Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2018 Buick LaCrosse Reliability Report

The 2018 Buick Lacrosse rates good and above average for 2018 sedans, but owners report sudden power loss and failed acceleration.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

7.7per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$569

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,500–$2,600

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity69/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity79/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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.

Top Issues to Watch

ENGINE (3)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
POWER TRAIN (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2018 is year 2 of the Third generation (2017).

Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
A refresh arrives in 2019.
3rd generation LaCrosse (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2017 (redesign year) vs 2018+ pricing and recalls.

2017: Third generation (2017) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is year 2 of the Third generation (2017).

2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Buick LaCrosse?

A good reliability standing puts this year above average among 2018 sedans, and the 2019 rates about the same. Owners filed 12 complaints, and the car earned 5 of 5 stars in federal crash tests. Independent repair-cost data estimates $569 a year for the model, a little above the $526 class figure.

The complaints that matter involve losing power. Some drivers say the car will not move from a stop, shows an engine power reduced message, or rolls backward toward traffic. Others report sudden shutoffs that a new battery did not fix. On the 3.6 liter engine, thermostats failed near 53,939 to 56,000 miles. The engine stayed cold, the fans ran nonstop, and one dealer repair cost over $800. Federal recall records list 3 recalls, covering the fuel system, service brakes, and power train.

Ask the seller for proof that all three recalls were completed. Request service records for the thermostat and any dealer visits for power loss, since owners say dealers often decline to repair once the codes clear.

Compared to the 2019 Buick LaCrosse, which scored 1 points higher.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (12%)
+Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

−Moderate recall count
−ENGINE: Thermostats on the 3.6 liter engine fail early (3 complaints)
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Car can shut off suddenly while in use (3 complaints)

Compare 2018 Buick LaCrosse With

2018 Nissan Maxima

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2018 Chrysler 300

Reliability: 66/100

Good

2018 Dodge Charger

Reliability: 69/100

Good

2018 Honda Accord

Reliability: 63/100

Good

2018 Toyota Camry

Reliability: 65/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ENGINE (3)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

7.7

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 25.7

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Buick LaCrosse Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

18V3580002018-05-31

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Consequence

A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

18V5760002018-08-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

20V6680002020-10-29

POWER TRAIN

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Buick LaCrosse? Check its history first

Engine problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Buick LaCrosse, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2018 Buick LaCrosse NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 9.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso (Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Buick LaCrosseRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$569

vs $526 avg for midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

12%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

LaCrosse

$569

Category Avg

$526

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

23–24 MPG

Running cost: $3,050–$3,150/yr

Fuel + repair

20–21 city / 29–30 hwy MPG

Hybrid

29 MPG

Running cost: $2,600/yr

Fuel + repair

25 city / 35 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
LaCrosse 3.6L 6-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S9)	21	30	24	$2,500
LaCrosse AWD 3.6L 6-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S9)	20	29	23	$2,600

Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
LaCrosse eAssist 2.5L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic 6-spd	25	35	29	$2,050

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Buick LaCrosse.

Watch the temperature gauge reach normal on the test drive and confirm the cooling fans do not run nonstop.
Scan for stored or recent trouble codes, especially thermostat code PO128.
Ask for records of thermostat replacement, since the part sits under the intake manifold and costs more to reach.
Stop on an uphill grade, let auto stop shut the engine off, release the brake, and check for rollback.
Accelerate from several full stops and watch for engine power reduced, check engine, or service transmission warnings.
Hold the brake at a stop light and check that the car does not surge forward.
Lock, unlock, and restart the car with each key fob several times.
Have a GM dealer run the VIN for open recalls or coverage programs, and review any stalling, towing, or battery records.

2018 Buick LaCrosse Common Problems by Component

12 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ENGINE (3)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)POWER TRAIN (2)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)SERVICE BRAKES (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)

ENGINE

3 complaints

Thermostats on the 3.6 liter engine fail early. Reports put the failure near 53,939 to 56,000 miles. The engine stays cold, the electric cooling fans run nonstop, and a scan shows code PO128. The thermostat sits under the intake manifold, so one dealer repair cost over $800. A separate complaint involves the auto stop feature. When the engine shuts off on an uphill stop, the car can roll back after the brake is released, which risks hitting the car behind.

3 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

The car can shut off suddenly while in use. A new battery did not fix it, and a dealer software update came with no promise the stalling would stop. Another report describes a key fob that would not unlock the doors or let the car restart. The problem kept coming back at around 100,000 miles, even after fresh fob batteries. Owners also worry about the accelerator pedal's electrical connection causing reduced power, which is a real risk when merging onto a highway.

