What year Buick LaCrosse should I avoid?

Avoid the 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years. They rank worst-first among LaCrosse years, with 2011 posting the highest Complaint Index at 100 and 2012 logging the most total complaints at 206.

Which Buick LaCrosse years are the best?

The 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years are the best, with Complaint Indexes of 22, 11, and 0 respectively, and as few as 6 to 34 total complaints each.

What are the most common problems on early Buick LaCrosse years?

Across all LaCrosse years, Electrical System issues account for 28% of complaints and Engine issues account for 26%. In the 2010-2012 avoid years specifically, Engine and Electrical System problems are the top-reported areas.

Are there recalls on the 2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse?

Yes. NHTSA lists recalls for rear suspension toe link and adjuster fastener replacement covering 2010-2013 LaCrosse vehicles, plus a separate recall for power seat height adjuster bolts on 2011-2012 models. None are do-not-drive recalls.

Is the 2013 or 2014 Buick LaCrosse a safe bet?

Both are rated Caution rather than Avoid. The 2013 has a Complaint Index of 67 with 129 complaints, and the 2014 has an index of 56 with 63 complaints, both lower risk than 2010-2012 but not as clean as 2017-2019.

Buick LaCrosse Best and Worst Years (2010–2019)

Avoid the 2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse; 2011 has the worst Complaint Index (100) and the most recalls among the trio (4). The 2017-2019 model years score best, with complaint indexes as low as 0 and only 6-34 complaints each.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2011 Avoid 2012 Best 2017 Best 2018 Best 2019

Model years: 10; 2010–2019
NHTSA complaints: 899
Recall campaigns: 19
Crashes reported: 53
Fires reported: 20
Top problem area: Electrical System

LaCrosse Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Buick LaCrosse problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	78	188	6	9	2	Engine	—	—
2011	Avoid	100	169	15	1	4	Engine	20	5★
2012	Avoid	89	206	10	4	5	Electrical System	21	5★
2013	Caution	67	129	5	3	5	Electrical System	21	5★
2014	Caution	56	63	7	1	5	Electrical System	21	5★
2015	Good	33	44	5	0	3	Electrical System	21	5★
2016	Good	44	48	5	2	2	Steering	21	5★
2017	Best	22	34	0	0	2	Electrical System	24	5★
2018	Best	11	12	0	0	3	Electrical System	24	5★
2019	Best	0	6	0	0	2	Engine	24	5★

LaCrosse years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 Buick LaCrosse Index 100 · 169 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2011 LaCrosse has the highest Complaint Index of the LaCrosse lineup at 100, with 169 complaints and 4 recall campaigns. Engine complaints lead at 25%, with a median failure mileage of 60,000, followed by electrical system issues at 20%. Owners reported airbags deploying without warning and steering wheels disconnecting from the column while driving. NHTSA also recorded 15 crashes and 12 injuries tied to this model year, along with a structure and body recall for power seat height adjuster bolts.

2011 engine problems →2011 electrical system problems →2011 suspension, wheels & tires problems →

2012 Buick LaCrosse Index 89 · 206 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2012 LaCrosse ranks second-worst with a Complaint Index of 89 and 206 total complaints, the highest raw complaint count of the avoid years. Electrical system problems top the list at 31%, with a median failure mileage of 66,000, followed by engine issues at 30%. Owners reported accelerator pedals breaking off and sudden unintended acceleration incidents. This year shares the same three recall campaigns as 2010 and 2011, covering suspension toe links and power seat adjuster bolts.

2012 electrical system problems →2012 engine problems →2012 brakes problems →

2010 Buick LaCrosse Index 78 · 188 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2010 LaCrosse carries a Complaint Index of 78 and ranks third-worst of all years, with 188 total complaints. Engine problems dominate at 33% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 65,340. Electrical issues follow at 27%. NHTSA logged 9 fire reports and 6 crashes tied to this year, including reports of engines catching fire while parked. Two recall campaigns cover this year, both involving rear suspension toe link and adjuster fastener replacement.

2010 engine problems →2010 electrical system problems →2010 brakes problems →

Most common Buick LaCrosse problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System254 (28%)
Engine234 (26%)
Brakes134 (15%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires126 (14%)
Steering114 (13%)
Transmission & Powertrain95 (11%)
Other87 (10%)
Airbags59 (7%)
Structure & Body59 (7%)
Fuel System41 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Buick LaCrosse should I avoid?: Avoid the 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years. They rank worst-first among LaCrosse years, with 2011 posting the highest Complaint Index at 100 and 2012 logging the most total complaints at 206.
Which Buick LaCrosse years are the best?: The 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years are the best, with Complaint Indexes of 22, 11, and 0 respectively, and as few as 6 to 34 total complaints each.
What are the most common problems on early Buick LaCrosse years?: Across all LaCrosse years, Electrical System issues account for 28% of complaints and Engine issues account for 26%. In the 2010-2012 avoid years specifically, Engine and Electrical System problems are the top-reported areas.
Are there recalls on the 2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse?: Yes. NHTSA lists recalls for rear suspension toe link and adjuster fastener replacement covering 2010-2013 LaCrosse vehicles, plus a separate recall for power seat height adjuster bolts on 2011-2012 models. None are do-not-drive recalls.
Is the 2013 or 2014 Buick LaCrosse a safe bet?: Both are rated Caution rather than Avoid. The 2013 has a Complaint Index of 67 with 129 complaints, and the 2014 has an index of 56 with 63 complaints, both lower risk than 2010-2012 but not as clean as 2017-2019.