Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 76/100 (GOOD)

2019 Buick LaCrosse Reliability Report

The 2019 Buick Lacrosse rates good for reliability, well above other 2019 sedans. The main concern is hesitation under acceleration.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

8.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$569

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,500–$2,600

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity75/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

The facelift year with fewer complaints and recalls than 2018, a good reliability standing, and one report of hesitation when accelerating.

Top Issues to Watch

ENGINE (2)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

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?

Reliability is good, and this model year sits well above the average 2019 sedan. Owners filed 6 complaints, or 8.3 per 10,000 sold. The federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. The 2018 model rates about the same but drew 12 complaints and 3 recalls, so 2019 has the lighter record of the two. This is the facelift year of the third generation.

The problem to know about is hesitation under acceleration. One owner says that when they press the pedal to merge onto a highway, nothing happens until the pedal is pumped. The report describes repeated episodes and near rear-end collisions, and says the dealer told them Buick has no fix. Another owner heard water sloshing under the dashboard, on and off over days. A mechanic found the coolant level fine. Federal records show 2 recalls, covering hydraulic service brakes and the power train.

Ask the seller for proof that both recalls were completed. On a test drive, merge onto a highway and see whether the car responds right away. Budget for repairs a bit above the class norm: independent data puts yearly cost at $569, against $526 for similar cars.

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: Sudden loss of power is the most serious pattern (3 complaints)
−ENGINE: Hesitation under acceleration is the main safety concern (2 complaints)

Compare 2019 Buick LaCrosse With

2019 Nissan Maxima

Reliability: 76/100

Good

2019 Chrysler 300

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2019 Dodge Charger

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2019 Honda Accord

Reliability: 70/100

Good

2019 Toyota Camry

Reliability: 70/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

MODERATE

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
ENGINE (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

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 sold

Segment avg: 19.1

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.

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.

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 2019 Buick LaCrosse? Check its history first

Engine problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Buick LaCrosse, and 2 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

2019 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 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.

Accelerate firmly up a highway on-ramp and confirm the car responds right away, with no dead pedal or hesitation.
Watch the dash for Service Engine, StabiliTrak, Antilock Brakes or Transmission warnings, and ask for records of any past loss-of-power visits.
Creep into a parking space and wait at a light with light brake pressure. Confirm the shifter never jumps into Park.
Let auto stop/start shut off the engine at several stops and listen for grinding when it restarts.
Listen under the dashboard for water sloshing at a cold start and again after a few miles of driving.

2019 Buick LaCrosse Common Problems by Component

6 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)ENGINE (2)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Sudden loss of power is the most serious pattern. Several warnings light up at once, including Service Engine, Service StabiliTrak, Service Antilock Brakes and Service Transmission, and the car sticks in first gear until it is restarted. The fault comes back, but the dealer finds no stored code once the car runs normally again. The electronic shifter also drops into Park on its own at low speed with the brake lightly applied. The car stops abruptly and the gears grind. One other report describes grinding when auto stop/start restarts the engine. All of this comes from only 3 complaints.

3 complaints total

ENGINE

2 complaints

Hesitation under acceleration is the main safety concern. When the driver presses the pedal to merge onto a highway, nothing happens, and the pedal has to be pumped before the car responds. The report describes repeated episodes and near rear-end collisions, and the dealer says Buick has no fix. A separate, less serious complaint describes a loud sound of water sloshing under the dashboard. It comes and goes over days and shows up at startup or after several miles of driving. A mechanic found the coolant level fine. Only 2 complaints are on file.

2 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2022-02-12

The 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.

Best & Worst Buick LaCrosse Years

Best Buick LaCrosse Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2019

(Current Model)

2Recalls

6Complaints

Good

2018

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(selected)	76/100	+1	Good	2	6
2018	75/100	—	Good	3	12

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Buick Lacrosse reliable?

Yes, it has a good reliability standing and ranks well above average among 2019 sedans. Owners filed only 6 complaints, and the federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. Two recalls are on record, so confirm they were done before you buy.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Buick Lacrosse?

Engine complaints lead the list, with 2 on file. One describes hesitation when accelerating, where the car does not respond until the pedal is pumped. The other describes a loud water-sloshing sound under the dashboard that comes and goes. Both counts are small.

Does the 2019 Buick Lacrosse have acceleration problems?

One owner reports it. When merging onto a highway, the car did not respond to the pedal until it was pumped. The owner describes repeated episodes and near rear-end collisions, and says the dealer reported no fix. It is a single report, but a highway merge test drive is worthwhile.

Has the 2019 Buick Lacrosse been recalled?

Yes, federal records list 2 recalls for this model year. They cover the hydraulic service brakes and the power train. The data here does not give details, so ask the seller for documentation that both repairs were completed, or have a Buick dealer check the VIN.

Is the 2019 Buick Lacrosse better than the 2018?

The two rate about the same, with good reliability for both. The 2019 has fewer problems on record: 6 complaints and 2 recalls, against 12 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2018. That gives 2019 a slight edge on paper.

Don’t buy a 2019 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 2019 Buick LaCrosse

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Buick LaCrosse does best on repair costs (80/100) and worst on complaint severity (70/100). 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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