VinSpectorAI Logo
HomeHow It Works Pricing Vehicle Stats
States
CaliforniaTexasFloridaNew YorkPennsylvaniaIllinoisOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaMichiganNew JerseyVirginia
View All 50 States →
Blog Garage VIN Search Inspection Guide
LoginDemo
Vehicle Stats/Buick/Lacrosse Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Sep 2026Methodology

Buick Lacrosse Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 899 complaints and 33 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Buick Lacrosse options? We analyzed 10 model years (2010–2019) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

899
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
33
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
53
Crash-Related
crash complaints
20
Fire-Related
fire complaints
41
Injuries Reported
across all years
10
Years Analyzed
2010–2019

Free VIN check

Found a Buick Lacrosse? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Buick Lacrosse has 899 owner complaints and 33 safety recalls across model years 2010–2019. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2012 drew the most complaints; 2019 drew the fewest.

Buick Lacrosse — key reliability facts
Make
Buick
Model
Lacrosse
Model years analyzed
2010–2019 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
899
Safety recall campaigns
33
Crash-related complaints
53
Fire-related complaints
20
Worst model year (by complaints)
2012 (205 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2019 (6 complaints)
Top reported issue area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Sep 4, 2026
This Lacrosse has 33 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Buick Lacrosse: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2012205 complaints2010189 complaints2011169 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
20196 complaints201812 complaints201734 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2012 Buick Lacrosse? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

20192019 Buick LaCrosse 4 DR FWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
20182018 Buick LaCrosse 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
20172017 Buick LaCrosse 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The BUICK LACROSSE has 899 NHTSA complaints and 33 recalls on record. 53 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 899 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 33 federal recall campaigns
  • 53 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2010
189
2011
169
2012
205
2013
129
2014
63
2015
44
2016
48
2017
34
2018
12
2019
6

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

33 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#17V437000AIR BAGS:FRONTALOctober 7, 2017
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#17V437000AIR BAGS:FRONTALOctober 7, 2017
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#17V437000AIR BAGS:FRONTALOctober 7, 2017
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#16V651000AIR BAGS:FRONTALAugust 9, 2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#16V651000AIR BAGS:FRONTALAugust 9, 2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#16V651000AIR BAGS:FRONTALAugust 9, 2016
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

#14V317000ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 6, 2014
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

#14V240000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISCAugust 5, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

#13V173000ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 5, 2013
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#20V668000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

#18V576000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#18V358000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#20V668000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

#18V576000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

#15V666000AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Safety recall

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

#17V116000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:REAR

#17V267000SUSPENSION:REAR
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#14V092000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#13V097000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:REAR

#20V764000SUSPENSION:REAR

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2010–2019. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 899 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM236 complaints
02
ENGINE170 complaints
03
STEERING114 complaints
04
SUSPENSION106 complaints
05
POWER TRAIN95 complaints
06
UNKNOWN OR OTHER74 complaints
07
SERVICE BRAKES71 complaints
08
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)69 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

899 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMNov 2025

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 the traction safety collision light) would display itself making it misfire and impossible to even go forward while pressing the gas pedal. It put me and other drivers at a safety risk because it would roll backwards after taking my foot off the breaks to accelerate where it would almost hit drivers behind me at the stops as well as them almost mistakingly hitting me in the back when my break lights stop reflecting when trying to accelerate at stop lights with traffic. I have had it diagnosed with the recall codes N20231344O GM # 20V668000 NHTSA # 18V576000 18V358000 But the dealships are saying there aren't any recall for the vehicle. This issues is ongoing.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINESep 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated the hand controls were not working properly. While driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The engine power reduced message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. After several attempts, the codes were reset, and the vehicle worked as designed. The contact linked the failure to the Special Coverage Campaign: N182188250. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who disconnected the hand controls and informed the contact that the controls were operating as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the accelerator pedal position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 15 MPH. The message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the accelerator pedal position sensor needed to be replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,600.

ENGINENov 2024

The 3.6 liter engine in my 2018 Buick Lacrosse Avenir only has 53,939 when we experienced a thermostat failure. The engine temperature was dead cold, and the dual electric fans were running non-stop. When I scanned the trouble code, I found PO128 which points to a faulty thermostat. Because the thermostat is buried under the intake manifold, we had the local Buick dealership replace it at a cost of over $800.00. I don't feel that a car with so few miles should be experiencing a thermostat failure. But this seems to be a common problem with the GM 3.6 liter motor according to a number of Buick forums that I read after the problem occurred.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAINJun 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over and checked underneath the vehicle. The contact discovered that the START/STOP accumulator endcap bolt had detached, causing transmission fluid to leak onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that in 2021, he detected an abnormal fuel odor coming through the air vents while driving. The brake pedal also stuck while depressed, and the rear brake pads needed to be replaced frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer in 2021 for the fuel odor, and an unknown fuel system part was replaced. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V668000 (Power Train), 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 161,188.

