2016 Buick Lacrosse Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 15%of 48 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,984miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Buick Lacrosse, 15% of the 48 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,984 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At 25 - 30 MPH and at 45 - 50 MPH the car shakes violently. I took it to the dealership for a diagnostic. They said they knew exactly what it was. I need a new lower and upper transmission. That is the recommended fix. That is something that happens to chevy transmissions and the cost is $5400. It seems to me that if this is something that goes wrong all the time, that's a problem that I did not create. My vehicle is worth less than the cost of the fix and I still owe more than twice the cost of the fix.”
NHTSA complaint #11385552, filed 2020-12, 162,000 miles“While driving at highway speeds (65+ MPH) the information center will display 'reduced engine power' and car will down shift and only reach 45 MPH. Causing close to rear-end crash. You have to leave the highway traffic immediately and turn off engine. Re-start engine and continue driving. It has happened twice now. Seems like a software problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10930364, filed 2016-12, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that when she started her vehicle, the automatic collision unavailable, and oil leak warning message illuminated. The contact stated the warning lights were then unilluminated. The contact stated that the following day while the vehicle was parked and turned on, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. …”
NHTSA complaint #11483748, filed 2022-09, 92,968 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the fuel pump was previously replaced due to the vehicle stalling while driving. The contact stated that the tailgate unintendedly opened while the vehicle was parked and turned off. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while driving from a complete stop, and the vehicle hesitated and shuddered while driving at various speeds. An unknown warning light was illuminated. OnStar was contacted and informed the contact that a DTC for the ABS was found. …”
NHTSA complaint #11720665, filed 2026-02, 99,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | 25% |
| 2017 | 9 | 25% |
| 2016 | 7 | 15% |
| 2015 | 2 | 5% |
| 2014 | 4 | 6% |
| 2013 | 12 | 9% |
| 2012 | 24 | 12% |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% |
| 2010 | 17 | 9% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 10 | 4% |
| 2006 | 7 | 2% |
| 2005 | 19 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2016 Buick Lacrosse
12 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology