Buick Lacrosse Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
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.
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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
BUICK LACROSSE (2010-2019) has 895 NHTSA complaints and 33 recalls. Top issues include electrical system (233 complaints), engine (170), and steering (114). Crash-related complaints total 52. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Lacrosse
- Model years analyzed
- 2010–2019 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 895
- Safety recall campaigns
- 33
- Crash-related complaints
- 52
- Fire-related complaints
- 20
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2012 (204 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2019 (6 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
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.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP 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.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageBased on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010-2019 Buick LaCrosse has 895 complaints and 33 recalls. The top complaint components are electrical system (233), engine (170), and steering (114). Crash-related complaints number 52. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Electrical system accounts for 233 complaints, the highest of any component.
- Engine complaints total 170, indicating potential reliability issues.
- Steering complaints number 114, suggesting possible handling concerns.
- SUSPENSION: 106 complaints may indicate premature wear or failure.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 233 complaints could cause intermittent failures.
- ENGINE: 170 complaints may involve stalling or loss of power.
2010-2012 have the highest complaint counts, driven by electrical system and engine issues.
Later model years (2017-2019) show fewer complaints, with 2019 having only 6, suggesting improved reliability.
- Inspect suspension components for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect steering and suspension before purchase.
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
33 recalls foundSafety 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
SUSPENSION:REAR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SUSPENSION: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 895 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
895 totalThese 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.
This vehicle has major suspension issues containing the complete strut assembly, lower control arms, and strut yokes/forks, which can not be replaced due to the discontinuance of the vehicle and parts itself. Because of this the car cannot receive an alignment which cause the tires to be eaten up at a rapid rate. When going over a bump in the highway the steering column goes one way while the car goes another. The car slides all over the road. Extreme safety concerns for my family and I.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side wheel well. The contact stated that increased effort was needed to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the front driver's side strut. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
The air bag warning light in the dash came on intermittently during driving. I took the vehicle to the dealer for service December 27, 2023, since it was a safety issue that the authorized dealer needs to take care of. At first, they said it was a bad battery and the safety system needed reprogramming. Which they did for about $800. When driving home from the dealer the air bag light came back on so a few days later I returned the car to the dealer. Then they said it was the passenger seat safety module that needed to be replaced. That was back in January of 2024, over 6 months ago. At that point I learned that the car is not drivable since the air bag could deploy at any time or would not function if requested in an accident. General Motors says they do not have the part that is critical to the operation of the air bag system to replace. That was over 6 months ago, with no prediction when they will have the part. This is a critical part of the safety system that they can't replace which leads me to believe there is more to this than they are telling me!! Federal law requires them to have parts for vehicles less than 7 years old - they don't!! How many other vehicles have this part? Is the part defective since it failed without any other causes that could be identified? Why can't they replace this critical safety part after 7 months of waiting with no end in sight!!!
The amplifier stopped working and all the sound comes through the amp including but not limited to seatbelt, door ajar, rear seat reminder, blinkers, back up sounds, and any and all sounds that the car my make for any safety features, onstar features, radio, Bluetooth, the list goes on.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was making an abnormally loud stomping sound and the wheels were shuddering significantly. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the suspension yoke had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part had been discontinued. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the rear brakes were worn three times faster than the front brakes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to another dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to trade the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2017 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Steering Advance System Declined message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V116000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Intermittent failure to start All electrical components failed to operate after total shutdown while at a stopped traffic light. After being towed to dealer it did start on its own.
Vehicle loses power every gmc vehicle I have owned (3) seen to have this issue throttle pedal position sensor while driving on the interstate vehicle speed drops to reduce engine power which is very scary and dangerous
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that after his wife had parked and turning off the vehicle, moments later the vehicle was restarted and the check engine and TCM warning lights remained illuminated. Additionally, the transmission shifter failed to shift out of park. The vehicle towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power on several occasions. The vehicle restarted after a while. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty power inverter module. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,500.
Car has 4 trips on rollback and one driving in for transmission problems 3 trips was when coming to a stop the car will will slide to stop almost making us hit dash of car each time there would be a warning about a minute before service transmission . One of the Trip for transmission service light I did drive it in. The car went in yesterday for transmission service again. My thinking of this is what would happen if I were driving 70 MPH and the car locked up what would happen to me and the people around me.
