The 2018 Buick Lacrosse has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 12 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (3), Electrical System (3), Power Train (2).
Lacrosse reliability snapshot
75/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$569
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#15/24
Ranking in midsize cars · better than 38% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Buick Lacrosse before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Engine3
Electrical System3
Power Train2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Unknown Or Other1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Check thermostat for failure symptoms like cold engine temperature and running fans
☐Test vehicle for sudden shutdowns and inspect electrical system reliability
☐Verify key fob functionality and vehicle start reliability
☐Inspect for unintended acceleration or deceleration issues
☐Test accelerator pedal response and check for 'Engine Power Reduced' messages
☐Ensure transmission shifts smoothly and no warning lights are present
What owners reported
2018 Buick Lacrosse owner complaints in detail
Owner complaints3
ENGINE
Owners report two main issues with the 2018 Buick Lacrosse's engine. First, multiple owners describe problems with the thermostat, noting failures occurring around 53,939 to 56,000 miles. Symptoms include the engine temperature reading as cold and continuous operation of the dual electric fans, with trouble codes indicating a faulty thermostat. Second, one owner mentions a concern with the auto stop feature, where the vehicle can roll backward when stopped uphill, potentially leading to rear-end collisions. These issues may present maintenance and safety considerations for prospective buyers, particularly regarding the thermostat's location and repair costs.
Owner complaints3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Buick Lacrosse report issues with the electrical system, primarily involving the vehicle shutting off suddenly and problems with the key fob not functioning properly. One owner describes the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly even after the battery and software were addressed, while another mentions recurring key fob failures preventing door access and vehicle start, persisting even after battery replacement. Complaints note these issues around 100,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for reduced power and acceleration, which could pose risks in traffic situations. Buyers should be aware of these electrical concerns, as they may affect vehicle reliability and safety.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Buick LaCrosse report issues with sudden unintended acceleration and problems with the accelerator pedal position sensor. Symptoms frequently described include the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating when the brake is engaged and a loss of motive power with a displayed "Engine Power Reduced" message. One complaint notes these issues occurring at approximately 26,600 miles. Safety implications include loss of control due to unexpected acceleration and deceleration. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly the recurring need for accelerator pedal position sensor replacement.
Owner complaints2
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Buick Lacrosse report issues primarily related to the vehicle's power train, with symptoms including the car slowing to a crawl speed, self-applying brakes, and displaying a "service transmission" message. Multiple complaints frequently mention problems with acceleration after stopping, where the vehicle struggles to move forward, and shifting gears blink while warning lights such as "engine power reduced" and "traction safety collision" illuminate. These issues reportedly lead to situations where the car rolls backward, posing a safety risk at stoplights and stop signs. The complaints do not specify exact mileage, but they do indicate that these problems are ongoing and unresolved despite attempts to address them through dealership service. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated safety implications.
2018 Lacrosse recalls (3)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Lacrosse. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 18V358000May 31, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 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 18188.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 18V576000Aug 30, 2018
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.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 20V668000Oct 29, 2020
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.
2018 Buick Lacrosse on the road
15,527 2018 Buick Lacrosse units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 Buick Lacrosse stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
The 2018 Buick Lacrosse demonstrates solid reliability, scoring slightly above the segment average. With a score of 75 out of 100, it presents as a dependable option within its class. The vehicle's three recalls are indicative of a limited recall history, suggesting a moderate level of manufacturer attention to potential issues.
Complaints are relatively few and spread across various components, including the engine, electrical system, power train, and vehicle speed control. This distribution indicates no single area of significant concern, which may imply isolated incidents rather than systemic problems.
Overall, the 2018 Buick Lacrosse offers above-average reliability with a manageable level of risk for potential buyers.
What you get in a 2018 Buick Lacrosse report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2018 Buick Lacrosse now
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2018 Buick Lacrosse — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Buick Lacrosse reliable?
The 2018 Buick Lacrosse demonstrates solid reliability, scoring slightly above the segment average. With a score of 75 out of 100, it presents as a dependable option within its class. The vehicle's three recalls are indicative of a limited recall history, suggesting a moderate level of manufacturer attention to potential issues.
How many recalls does the 2018 Buick Lacrosse have?
3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Buick Lacrosse problems?
The most-reported 2018 Buick Lacrosse problem areas are: Engine (3), Electrical System (3), Power Train (2).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Buick Lacrosse?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Buick Lacrosse, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