ENGINEDec 2023

Thermostat failure at 56,000 miles.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNov 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the key fob failed to open the doors and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The failure had recurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the batteries in the key fob were replaced but the failure persisted. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Read 14 more owner reports
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMay 2023

I have brought my 2018 Buick Lacrosse to two different Buick dealerships who say that even though a special instruction letter was recognized and a recall was observed, because my check light went out and the codes on the car where cleared, they will not fix either recall. On three different occasions, the car slowed down to a crawl speed, the check engine light went on and the brakes applied themselves. Also across the dash was displayed 'service transmission'. I thought it was the accelerator pedal position sensor, but it may be a transmission problem. I've had it towed on three different occasions and had the battery replaced. Neither dealership will not fix the problem, however.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJan 2022

When I tried to stop at the traffic light, the car suddenly accelerated and went forward. At that time, the car brake was engaged. On the same day; When I tried to go forward at the traffic light, the car suddenly accelerated. The dealer service center said, "We cannot find any issue with the transmission."

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJan 2020

2018 BUICK LACROSSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF SUDDENLY. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER UPDATED THE SOFTWARE , BUT COULD NOT GUARANTEE THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. *JS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSep 2019

I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM GM THAT MY VEHICLE WITH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH COULD CAUSE A A REDUCED POWER AND ACCELERATION CONDITION. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT A RECALL AND I SHOULD NOT SEEK A REPAIR UNTIL I HAVE EVIDENCE THAT MY VEHICLE HAS THIS PROBLEM. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK TO ME. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHEN I AM MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON AN INTERSTATE, IT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. APPARENTLY OWNERS ARE SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR SUCH AN OCCURRENCE IN ORDER TO GATHER EVIDENCE OF A NEED FOR A REPAIR. I WANT GM TO TELL ME IF MY VEHICLE HAS THIS DEFECT IN ADVANCE AND, IF SO, REPAIR IT BEFORE THE DISASTER OCCURS.

ENGINEDec 2018

IF STOPPED UPHILL AND THE AUTO STOP ACTIVATES, WHEN YOU RELEASE THE BRAKE THE CAR CAN ROLL BACK, AND THE WAY PEOPLE STOP ON TOP OF YOU THESE DAYS YOUR CAR CAN ROLL BACK INTO THEM AND YOU HAVE TO REPAIR THEIR CAR. PLUS IT ACTUALLY TAKES MORE GAS THAN MY V8 2016 GMC SIERRA THAT DOESN'T STOP WHEN TRAVELING FROM MY FUELING LOCATION TO MY HOME, PER THE CARS OWN COMPUTER SYSTEM

UNKNOWN OR OTHEROct 2018

I SENT THIS EMAIL TO THE SURVEY FOR RANDY MARION DEALERSHIP ON STATESVILLE RD HERE IN HUNTERSVILLE NC. AGAIN I DO NOT WANT THE VEHICLE BACK AS IT IS TOO MUCH RISK FOR ME, MY FAMILY AND MY WORK. IT PUT ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION FROM BEING STUCK IN THE STREET AND DEALING WITH AN ANGRY PASSENGER. WE MUST GET THIS RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY. I AM LOSING MONEY. I NEED A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. THE SALES PART WENT AS EXPECTED. A LOT OF SMILES AND VERY ENGAGED IN CONVERSATION. THE SALES GUY MIKE WAS VERY NICE. NO PRESSURE. THE PROBLEM IS AFTER THE CARE WAS SIGNED FOR. AFTER THE EXCITEMENT OF GETTING A BRAND NEW VEHICLE I REALIZED I PAID TOO MUCH AND DIDN'T UNDERSTAND ALL THE CHARGES THAT JACKED THE TOTAL UP SO FAR. HOWEVER THAT'S NOT MY ISSUE. MY ISSUE IS THE BRAND NEW CAR IS SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. IT GOES COMPLETELY DEAD. LEAVING ME STRANDED. IT HAPPENED THREE TIMES ON 10/5. THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE IS PPUTTING ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME, MY FAMILY AND MY CLIENTS. SO I'M NOW LOSING INCOME AND IT ALSO CAUSED ME TO HAVE A BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE WITH A CLIENT WHICH EFFECTS MY PROFESSIONAL REPUTATION. THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE IS MAJOR AND A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. YOUR SERVICE TEAM IS WORKING WITH GMC ENGINEERS TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER I DO NOT WANT THIS VEHICLE. YOUR SALES MANAGER STEVE SAYS THIS IS UP TO GMC TO DETERMINE IF A VEHICLE CAN BE EXCHANGED OR NOT. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE FOR ME. I WORK TOO HARD AND A LOT OF PEOPLE DEPEND ON ME.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 2026

