2018 Buick Lacrosse: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Buick Lacrosse? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 12 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2018 Buick Lacrosse Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2018 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. 3 trims analysed.
2018 Buick Lacrosse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 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
9.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.9% 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 2018 Buick Lacrosse has 12 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Lacrosse
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 12
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 30
- 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
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Buick Lacrosse Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Buick Lacrosse?
The 2018 Buick Lacrosse looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
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 2018 Buick Lacrosse
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 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 12 consumer complaints for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse, issues appear concentrated in electrical faults, engine problems, and transmission/drivetrain components. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low complaint volume limits confidence in these patterns.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints among the reported components.
- Engine problems and transmission/drivetrain issues are also frequently mentioned.
- Unintended acceleration and fuel system concerns appear in a smaller number of complaints.
- Electrical faults are the most common complaint area.
- Engine problems are the second most reported issue.
- Transmission and drivetrain problems are also notable.
All 2018 Buick Lacrosse Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized 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 2018 Buick Lacrosse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 co…
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 il…
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 thermo…
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 …
Thermostat failure at 56,000 miles.
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 persi…
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 thr…
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 …
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
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…
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 DO…
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 …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse.
2018 Buick Lacrosse Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse. 3 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.
2018 Buick Lacrosse Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Buick Lacrosse reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 12 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Buick Lacrosse looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 2018 Buick Lacrosse?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (5 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (4 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Buick Lacrosse?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Buick Lacrosse?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Buick Lacrosse, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 12 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Buick Lacrosse. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. 3 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 2018 Buick Lacrosse?▾
The 2018 Buick Lacrosse looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 Electrical Faults 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 2018 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.