Buick LaCrosse Best and Worst Years (2005–2019)
Buick LaCrosse years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2011, based on NHTSA complaint indexes of 100, 86, 93, and 79. The best years are 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019, with complaint indexes between 0 and 21. Electrical System problems dominate the worst years, especially 2006 and 2008.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2006Avoid 2008Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Best 2015Best 2017Best 2018Best 2019
- Model years
- 15
- 2005–2019
- NHTSA complaints
- 2,120
- Recall campaigns
- 24
- Crashes reported
- 99
- Fires reported
- 61
- 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.
Buick LaCrosse problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Caution | 57 | 315 | 7 | 6 | 4 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2006 | Avoid | 100 | 299 | 16 | 7 | 3 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2007 | Caution | 64 | 250 | 8 | 18 | 3 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2008 | Avoid | 86 | 250 | 12 | 6 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2009 | Caution | 50 | 106 | 3 | 4 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2010 | Avoid | 93 | 189 | 6 | 9 | 2 | Engine | — | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 79 | 169 | 15 | 1 | 4 | Engine | 20 | 5★ |
| 2012 | Caution | 71 | 206 | 10 | 4 | 5 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Good | 43 | 129 | 5 | 3 | 5 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Good | 36 | 63 | 7 | 1 | 5 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Best | 21 | 44 | 5 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Good | 29 | 48 | 5 | 2 | 2 | Steering | 21 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Best | 14 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 24 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Best | 7 | 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
2006 Buick LaCrosse Index 100 · 299 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2006 LaCrosse has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, ranking worst overall. Electrical System complaints make up 70% of reports for this year, with a median failure mileage of 89,000 miles. Owners also reported airbag non-deployment and steering intermediate shaft failures leading to loss of control. NHTSA lists three recall campaigns tied to this model year, including one covering the headlamp dimmer module and one addressing key fob and ignition issues.
2006 electrical system problems →2006 airbags problems →2006 steering problems →
2010 Buick LaCrosse Index 93 · 189 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2010 LaCrosse has a complaint index of 93, the second-worst year. Engine complaints lead at 33% with a median failure mileage of 65,340 miles, followed by Electrical System at 26% and Brakes at 20%. Owners reported engine fires while parked, airbags that failed to deploy, and brake and steering trouble. Two recall campaigns cover rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners on this model year.
2010 engine problems →2010 electrical system problems →2010 brakes problems →
2008 Buick LaCrosse Index 86 · 250 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2008 LaCrosse carries a complaint index of 86, the third-worst of any year. Electrical System issues account for 54% of complaints, with airbags close behind at 31%, and a median failure mileage of 58,000 miles for electrical problems. Owners described sudden brake unresponsiveness, engine relay boxes melting under the hood, and airbags failing to deploy in crashes. Two recall campaigns apply to this model year, covering the headlamp dimmer module and key ring/ignition components.
2008 electrical system problems →2008 airbags problems →2008 engine problems →
2011 Buick LaCrosse Index 79 · 169 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2011 LaCrosse posts a complaint index of 79. Engine complaints top the list at 25% with a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles, followed by Electrical System at 20% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 17%. Owners described airbags deploying without warning during low-speed crashes, sudden unexpected acceleration during low-speed turns, and steering wheel locking mechanism failures. Three recall campaigns apply, including rear suspension toe links and a power seat height adjuster bolt recall.
2011 engine problems →2011 electrical system problems →2011 suspension, wheels & tires problems →
Most common Buick LaCrosse problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Electrical System995 (47%)
- Engine329 (16%)
- Airbags253 (12%)
- Steering228 (11%)
- Brakes211 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires182 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain139 (7%)
- Structure & Body129 (6%)
- Other126 (6%)
- Fuel System61 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Buick LaCrosse should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2011 Buick LaCrosse. These years have complaint indexes of 100, 86, 93, and 79, the highest among all 15 model years covered.
- What is the best year for the Buick LaCrosse?
- The 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 LaCrosse are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 21, 14, 7, and 0 respectively, the lowest of any model years.
- What is the most common problem with the Buick LaCrosse?
- Electrical System complaints are the largest category across all years, accounting for 995 of 2,120 total complaints, or 47%. Engine problems are second at 16%.
- Does the 2011 Buick LaCrosse have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for the 2011 LaCrosse, including ones covering rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners and power seat height adjuster shoulder bolts.
- Is the 2013 or 2014 Buick LaCrosse a safe choice?
- Both are rated Good, with complaint indexes of 43 and 36, well below the worst years like 2006 at 100.