Last updated: 2026-10-10

Buick LaCrosse

Buick LaCrosse Years to Avoid

2 scored model years (2018–2019) · model average 76/100

No year is one to avoid, since 2018 and 2019 both land close to the model's own average. What differs is the recall count and the mix of owner complaints. Of the two, 2019 is the year to buy.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2019 76/100
Model average
76/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Buick LaCrosse Problems?

ENGINE

5 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

2018: Thermostats on the 3.6 liter engine fail early.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Most reported in 2019

2019: Sudden loss of power is the most serious pattern.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

Most reported in 2018

2018: The car can shut off suddenly while in use.

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Most reported in 2018

2018: Acceleration from a stop can fail.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Most reported in 2018

2018: Pressing the accelerator can produce no response.

Best Buick LaCrosse Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Buick LaCrosse

The 2019 has two recalls against three for the 2018, and 6 owner complaints against 12. Its complaint rate per vehicle sold is slightly higher, so the edge is small. Its one serious complaint, hesitation when merging, is worth checking on a test drive.

Score: 76/100 (Good)2 recalls6 complaints
View full 2019reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2019 Buick LaCrosse has 2 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Buick LaCrosse Years by Generation

Buick LaCrosse Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Buick Lacrosse years should I avoid?
None. Site analysis found no year well below the model's own average, and both the 2018 and 2019 rate good. Choose between them by condition, service history, and how the car drives, with the 2019 as the slight favorite.
Which Buick Lacrosse years have transmission problems?
Power train complaints show up among the most reported areas for the 2018, with 2 on file. The 2019 does not list power train among its top areas. Reports across the model describe a service transmission message and slowing to a crawl, so test the 2018 closely.
Does the 2018 or 2019 Lacrosse have more recalls?
The 2018 has more, with 3 recalls against 2 for the 2019. The data here gives the counts only, so check a VIN lookup to confirm that any recall work on the car you are considering was completed.
Does the 2019 Lacrosse have fewer complaints than the 2018?
In total, yes: 6 owner complaints against 12. Per vehicle sold, the 2019 is slightly higher at 8.3 per 10,000 against 7.7. The difference is small, so neither year is clearly worse on complaints.
What should I check on a 2019 Buick Lacrosse?
Test the throttle response. One 2019 complaint describes nothing happening when pressing the pedal to merge, with the pedal needing to be pumped, and the dealer said Buick has no fix. Another reports a sloshing sound behind the dashboard, though coolant level was fine.

How we score every Buick LaCrosse model year

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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