinking gear indicators.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 33 for the Lacrosse, meaning more safety-related fixes may be needed.
- Both have 1 death reported, but the F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints compared to 53 for the Lacrosse, indicating a higher reported crash involvement.
- Check for transmission shudder or delayed engagement, as owners report acceleration struggles and blinking gear indicators.
- Listen for abnormal noises from the front suspension and test steering for any warning messages like 'Steering Advance System Declined'.
- Test drive at highway speeds to see if the transmission goes into limp mode or gets stuck in gear, a common complaint.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for any signs of shorting or previous shattering, and verify all electrical functions work.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are completed, especially for the F-150's transmission and the Lacrosse's brake calipers.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission for the F-150 and the electrical system for the Lacrosse, as these are frequent trouble spots.
- During a test drive, pay attention to acceleration, gear shifting, and any warning lights on the dashboard.
- Check the NHTSA website for open recalls using the VIN before purchase.
- For the F-150, specifically ask about the lead frame and output speed sensor; for the Lacrosse, ask about the engine fan and steering system.
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 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | 52 |
| 2018 | 12 | 79 |
| 2017 | 36 | 59 |
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 FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Lacrosse vs FORD F 150
- Buick Lacrosse total complaints
- 902
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Buick Lacrosse total recalls
- 33
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Buick Lacrosse avg complaints/year
- 90.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Buick Lacrosse
- Buick Lacrosse top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN