2018 Buick Lacrosse Problems
- Complaints
- 12filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 26,600miles, 5 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 3 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 21 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The part named most often is electrical system, with 5 complaints (42% of the total), followed by engine (4) and fuel system (3). 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 60% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 26,600 miles. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 992 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 223 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 106 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system5 42%
- Engine4 33%
- Fuel system3 25%
- Brakes1 8.3%
- Other or unknown1 8.3%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I have brought my 2018 Buick Lacrosse to two different Buick dealerships who say that even though a special instruction letter was recognized and a recall was observed, because my check light went out and the codes on the car where cleared, they will not fix either recall. On three different occasions, the car slowed down to a crawl speed, the check engine light went on and the brakes applied themselves. Also across the dash was displayed 'service transmission'. I thought it was the accelerator pedal position sensor, but it may be a transmission problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11523910, filed 2023-05Engine: “If stopped uphill and the auto stop activates, when you release the brake the car can roll back, and the way people stop on top of you these days your car can roll back into them and you have to repair their car. Plus it actually takes more gas than my v8 2016 gmc sierra that doesn't stop when traveling from my fueling location to my home, per the cars own computer system”
NHTSA complaint #11160527, filed 2018-12, 200 milesFuel system: “When I get to a stop sign, and a stop light, when trying to accelerate after a complete stop, the car would struggle to accelerate to go forward. Where the shifting gears would start blinking, and the warning lights (engine power reduced, engine light, and the traction safety collision light) would display itself making it misfire and impossible to even go forward while pressing the gas pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #11698766, filed 2025-11Transmission and drivetrain: “The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over and checked underneath the vehicle. The contact discovered that the START/STOP accumulator endcap bolt had detached, causing transmission fluid to leak onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that in 2021, he detected an abnormal fuel odor coming through the air vents while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11593626, filed 2024-06, 161,188 milesMileage when problems were reported
60% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 1,800 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacrosse · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
| Lacrosse · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
| Lacrosse Hybrid · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 Buick Lacrosse version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaCrosse FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
| LaCrosse AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| LaCrosse eAssist FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl · hybrid | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V668000Oct 29, 2020Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Buick Lacrosse 2018–2019, Chevrolet Equinox 2018–2020, Traverse 2018–2020 +9 more
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…
- 18V576000Aug 30, 2018Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › CaliperCovers: Buick Lacrosse 2018–2019, Chevrolet Equinox 2018–2019, Impala 2018–2019 +7 more
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…
- 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Buick Lacrosse 2018, GMC Canyon 2015–2018, Chevrolet Malibu 2016–2018 +6 more
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…
Recall details for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 992 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11023147Sep 8, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates a possible issue with an engine timing chain, gear or crankshaft key.
Other model years of the Buick Lacrosse
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 7 | 11,700 | 2 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 12 | 26,600 | 3 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 36 | 15,900 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 8 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 48 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 21 | 22 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 44 | 25,000 | 3 | 5 | 21 | 21 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 63 | 39,915 | 5 | 5 | 21 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 130 | 58,999 | 5 | 5 | 21 | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 206 | 54,728 | 5 | 5 | 21 | 94 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 169 | 51,542 | 4 | 5 | 23 | 84 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 189 | 55,430 | 2 | — | 21 | 77 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 106 | 55,006 | 2 | — | 21 | 13 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2008 | 250 | 53,504 | 2 | — | 20 | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 250 | 67,300 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 299 | 78,246 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 315 | 64,511 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Buick Lacrosse model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Buick Lacrosse have?
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Buick Lacrosse is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 5 complaints (42% of the total), followed by engine with 4.
Has the 2018 Buick Lacrosse been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Buick Lacrosse do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Buick Lacrosse 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 3 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Buick Lacrosse get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Buick Lacrosse (LaCrosse, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Buick Lacrosse reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 26,600 miles and the middle half falls between 1,800 and 100,000 miles; 60% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.