Last updated: 2026-10-10
Buick LaCrosse Reliability by Year
Buick Lacrosse buyers get a good-rated midsize sedan, with early thermostat failures and acceleration hesitation the main things to check.
Buick LaCrosse Reliability Overview
Used Lacrosse sedans from 2018 and 2019 rate good for reliability and sit above most sedans on the site. The 2019 is the pick, with fewer recalls than the 2018. Watch for early thermostat failure on the 3.6 liter engine, where the engine stays cold and the cooling fans run nonstop, and for acceleration that does not respond when merging onto a highway.
Current generation: 4th gen (2023–2023).
Best & Worst Buick LaCrosse Years
Best Buick LaCrosse Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 2019 has two recalls against three for the 2018, and 6 owner complaints against 12. Its complaint rate per vehicle sold is slightly higher, so the edge is small. Its one serious complaint, hesitation when merging, is worth checking on a test drive.
Buick LaCrosse Years to Avoid
No Buick LaCrosse years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 75 and 76 across 2 scored model years.
Buick LaCrosse Reliability Score Trend
Buick LaCrosse reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 76/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 76/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2019 Buick LaCrosse
2 recalls · 6 complaints
The facelift year with fewer complaints and recalls than 2018, a good reliability standing, and one report of hesitation when accelerating.
2018 Buick LaCrosse
3 recalls · 12 complaints
Rated good and above average among 2018 sedans, with a 5-star crash rating, though owners report early thermostat failures and sudden loss of power.
Found Your Buick LaCrosse? Check Its History
Engine (2) problems come up most in Buick LaCrosse owner complaints, and 5 recalls cover the years we track. A VIN check shows whether the car you found had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Buick LaCrosse Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$569
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
12%
$43 above the midsize cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #15 of 24 among midsize cars.
Buick LaCrosse Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Buick Models
Compare all Buick models by reliability
Compare Buick LaCrosse With Similar Sedans
The Buick LaCrosse competes with other midsize sedans such as Nissan Maxima, Chrysler 300, and Kia K5.
LaCrosse vs Nissan Maxima
6 years tracked · 84 complaints
LaCrosse vs Chrysler 300
6 years tracked · 248 complaints
LaCrosse vs Kia K5
6 years tracked · 370 complaints
LaCrosse vs Dodge Charger
9 years tracked · 369 complaints
LaCrosse vs Honda Accord
9 years tracked · 3503 complaints
More Buick LaCrosse comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best year for the Buick Lacrosse?
- The 2019 is the best pick of the two tracked years. It has fewer recalls and fewer owner complaints than the 2018. The gap is modest, and both years rate good for reliability, so condition and service history matter more than the year.
- Is the Buick Lacrosse reliable?
- Yes, it rates good overall and above average among sedans on the site. Owner complaints are few for both years. The more serious ones involve sudden stalling or power loss, so check for those on a test drive. One key fob problem kept returning near 100,000 miles.
- What are the most common Buick Lacrosse problems?
- Engine complaints lead the list. Thermostats on the 3.6 liter engine fail early, near 53,939 to 56,000 miles, leaving the engine cold and the cooling fans running nonstop. Electrical complaints come next, including sudden shutoffs. Power train and speed control reports describe acceleration that fails or surges.
- How much does it cost to repair a Buick Lacrosse?
- Independent repair-cost data estimates $569 a year, a little above the $526 average for midsize cars. The thermostat is a pricey fix because it sits under the intake manifold. One dealer repair cost over $800.
- Can a Buick Lacrosse shut off while driving?
- Some owners report it. One electrical complaint describes the car shutting off suddenly in use. A new battery did not fix it, and the dealer's software update came with no promise the stalling would stop. Ask the seller about any past shutoffs.
How we score the Buick LaCrosse
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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