Last updated: 2026-07-26

Buick Lacrosse vs KIA K5: Reliability Compared

More ReliableBuick Lacrosse reliability comparison

Buick Lacrosse

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good
VS
KIA K5 reliability comparison

KIA K5

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Buick Lacrosse and the KIA K5? 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 75/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Buick Lacrosse and KIA K5 Generations Compare?

As of mid-2026, the KIA K5 is in its fifth generation, which began in 2021. This generation underwent its first facelift in 2025, indicating it is in the middle of its generational cycle. Typically, vehicles in the middle of their generation benefit from early production issues being ironed out, potentially enhancing reliability. Conversely, the Buick Lacrosse is in its fourth generation, which started in 2023. Being early in its generational cycle, the Lacrosse might face initial teething problems common with new platforms. While the K5's more mature platform may offer a reliability advantage, the Lacrosse's recent redesign could bring cutting-edge features and technology.

Buick Lacrosse vs KIA K5: Which Is More Reliable?

Buick Lacrosse vs KIA K5 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricBuick LacrosseKIA K5
Reliability Score76/10075/100
Years Tracked26
Total Recalls520
Complaints per 10k Sold7.910.2
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2019 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover

What Are the Common Problems With the Buick Lacrosse and KIA K5?

The KIA K5 exhibits a broader spectrum of issues with 370 total complaints, predominantly in the electrical system (62 complaints) and power train (45 complaints, including one crash-linked). Notably, the K5 reports 19 crash-linked airbag complaints, raising significant safety concerns. In contrast, the Buick Lacrosse has a substantially lower total complaint count of 18, with the engine being the most cited issue at five complaints. The Lacrosse's complaint profile lacks the crash-linked airbag issues seen in the K5, suggesting a relatively safer record in terms of severe safety incidents.

Buick Lacrosse vs KIA K5 common problem areas comparison
ComponentBuick LacrosseKIA K5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1.3Low1.7Low
ENGINE2.2Low0.6Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.3Low0.8Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.9Very Low1.2Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None1.2Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.9Very Low0.2Very Low
AIR BAGS—None0.6Very Low
STRUCTURE—None0.6Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM—None0.6Very Low
STEERING—None0.4Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES—None0.3Very Low
TIRES—None0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None0.1Very Low
WHEELS—None0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None0.1Very Low

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick Lacrosse or KIA K5?

The Buick Lacrosse has an annual repair cost of $569, with an industry estimate indicating a repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year and a 12% risk of major repairs. In contrast, specific cost figures for the KIA K5 are not available, but its reputation suggests lower maintenance expenses. Comparing these factors, the Lacrosse's repair frequency and notable risk of major repairs may lead to higher long-term expenses. For cost-conscious buyers, the KIA K5 might be the better value, as it potentially offers lower repair costs and reduced repair frequency. Over five years, the Buick Lacrosse could incur an additional $2,845 in repair expenses, assuming consistent costs.

Who Should Buy the Buick Lacrosse vs the KIA K5?

If you prioritize low running costs and fewer headaches with recalls, the Buick Lacrosse might be your ideal choice. With a slightly higher reliability score of 76/100 and just 5 recalls, the Lacrosse stands out as a more stable option. It also boasts fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold at 7.9 and an estimated annual repair cost of $569. The repair frequency is relatively low at 0.3 times per year, offering a balance of reliability and manageable upkeep. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the KIA K5 for its features or design, keep in mind its reliability score of 75/100 and the higher number of recalls at 20. While owner complaints are a bit higher at 10.2 per 10,000 sold, specific issues with the electrical system and power train could be of concern. Choose the K5 if these factors are less critical to you and other attributes of the vehicle align with your preferences.

Buick Lacrosse vs KIA K5: Common Questions

Is the Buick Lacrosse more reliable than the KIA K5?
Based on our data, the Buick Lacrosse is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 75/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Buick Lacrosse or the KIA K5?
The KIA K5 has more recalls (20) 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 KIA K5?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Buick Lacrosse has a lower complaint rate at 7.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 10.2 for the KIA K5. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Buick Lacrosse or KIA K5 safer?
Both the Buick Lacrosse and KIA K5 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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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

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.

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