3 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Acceleration from a stop can fail. The car struggles or refuses to move forward. Warnings for reduced engine power, check engine, and traction come on, and the engine may misfire. Drivers say the car can roll backward toward traffic during these events. Other reports describe the car slowing to a crawl, showing a service transmission message, and applying its own brakes, with repeated tows. A common complaint is that dealers decline to repair once the warning light goes out and the codes clear.

2 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Pressing the accelerator can produce no response. Drivers then see an engine power reduced message and a check engine light, and normal driving returns only after the codes are reset. The opposite failure also appears: the car surges forward at a traffic light even with the brake applied. Both raise the risk of a crash in traffic. Dealers sometimes find no fault, which leaves the problem unresolved.

2 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2024-06-03

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 accumulator endcap bolt had detached, causing transmission fluid to leak onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that in 2021, he detected an abnormal fuel odor coming through the air vents while driving. The brake pedal also stuck while depressed, and the rear brake pads needed to be replaced frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer in 2021 for the fuel odor, and an unknown fuel system part was replaced. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V668000 (Power Train), 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 161,188.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2018-10-05

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 ANGRY PASSENGER. WE MUST GET THIS RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY. I AM LOSING MONEY. I NEED A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. THE SALES PART WENT AS EXPECTED. A LOT OF SMILES AND VERY ENGAGED IN CONVERSATION. THE SALES GUY MIKE WAS VERY NICE. NO PRESSURE. THE PROBLEM IS AFTER THE CARE WAS SIGNED FOR. AFTER THE EXCITEMENT OF GETTING A BRAND NEW VEHICLE I REALIZED I PAID TOO MUCH AND DIDN'T UNDERSTAND ALL THE CHARGES THAT JACKED THE TOTAL UP SO FAR. HOWEVER THAT'S NOT MY ISSUE. MY ISSUE IS THE BRAND NEW CAR IS SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. IT GOES COMPLETELY DEAD. LEAVING ME STRANDED. IT HAPPENED THREE TIMES ON 10/5. THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE IS PPUTTING ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME, MY FAMILY AND MY CLIENTS. SO I'M NOW LOSING INCOME AND IT ALSO CAUSED ME TO HAVE A BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE WITH A CLIENT WHICH EFFECTS MY PROFESSIONAL REPUTATION. THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE IS MAJOR AND A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. YOUR SERVICE TEAM IS WORKING WITH GMC ENGINEERS TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER I DO NOT WANT THIS VEHICLE. YOUR SALES MANAGER STEVE SAYS THIS IS UP TO GMC TO DETERMINE IF A VEHICLE CAN BE EXCHANGED OR NOT. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE FOR ME. I WORK TOO HARD AND A LOT OF PEOPLE DEPEND ON ME.

Best & Worst Buick LaCrosse Years

Best Buick LaCrosse Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2019

2Recalls

6Complaints

Good

2018

(Current Model)

3Recalls

12Complaints

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.

See full Buick LaCrosse years-to-avoid analysis

Buick LaCrosse Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Buick LaCrosse reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	75/100	Good
2019	76/100	Good

Buick LaCrosse Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2019	76/100	+1	Good	2	6
2018(selected)	75/100	—	Good	3	12

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Buick Lacrosse reliable?

Yes, its reliability standing is good, and it ranks above average against other 2018 sedans. Owners filed 12 complaints, and the car earned 5 of 5 stars in federal crash tests. Repair costs run slightly above the class average, and the power-loss complaints are the main concern.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Buick Lacrosse?

Complaints center on the engine, electrical system, power train, and speed control. Drivers describe early thermostat failure, sudden shutoffs, a key fob that stops working, failed acceleration from a stop, and unexpected surging. Several of these involve warning lights and reduced engine power.

Does the 2018 Buick Lacrosse have thermostat problems?

Some do. Drivers with the 3.6 liter engine report thermostat failure near 53,939 to 56,000 miles. The engine stays cold, the cooling fans run nonstop, and a scan shows code PO128. The part sits under the intake manifold, and one dealer repair cost over $800.

Has the 2018 Buick Lacrosse been recalled?

Yes. Federal recall records show 3 recalls for this model year. They cover the fuel system, service brakes, and power train. Before buying, ask the seller for proof that each recall repair was completed.

Is the 2018 Buick Lacrosse better than the 2019?

Not clearly. Both years carry a good reliability standing and rate about the same. The 2019 has 6 complaints and 2 recalls, against 12 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2018. Complaints build up over time, so compare the individual cars and their records.

Don’t buy a 2018 Buick LaCrosse without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2018 Buick LaCrosse

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Buick LaCrosse does best on repair costs (80/100) and worst on complaint severity (69/100). 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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