Common problems

Buick Lacrosse Common Problems

We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 2 Buick Lacrosse model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.

Data updated July 2026

Owner complaints
18

2 model years

Top recurring issue
Engine

2 affected years

Crash reports
0

Owner-reported severity signal

Fire reports
0

0 injuries · 0 deaths

Pattern overview

Most reported Buick Lacrosse problem categories

#1

Engine

5complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2018.

#2

Electrical System

4complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2018.

#3

Unknown Or Other

4complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2019.

#4

Power Train

2complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

#5

Vehicle Speed Control

2complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

#6

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

What owners reported

Issue summaries by Buick Lacrosse model year

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Buick Lacrosse frequently report issues with the vehicle's e-shift mechanism and powertrain. Complaints describe the e-shift unexpectedly shifting into park while driving at low speeds or when stopped, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly with grinding noises and jerking motions. Another reported issue involves the car losing power and displaying multiple warning indicators for systems like the engine, Stabilitrak, and transmission, with one owner noting unintentional acceleration and loss of control at 40 mph. This problem has persisted despite multiple attempts to fix it, including replacing the transmission control module. Additionally, some owners mention a grinding noise when the auto stop/start system disengages. These issues present potential safety risks, including loss of control and abrupt stops, and have been reported to occur over varying timelines and mileage ranges.

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.

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.

ENGINE

Owners of the 2019 Buick LaCrosse report two distinct engine-related issues. One complaint describes a recurring sound of water sloshing under the dashboard, occurring both when stationary and in motion, although not at high speeds. The GM mechanic confirms coolant levels are normal, and the noise appears sporadically with no clear pattern. Another complaint highlights an acceleration problem when merging onto highways, where pressing the pedal yields no response until multiple attempts are made. This issue has reportedly led to near rear-end collisions, indicating a potential safety risk. No specific mileage is mentioned, but one owner notes the problem has occurred four times without a resolution from the dealer.

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.

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.

Pre-purchase inspection

What to check on a used Buick Lacrosse

When problems are reported to begin

  • Electrical system failures — 56,000 miles on the 2019 model-year record
  • Thermostat failures — 53,000–56,000 miles on the 2018 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures — 100,000 miles on the 2018 model-year record
  • Accelerator pedal position sensor issues — 26,000–27,000 miles on the 2018 model-year record

Buyer red flags

  • Test e-shift mechanism for unexpected shifts to park
  • Check for unintentional acceleration and loss of power
  • Inspect for grinding noise when auto stop/start disengages
  • Verify engine fan operation after vehicle shutdown
  • Test acceleration response when merging onto highways
  • Listen for water sloshing sound under dashboard
  • Check thermostat for failure symptoms like cold engine temperature and running fans
  • Test vehicle for sudden shutdowns and inspect electrical system reliability

How to interpret the counts

Complaint totals are not failure rates

A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.

Source trail

Where this Buick Lacrosse data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Buick Lacrosse research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Buick Lacrosse research FAQ

What is the most common Buick Lacrosse problem?

Engine is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 2 years with 5 complaints represented.

Which Buick Lacrosse year has the most reported problems?

The 2018 has the largest engine count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.

Do NHTSA complaints prove a Buick Lacrosse has a defect?

No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Buick Lacrosse you are considering.