When I come to a stop and the auto stop/start disengages the car makes a grinding noise

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJul 2025

When accelerating to get on to highway pushing on pedal but nothing happens, have to get pushing up and down until it goes. Has done this four time's and dealer says Buick has no fix for it. Have almost got rear ended twice.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEFeb 2024

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 cold position. The driver then drove at speeds between 60 - 70 MPH; after arriving at the residence, the engine fan failed to turn off. The contact disconnected the battery, and all the system functions were reset, and the fan shut off. The failure had become more persistent over time. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer due to the fault codes being erased after disconnecting the battery. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHEROct 2022

In October 2021, while driving, the car lost power. Several indicators displayed at the time, including: • Service Engine • Service Stabilitrak • Service Antilock Brakes • Service Transmission I managed to pull the car to the side of the road and restart it, but it was stuck in first gear. After several restarts it performed normally. I took the car to Miller & Sons, they told me they could not find a code and the car was performing normally at that point so there was nothing they could do. They told me if the car did it again, to bring it in immediately so they could get a code for the malfunction. Two weeks later, the same malfunction occurred, I took the car directly to Miller & Sons. Once again I was told they could not find a code or problem and I was sent away again. The third time this malfunction occurred, I was driving at 40 miles an hour and the car began to accelerate on its own. I could not brake, shift to park, shift to neutral, steer or apply the emergency brake. After about 15 seconds, the car shut down in the middle of the road. It could have caused death or seriously bodily injuries to me or others. At this point I had the car towed to Miller & Sons. I am told that while test driving the vehicle, it also accelerated on the mechanic [XXX], almost causing an accident again. At this point the told me they found 60 codes dating all the way back to the first incident, but they still did not know the problem, they replaced the Transmission Control Module in hopes that would solve the problem. It did not. In August, the same thing happened. They replaced the transmission control module again. About a month ago (September 13) it happened two more times. It is still sitting at Miller & Sons. This time I contacted GM for some assistance. I was using the messaging system (case number [XXX]) I was told a senior advisor was assigned to my case and that a TAC team would consult with the dealership to diagnose and correct the problem.... INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

UNKNOWN OR OTHERDec 2020

I OWN A 2019 BUICK LACROSSE E-SHIFT (VIN#[XXX]). OVER THE LAST 4-5 MOS. I HAVE HAD 3 INCIDENTS WHERE THE E-SHIFT MECHANISM HAS GONE INTO PARK WITHOUT TOUCHING THE SHIFT CONTROL. 1. FIRST OCCURRENCE - APPROX. 5 MONTHS AGO CAR WAS IN DRIVE AT VERY SLOW SPEED ENTERING PARKING SLOT WITH FOOT LIGHTLY DEPRESSED ON BRAKE. CAR CHANGED TO PARK ON IT'S OWN. STOPPED ABRUPTLY, GEARS GRINDING, JERKING ME TOWARD STEERING WHEEL. 2. SECOND OCCURRENCE - AROUND 10/10/20, CAR WAS IN DRIVE, FOOT LIGHTLY DEPRESSED ON BRAKE, WAITING TO MAKE LEFT TURN AT STOP LIGHT. CAR CHANGED TO PARK ON IT'S OWN. AGAIN THE CAR STOPPED ABRUPTLY, GEARS GRINDING, JERKING ME TOWARD STEERING WHEEL. I SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER MAINTENANCE ON 10/13/20. THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ASKED FOR ME TO RETURN THE CAR SO THEY COULD HAVE OVERNIGHT. DUE TO COVID ESCALATION HAVE NOT SCHEDULED APPT. 3. THIRD OCCURRENCE - ON 12/11/2020, I WAS WAITING AT A RED LIGHT, CAR IN DRIVE, FOOT FULLY DEPRESSED ON BRAKE, AND THE CAR SHIFTED TO PARK ON IT'S OWN. I HEARD THE CAR LOCKS CLICK, AND WONDERED WHAT CAUSED THAT. WHEN LIGHT CHANGED AND I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR DID NOT MOVE, AND IT WAS THEN I NOTICED IT WAS IN PARK. I INTEND TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THEM TO SEE IF THEY CAN REPLICATE. THEY HAD NOTHING IN THEIR DATABASE ON 10/13/2020 REFLECTING OTHER COMPLAINTS. I'M SOMEWHAT SKEPTICAL THEY CAN REPLICATE DUE TO THE RANDOM OCCURRENCES. BUT IT DEFINITELY SEEMS TO BE IN THE SHIFT PARK COMPONENT OF THE CAR I AM NOW VERY HESITANT ABOUT DRIVING THIS CAR. SINCE IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY, AND ABRUPTLY, WITH NO FOREWARNING, I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY. MY QUESTIONS ARE: 1. HAS ANYONE REPORTED A SIMILAR PROBLEM TO YOUR GROUP? 2. WHAT OTHER INFORMATION DO YOU REQUIRE? 3. WHAT OTHER ACTIONS SHOULD I TAKE? 4. WHAT OTHER GROUPS CAN I CONTACT TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE PROBLEM? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

