Last updated: 2026-07-26

Buick Lacrosse vs Chrysler 300: Reliability Compared

More ReliableBuick Lacrosse reliability comparison

Buick Lacrosse

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Chrysler 300 reliability comparison

Chrysler 300

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Buick Lacrosse and the Chrysler 300? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Buick Lacrosse currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Buick Lacrosse and Chrysler 300 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Chrysler 300 is in its second generation, which ran from 2011 to 2023, with a significant update in 2015. This mature platform has had ample time to address early production issues, generally resulting in a well-sorted and reliable vehicle by the end of its cycle. Meanwhile, the Buick Lacrosse is in its fourth generation, introduced in 2023. This newer platform may still be ironing out initial production bugs, a common occurrence with recently redesigned models. Buyers often find that vehicles from later in a generation cycle, like the Chrysler 300, tend to exhibit greater reliability due to fewer unresolved issues.

Verdict

The Buick Lacrosse is more reliable than the Chrysler 300, scoring 76/100 vs 72/100.

In terms of reliability, the Buick Lacrosse edges out the Chrysler 300 with a slightly higher average reliability score of 76/100 compared to 72/100 for the Chrysler. The Lacrosse also benefits from fewer total recalls, with 5 over two years versus the Chrysler's 13 over six years. However, the Chrysler 300 boasts a lower owner complaints rate per 10,000 sold at 2.3 compared to the Lacrosse's 7.9, suggesting fewer issues per vehicle despite its larger production volume. Additionally, the Lacrosse offers a marginally lower estimated annual repair cost of $569 against the Chrysler's $631, making it the more cost-effective choice for maintenance.

Key Differences

  1. 1Buick Lacrosse costs $62 less per year to repair
  2. 2Buick Lacrosse has 8 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Chrysler 300 has 5.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

5Buick Lacrosse
—
1Chrysler 300
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Buick Lacrosse vs Chrysler 300: Which Is More Reliable?

Buick Lacrosse vs Chrysler 300 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricBuick LacrosseChrysler 300
Reliability Score76/10072/100
Years Tracked26
Total Recalls513
Complaints per 10k Sold7.92.3
Annual Repair Cost$569/yr$631/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk12%13%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2019 NHTSA
2023 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins20

What Are the Common Problems With the Buick Lacrosse and Chrysler 300?

The Chrysler 300 exhibits a higher volume of complaints with significant issues in its electrical system (80 complaints) and air bags (49 complaints, 9 crash-linked), indicating potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Buick Lacrosse has a much lower complaint count overall, with the engine being the most reported issue at 5 complaints. Notably, the Chrysler 300 has several crash-linked air bag complaints, suggesting a critical area for safety improvements, whereas the Buick Lacrosse's complaints are not linked to crashes. Additionally, the Chrysler 300's problem profile is more diverse, covering categories such as exterior lighting and visibility, which are not present in the Buick Lacrosse's data.

Buick Lacrosse vs Chrysler 300 common problem areas comparison
ComponentBuick LacrosseChrysler 300
ENGINE2.2Low—None
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1.3Low0.7Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.3Low0.4Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.9Very Low0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.9Very Low—None
AIR BAGS—None0.5Very Low
STRUCTURE—None—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None—None
SEAT BELTS—None—None
STEERING—None—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None
WHEELS—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick Lacrosse or Chrysler 300?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Chrysler 300 and Buick Lacrosse have similar repair frequencies at 0.3 visits per year, indicating comparable reliability in terms of needing repairs. However, the Chrysler 300 has a slightly higher annual repair cost at $631 compared to the Lacrosse's $569, resulting in a $62 difference annually, or $310 over five years. Additionally, the Chrysler 300 has a 13% risk of major repairs versus the Lacrosse's 12%, making the Buick Lacrosse slightly less prone to significant issues. For cost-conscious buyers, the Buick Lacrosse presents better value with its lower annual repair costs and marginally reduced risk of major repairs. Over time, these factors contribute to a more economical ownership experience.

How Does Buick Lacrosse vs Chrysler 300 Reliability Compare by Year?

Buick Lacrosse vs Chrysler 300 year-by-year reliability scores
YearBuick LacrosseChrysler 300Edge
201976/1002R / 6C71/1002R / 59CBuick Lacrosse
201875/1003R / 12C66/1004R / 151CBuick Lacrosse

Best years to cross-shop: The 2019 Buick Lacrosse scored 76/100 and the 2019 Chrysler 300 scored 71/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Buick Lacrosse vs the Chrysler 300?

If you prioritize lower running costs and fewer recalls, the Buick Lacrosse may be the better choice for you. With a higher reliability score of 76/100, it has only 5 total recalls compared to the Chrysler 300's 13. The Lacrosse also offers a lower estimated annual repair cost of $569 and a slightly lower major repair risk of 12%. However, if you are concerned about owner satisfaction in terms of complaints, the Chrysler 300 might be more appealing. It has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (2.3) compared to the Lacrosse's 7.9. While the Chrysler 300 has a slightly higher repair cost estimate of $631, its issues are spread across various systems, potentially allowing for more manageable fixes. Ultimately, if reliability and lower initial costs are your primary concerns, the Buick Lacrosse is likely the better option. If you are more focused on user experience and satisfaction, consider the Chrysler 300.

Buick Lacrosse vs Chrysler 300: Common Questions

Is the Buick Lacrosse more reliable than the Chrysler 300?
Based on our data, the Buick Lacrosse is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Buick Lacrosse or the Chrysler 300?
The Chrysler 300 has more recalls (13) compared to the Buick Lacrosse (5). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Buick Lacrosse or the Chrysler 300?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Chrysler 300 has a lower complaint rate at 2.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 7.9 for the Buick Lacrosse. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Buick Lacrosse or the Chrysler 300?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Buick Lacrosse is cheaper to maintain at $569/year versus $631/year for the Chrysler 300.
Is the Buick Lacrosse or Chrysler 300 safer?
Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Buick Lacrosse has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Chrysler 300. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

Decided between Buick Lacrosse and Chrysler 300? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue