YearToAvoid

2017 Buick LaCrosse Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

22/100

#8 most-complained of 10 LaCrosse years

The 2017 Buick LaCrosse ranks 8th out of 10 model years, with a complaint index of 22 and 34 complaints, making it one of the better years. It carries 2 recalls, for a rear suspension toe-link issue and Electronic Power Steering connector corrosion.

Complaints
34
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
24
20.5 city / 30 hwy

Top 2017 Buick LaCrosse problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System11 (32%)
  2. Engine8 (24%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain8 (24%)
  4. Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (12%)
  5. Airbags2 (6%)
  6. Brakes2 (6%)
  7. Structure & Body2 (6%)
  8. Fuel System1 (3%)
  9. Other1 (3%)
  10. Seat Belts1 (3%)

What owners report

  • Engine warning lights and overheating alerts appear shortly after purchase, sometimes forcing the vehicle to stop on the highway.
  • The engine idles then revs on its own while the vehicle sits stationary with the brake pedal depressed.
  • Windows roll down by themselves even when the driver and key fob are away from the car.
  • The automatic transmission shifts rapidly between gears during acceleration between 20 and 40 mph, then smooths out once the driver lifts off the accelerator.
  • Cruise control resets itself to a much higher speed than set, causing the engine to rev and the car to accelerate unexpectedly.
  • The auto stop-start system leaves the vehicle shut down at stops, requiring a restart and resetting radio and clock settings.
2017 Buick LaCrosse complaints: complaints filed per month3Nov 2016Aug 2018Apr 2019Feb 2020Aug 2021Dec 2023Jun 2024
42 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2016 to May 2026; peak Nov 2016 (3).

2017 Buick LaCrosse recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 17V267000Apr 21, 2017Suspension, Wheels & Tires11,246 vehicles

    Suspension:rear

    General Motors LLC (C) is recalling certain 2017 Buick LaCrosse vehicles. The rear suspension toe-links may have been incorrectly installed, and, as a result, they may loosen and disconnect from the rear suspension system.

    Risk: If a rear-suspension toe-link disconnects, it may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right rear suspension toe-link assemblies, correcting their installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 25, 2017. Owners may contact Buick's customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 17168.

  2. NHTSA 17V116000Feb 23, 2017Steering2,085 vehicles

    Steering:electric power assist system

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Buick LaCrosse vehicles. The electrical connectors for the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system may not be properly sealed. As a result, water may enter and corrode the connectors possibly resulting in a loss of power steering.

    Risk: A loss of power steering may result in increased manual steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect correct the seal seating and secure the EPS connector seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 17085.

2017 Buick LaCrosse fuel economy and fuel cost

City
20.5 MPG
Highway
30 MPG
Combined
24 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,700
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2017 compared with other LaCrosse years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015Good3344321
2016Good4448221
2017Best2234224
2018Best1112324
2019Best06224

All Buick LaCrosse years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Buick LaCrosse reliable based on NHTSA data?
Yes, relative to other LaCrosse years. It has a complaint index of 22, ranks 8th of 10 model years, and carries a 'Best' verdict compared to earlier years like 2011 and 2012, which had complaint indexes of 100 and 89.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2017 Buick LaCrosse?
Electrical System issues make up 32% of complaints, followed by Engine problems at 24% and Transmission & Powertrain issues also at 24%. Electrical failures showed a median mileage at failure of 10,000 miles.
Does the 2017 Buick LaCrosse have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for rear suspension toe-links that may loosen and disconnect, and one for Electronic Power Steering connectors that may corrode from water intrusion. Neither is classified as a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2017 LaCrosse compare to other years for fuel economy?
The 2017 LaCrosse gets an EPA combined rating of 24 mpg, with 20.5 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, and an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.
What year Buick LaCrosse should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA complaint index scores, 2010 through 2012 are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 78, 100, and 89. The 2017 model, by contrast, carries a 'Best' verdict with an index of 22.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.