ENGINESep 2020

OCCASIONALLY THERE IS A LOUD SOUND IN THE CABIN OF WATER SLOSHING BACK AND FOURTH UNDER THE DASHBOARD. SOME DAYS IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE ENGINE STARTS. OTHER TIMES, IT IS AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MILES. SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS A FEW DAYS IN A ROW. OTHER TIMES IT WILL GO A WEEK WITH NO NOISE. THE GM MECHANIC VERIFIED THAT THE COOLANT LEVEL IS FINE. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. I HAVE NOT HEARD IT AT HIGH SPEEDS.

CrashAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEAug 2026

I was in a front end collision where the damages were over $20,000.00 and the air bags did not deploy.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAug 2026

The volt meter on the dashboard keeps dropping below 14 volts and 13.5 volts. The car has been checked by Buick and my mechanic no issues found. Buick has no idea why it keeps doing it neither does my mechanic. The problem is if there is a voltage drop, the computer will shut down the engine because of the low voltage. This could happen while driving which could be a serious problem. The date I provide is the last time it occurred, but it happens on a continuous basis.

Showing 20 of 899 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Buick Lacrosse

These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Buick Lacrosse, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Buick Lacrosse has 899 complaints on record across 10 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Buick Lacrosse has 33 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 53 of the Buick Lacrosse's 899 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Buick Lacrosse vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Buick Lacrosse vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Buick Lacrosse has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

Compare

Buyers also compare

How does the Buick Lacrosse stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.

Toyota Camry reliability Ford F 150 reliability Chevrolet Silverado reliability
Buick Lacrosse vs Toyota CamryBuick Lacrosse vs Ford F 150Buick Lacrosse vs Chevrolet Silverado

Explore

Other Buick models

Compare vs Honda Accord
All Buick Models

By state

Check a Buick Lacrosse by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Buick Lacrosse.

VIN check in CaliforniaVIN check in TexasVIN check in FloridaVIN check in New YorkVIN check in PennsylvaniaVIN check in IllinoisVIN check in OhioVIN check in GeorgiaFree VIN check

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

All Buick reliability statsSafest car brandsBest value carsMost accident-prone carsVIN check by stateAll vehicle stats

Buick Lacrosse reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Buick Lacrosse reliable?

Poor. The Buick Lacrosse has 899 NHTSA owner complaints and 33 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Buick Lacrosse years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2012 (205 complaints), 2010 (189 complaints), 2011 (169 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Buick Lacrosse problems?

Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (236 complaints); ENGINE (170 complaints); STEERING (114 complaints).

Does the Buick Lacrosse have recalls?

Yes — 33 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Buick Lacrosse. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

VinSpectorAI

The world's most advanced AI-powered vehicle history platform. Comprehensive insights, fraud detection, and smart analysis for any vehicle.

5M+
Reports
50+
Brands
AI
Powered
Check Any VIN Free
Product
  • Free VIN Check
  • Free Recall Check
  • VIN Search
  • VIN Search by State
  • Vehicle Reliability Stats
  • AI Analysis
  • Pricing
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Affiliate Program
Support
  • FAQ
Legal
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility

© 2026 VinSpectorAI. All rights reserved.

contact@vinspectorai.com
Made with for car enthusiasts