2016 Buick Lacrosse: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Buick Lacrosse? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 44 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2016 Buick Lacrosse Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2016 Buick Lacrosse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2016 Buick Lacrosse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Buick Lacrosse 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
11.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
11.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Buick Lacrosse has 44 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Lacrosse
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 44
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Buick Lacrosse Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Transmission / Drivetrain
Unintended Acceleration
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Transmission / Drivetrain, Unintended Acceleration. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Buick Lacrosse?
The 2016 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Buick Lacrosse
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the steering system for any unusual noises or play before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of unintended acceleration issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the steering system for any unusual noises or play before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of unintended acceleration issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Buick Lacrosse, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 44 NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Buick LaCrosse, the most frequently reported issues involve steering defects, transmission/drivetrain problems, and unintended acceleration. Crash-related complaints are few (3), and the overall confidence in this data is low due to the limited sample size.
- Steering defects account for the highest number of complaints (11) among the 2016 model year.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most reported component (7 complaints).
- Unintended acceleration is noted in 6 complaints, though crash-related incidents are rare.
- Steering Defects
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Unintended Acceleration
All 2016 Buick Lacrosse Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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, the vehicle jerked …
Trunk lid latch disintegrated, and lid flipped open without warning. Driver vision immediately obscured, leaving trunk contents to be easily dislodged and become hazardous to other motorists; will not secure.
Cars shudders 20-30 MPH. Started last year, I needed to get my wife for cancer treatments. Basically, shifted the car manually.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that occasionally while his wife was driving in rainy or snowy conditions, the check power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after it had stopped raining or snowing, the vehicle regained power st…
The contact owns a 2016 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side air bag needed to be repla…
Diagnostic trouble code P0442. Evaporative emission system leak detected indicated by check engine light on.
My steering wheel is locking up as I am driving . Very scary and dangerous where my dealership I lease car from (sunset dealership).,Lompoc,CA has found no codes dealing with the situation twice.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure w…
I lost power steering while driving 70 mph on a two-lane highway in Wyoming. There were no warnings before the incident, but a Service Power Steering light came on at the same time it quit working. One mechanic shop did a diagnosis on the car. I was told that the Electric Gear Po…
While navigating a curve, my power steering quit, nearly causing me to hit an oncoming car in the opposite lane. I stop and search the car for issues but found none. The care returned to normal steering and two days later, I had a vehicle pull out in front of me, while quickly av…
See attached document from complainant
Adaptive cruise control dropped out, taking along with it the ABS (warning light), Stabilitrak (handling system) (warning light), Collision prep (message). Dealer states the ABS computer module failed, now in process of finding a replacement. Meanwhile, the ABS, cruise control,…
I was driving on a main street. Received Power Steering Fluid message and then steering well locked up. Could not manuever it. Had to pull over to call for assistance, to no avail. The manual states it is a electrical power issue. I've taken this car in numerous of times for var…
control module,left and right rear wheel speed sensors
This concerns our 2016 Buick LaCrosse. We leased the car late in 2016 for 3-1/2 years, then purchased it including an extended warranty. Two problems occurred. First the fuel supply line to the engine began leaking, leaving a gasoline odor inside the car. We took the car to our …
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the steering wheel locked, almost causing a collision. A message indicating power steering failure was displayed. The Police Department assisted the contact with driving the…
At highway speeds with the Adaptive Cruise Control engaged, the brakes are heavily applied when other vehicles or obstructions are not observed. ACC engaged on controlled access highway no vehicles or obstructions and random hard braking takes place. Vehicle has been taken to the…
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that when she started her vehicle, the automatic collision unavailable, and oil leak warning message illuminated. The contact stated the warning lights were then unilluminated. The contact stated that the following day wh…
Vogue Custom Built Radial VIII Tire size: 235/50/18 While driving on the Highway, I experienced a Tire blowout on my front passenger side of the vehicle that also led to vehicle damage. I have pictures of the tire post blowout with a gaping hole in the middle of the tire and t…
When braking from 50 mph or 40 mph coming to a stop my car jerks and it’s very hard to stop it uncomfortable hesitation, Jerk, or lurch. Almost caused accident twice where I couldn’t stop the vehicle this is very unsafe for me and my family also transmission downshifts and up shi…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse.
2016 Buick Lacrosse Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Buick Lacrosse Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Buick Lacrosse reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 44 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Buick Lacrosse?▾
#1: Steering Defects (11 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (7 complaints). #3: Unintended Acceleration (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Buick Lacrosse?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Buick Lacrosse?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Buick Lacrosse, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 44 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Buick Lacrosse. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Buick Lacrosse?▾
The 2016 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Lacrosse reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Buick Lacrosse based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.