Last updated: 2026-07-25
2019 Buick Lacrosse Reliability Report
The 2019 Buick Lacrosse scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 6 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
6
Complaint Rate
8.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$569
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,500–$2,600
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 received a 2019 facelift update for the Third generation (2017).
- Changes: New 2.0-liter turbo engine added; Nine-speed automatic transmission introduced.
- Year 3 in this generation (2017–2019).
- 3rd generation Lacrosse (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2017: Third generation (2017) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year (Refresh)
2019 received a 2019 facelift update for the Third generation (2017).
Should You Buy the 2019 Buick Lacrosse?
At 76/100, the 2019 Buick Lacrosse lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 received a 2019 facelift update for the Third generation (2017).
Owners log 6 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to unknown or other (3). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
See also the 2018 Buick Lacrosse for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2019 Buick Lacrosse frequently report issues with the vehicle's... (3 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Owners of the 2019 Buick LaCrosse report two distinct engine-related issues (2 complaints)
Compare 2019 Buick Lacrosse With
2019 Chrysler 300
Reliability: 71/100
2019 Nissan Maxima
Reliability: 76/100
2019 Dodge Charger
Reliability: 71/100
2019 Honda Accord
Reliability: 70/100
2019 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
MODERATE- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
- ENGINE (2)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Buick Lacrosse carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 19
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Buick Lacrosse Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Buick Lacrosse. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
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.
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.
Buying a used 2019 Buick Lacrosse? Check its history first
Every 2019 Buick Lacrosse has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Buick Lacrosse NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.9%
Safety Technologies
Buick LacrosseRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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
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 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 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaCrosse 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 20 | 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 (S6) | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,050 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Buick Lacrosse.
Test e-shift mechanism for unexpected shifts to park
Check for unintentional acceleration and loss of power
Inspect for grinding noise when auto stop/start disengages
Verify engine fan operation after vehicle shutdown
Test acceleration response when merging onto highways
Listen for water sloshing sound under dashboard
2019 Buick Lacrosse Common Problems by Component
6 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Buick Lacrosse frequently report issues with the vehicle's e-shift mechanism and powertrain. Complaints describe the e-shift unexpectedly shifting into park while driving at low speeds or when stopped, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly with grinding noises and jerking motions. Another reported issue involves the car losing power and displaying multiple warning indicators for systems like the engine, Stabilitrak, and transmission, with one owner noting unintentional acceleration and loss of control at 40 mph. This problem has persisted despite multiple attempts to fix it, including replacing the transmission control module. Additionally, some owners mention a grinding noise when the auto stop/start system disengages. These issues present potential safety risks, including loss of control and abrupt stops, and have been reported to occur over varying timelines and mileage ranges.
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Buick LaCrosse report two distinct engine-related issues. One complaint describes a recurring sound of water sloshing under the dashboard, occurring both when stationary and in motion, although not at high speeds. The GM mechanic confirms coolant levels are normal, and the noise appears sporadically with no clear pattern. Another complaint highlights an acceleration problem when merging onto highways, where pressing the pedal yields no response until multiple attempts are made. This issue has reportedly led to near rear-end collisions, indicating a potential safety risk. No specific mileage is mentioned, but one owner notes the problem has occurred four times without a resolution from the dealer.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that the engine fan failed to shut off after turning off the vehicle. The failure occurred while the vehicle was idling in a drive-thru with the temperature gauge reading that the engine was in the cold position. The driver then drove at speeds between 60 - 70 MPH; after arriving at the residence, the engine fan failed to turn off. The contact disconnected the battery, and all the system functions were reset, and the fan shut off. The failure had become more persistent over time. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer due to the fault codes being erased after disconnecting the battery. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
When Do 2019 Buick Lacrosse Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Buick Lacrosse Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Buick Lacrosse Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Buick Lacrosse year is 2019 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2018 (75/100).
2019
(Current Model)
2018
Buick Lacrosse Years to Avoid
No Buick Lacrosse years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Buick Lacrosse maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Buick Lacrosse Reliability Score Trend
Buick Lacrosse reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 76/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 76/100 | Good |
Buick Lacrosse Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019(selected) | 76/100 | +1 | Good | 2 | 6 |
| 2018 | 75/100 | — | Good | 3 | 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Buick Lacrosse reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Buick Lacrosse?
How many recalls does the 2019 Buick Lacrosse have?
Is the 2019 Buick Lacrosse expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Buick Lacrosse without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Buick Lacrosse.
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