Buick LaCrosse years to avoid (and the best years)
894 NHTSA owner complaints and 19 recalls across 9 model years, 2010 to 2018. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 894complaints
- 19recalls
- 53reported crashes
- 20reported fires
- 41reported injuries
- 1reported deaths
Which Buick LaCrosse years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Buick LaCrosse year to avoid is 2012. The typical Buick LaCrosse year has 63 complaints on file.
- 2012: 206 complaints, 3.3 times the typical year. Most complaints name the electrical system (30% of complaints) and the engine (25% of complaints).
What are the best Buick LaCrosse years?
The Buick LaCrosse years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2018 (12), 2017 (34) and 2015 (44). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 12 | 0.2× | 3 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2017 | 34 | 0.5× | 2 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2016 | 48 | 0.8× | 2 | 5 | 3 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2015 | 44 | 0.7× | 3 | 5 | 4 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2014 | 63 | 1.0× | 5 | 7 | 4 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2013 | 129 | 2.0× | 5 | 5 | 5 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2012 | 206 | 3.3× | 5 | 10 | 5 | Approach with caution | Electrical system |
| 2011 | 169 | 2.7× | 4 | 15 | 12 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2010 | 189 | 3.0× | 2 | 6 | 8 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 360 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain99 (28%)
- Electrical & infotainment67 (19%)
- Steering, suspension & tires60 (17%)
- Other systems49 (14%)
- Brakes34 (9%)
Recalls (19)
Suspension · 21V00F000 · Dec 2021 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 21V633000 · Aug 2021 · model year 2013
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 20V764000 · Dec 2020 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 20V668000 · Oct 2020 · model year 2018
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 increase the risk of fire.
Brakes · 18V576000 · Aug 2018 · model year 2018
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 18V358000 · May 2018 · model year 2018
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 17V437000 · Jul 2017 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Suspension · 17V267000 · Apr 2017 · model year 2017
If a rear-suspension toe-link disconnects, it may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 17V116000 · Feb 2017 · model year 2017
A loss of power steering may result in increased manual steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 16V651000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Airbags · 15V666000 · Oct 2015 · model year 2015
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 14V447000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2011, 2012
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 14V317000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2014
Without an audible indicator, the driver may not be aware that the driver's door is open while the key is in the ignition, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway. If the passenger windows, rear windows, and sunroof can function when the vehicle is turned off and the driver is not in the vehicle, there is an increased risk of injury if an unsupervised occupant operates the power closures.
Brakes · 14V240000 · May 2014 · model year 2014
If a brake pad detaches from caliper, there may be a sudden reduction in braking, lengthening the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 14V092000 · Feb 2014 · model year 2014
If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Electrical system · 13V173000 · May 2013 · model years 2012, 2013
If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
Transmission · 13V097000 · Mar 2013 · model year 2013
If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Safety · 11V404000 · Aug 2011 · model year 2012
THE IMPROPER DIAGNOSING MAY CAUSE THE ESC TO FALSELY ACTIVATE, RESULTING IN SUDDEN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING AND DECELERATION, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, WHICH MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING THE VEHICLE'S DESIRED PATH OF TRAVEL AND DESIRED VEHICLE SPEED, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Body & glass · 11V149000 · Mar 2011 · model year 2011
IF THIS CONDITION AFFECTS THE DEFROST SYSTEM WHEN IT IS REQUIRED, IT MAY DECREASE THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.