Buick LaCrosse years to avoid and best years
Newer Buick LaCrosse years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2012 has the most complaints per year, at 15 (206 complaints). From 2016 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 1 (from 6 complaints), 2018 at 1 (from 12 complaints), and 2015 at 3 (from 44 complaints). On the 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 27 of 206 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
Buick LaCrosse reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Buick LaCrosse. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 → Fewest | 1 | 6 | 2 | Electrical system, Engine | 25.3 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 1 | 12 | 3 | Electrical system | 25.3 |
| 2017 → | 4 | 34 | 2 | Electrical system | 24 |
| 2016 → | 5 | 48 | 2 | Steering | 22.5 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 3 | 44 | 3 | Steering | 22.5 |
| 2014 → | 7 | 63 | 5 | Electrical system | 22.5 |
| 2013 → | 6 | 129 | 5 | Suspension | 22.8 |
| 2012 → Most | 15 | 206 | 5 | Electrical system | 22.5 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-30 (all temps); 0W-30 below -29°C · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/55R17, 235/50R18, 245/45R19 (trim dependent)
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-30 (all temps); 0W-30 below -29°C · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/50R18, 245/45R19, 245/40R20 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 18V-576 covers certain 2018-2019 Buick LaCrosse vehicles among other GM models: the rear brake caliper piston seal may allow air into the hydraulic system and reduce braking performance. Dealers bleed the brake system. Recall 20V-668 covers certain 2018-2019 LaCrosse vehicles among other GM models: missing bolts on the start-stop transmission accumulator endcap can leak transmission oil and may progress to a loss of propulsion; dealers inspect and replace the accumulator if bolts are missing. Recall 18V-358 covers certain 2018 LaCrosse vehicles among other GM models: the high-pressure fuel pump may detach and damage a fuel line, creating a leak and fire risk; dealers replace the pump and high-pressure pipe.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick LaCrosse years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 1 (from 6 complaints), 2018 at 1 (from 12 complaints), and 2015 at 3 (from 44 complaints).
Which Buick LaCrosse year has the most owner complaints?
2012 has the most complaints per year, at 15 (206 complaints). On the 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 27 of 206 complaints name Electrical system.
How do Buick LaCrosse owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Buick LaCrosse years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall.
What oil does a Buick LaCrosse take?
5W-30 at all temps; 0W-30 is listed for use below -29°C on both the 2012-2016 and 2017-2019 generations here.
What does recall 18V-576 cover on later LaCrosse?
Certain 2018-2019 LaCrosse vehicles among other GM models: the rear brake caliper piston seal may allow air into the hydraulic system and reduce braking performance. Dealers bleed the brake system.
When did the third-generation LaCrosse start?
Model year 2017 (through 2019 on this site).