the airbag lite has been coming on for the last year saying it needs to be serviced. I have had it to the buick dealer for 4 times this last year and they still can not of will not fix it.The airbag lite comes on when we turn the steering wheel to the left.The last time I had it in was March of this year.When we left with the car the first left hand turn I made it came on.I am tired of fooling with it.after they work on it I told them to take it for a trail drive thye did not.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH and making a left turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact mentioned the failure was related to the bushings. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and then to a dealer where it was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was no longer in production. The vehicle was not repaired. Themnaufactuer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000
The contact owns a 2017 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while at a stoplight the fuel-saving feature activated and the engine shut-off. After removing his foot from the brake pedal the STOP/START feature failed to activate. The contact used the Push to Start button and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
CAR DOORS UNLATCHED (BECOMING IN OPEN POSITION [UNLOCKED AND UNLATCHED] BEFORE IT BEING COMPLETELY OPEN). IT HAPPENED TWICE, ONES WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND THE WARNING BUZZER TURNED ON AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GIVE ME A MESSAGE TELLING ME THE DRIVING DOOR IS OPEN, THIS IS HAPPENED SUDDENLY AFTER DRIVING FOR 10 MINUTES IN VERY GOOD LOCAL STREETS CONDITION. I STOPPED TO CHECK THE DOOR AND I WAS SURPRISED TO FIND ITS BEEN UNLATCHED TO THE PRE OPEN POSITION. SECOND TIME HAPPENED WHEN WAS THE CAR PARKED AND LOOKED, AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES THE CAR HORN STARTS BEEPING AND THE LIGHTS FLASHING, L GOT A MESSAGE FROM ONSTAR ON MY PHONE TELLING ME MY CAR DOORS ARE IN OPEN POSITION. I WENT OUT TO CHECK THE CAR AND I FOUND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR IS IN OPEN POSITION (PRE OPEN POSITION, UNLOCKED AND UNLATCHED POSITION, IF YOU PULL THE DOOR IT WILL OPEN COMPLETELY). THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN
PURCHASED VEHICLE JULY 25, 2020. TOOK THE CAR FOR ITS FIRST OIL CHANGE, IN OCTOBER. ON NOV 23, 2020, THE CAR ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ERROR CODE: P0430 "CATALYST SYSTEM LOW EFFICIENCY BANK 2". ON NOV 24, 2020, I TOOK THE CAR TO "RICK MATHEWS GMC/BUICK DEALERSHIP" FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR. THEY PLACED AN ORDER FOR THE PARTS NEEDED FOR REPAIR AND TOLD ME, THAT MY CAR WAS DRIVABLE. ON DEC 4, 2020, I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WITH THE CAR SHAKING, I WAS SCARED TO TAKE THE HIGHWAY BUT THAT WAS MY ONLY WAY HOME, AND THE LOUD ENGINE NOISE AND SHAKING CONTINUED. ON DEC 7, 2020, I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME MY CAR WAS INOPERABLE BECAUSE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD CRACKED AND THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE REPAIRS. THAT DAY THEY PROVIDED A RENTAL/LOANER VEHICLE FOR ME TO DRIVE TO WORK UNTIL THE CAR WAS REPAIRED. ON JAN 13, 2021, I HAD TO SWAP OUT VEHICLES BECAUSE THE PART WAS STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE REPAIRS. IT IS NOW FEB 26, 2021, AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME THAT MY CAR IS FINALLY BEING REPAIRED. THIS ENTIRE TIME, I HAVE CONTINUED TO PAY FOR THE MONTHLY COST OF MY PERSONAL CAR LOAN WHILE NOT BEING ABLE TO DRIVE IT. I ONLY GOT TO DRIVE MY CAR 4 MONTHS BEFORE IT WAS STUCK IN THE SHOP AND I STILL CONTINUE TO PAY FOR MY PERSONAL CAR MONTHLY. THE DEALERSHIP IS NOW ASKING ME TO PAY A "RENTAL" FEE FOR THE USE OF THEIR VEHICLE, AND IT HAS TAKEN 3 MONTHS TO FINALLY REPAIR MY VEHICLE, ALL BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER GMC/BUICK WAS OUT OF STOCK OF A 2017 CAR PART. I HAVE TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND HAVE A CASE# (SR:9-6454995176). I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THEM AND THE DEALERSHIP SINCE DEC 7, 2020.
GEARS OF TRANSMISSION ABRUPT AND HARD CONSTANTLY FLASHING SOME KIND OF SERVICE TRANSMISSION JERKS ON AUTO STOP BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS SINCE I GOT IT STARTING AT ABOUT 10000 MILES NOW HAS 48000 MILES
I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN SHOP AT LEAST 10 TIMES FOR THE SAME REASON AND IT NEVER ENDS. THEY KEEP CHANGING OR DOING SOMETHING TO THE GEAR SHIFTER. IT KEEPS SAYING SERVICE TRANSMISSION NOW IT SAYING ALL KINDS OF WARNINGS ABOUT STEERING EXCEEDING SPEED TRACK SOMETHING PLUS SERVICE TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT SOON ETC IT'S RIDICULOUS TO PAY THIS MUCH FOR A CAR AND HAVE IT IN THE SHOP THIS MANY TIMES IN 2 YEARS IT'S IN THERE AGAIN NOW AND PROBLEM STILL ISN'T FIXED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLOW COMPANIES OF FAYETTEVILLE (1945 SKIBO RD. FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28314) BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,345.
Showing 20 of 895 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.
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 895 complaints on record across 10 model years.
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.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 52 of the Buick Lacrosse's 895 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.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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Buick Lacrosse reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Buick Lacrosse reliable?
Below Average. The Buick Lacrosse has 895 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 (204 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 (233 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.