The Lemon Index
2016
20183rd generation
Better than average · most complaints: electrical
17 owner complaints, first 3 years 23–25 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2017 Toyota Avalon 302017 Chevrolet Impala 772017 Nissan Maxima 56
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 11 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 17V267000 (suspension) and 17V116000 (steering) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 17 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 20K miles (2K to 33K km) on the car (11 of all 17 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- Suspension · recall issued 2017
The rear suspension toe-links may have been incorrectly installed, and, as a result, they may loosen and disconnect from the rear suspension system.
- Steering · recall issued 2017
The electrical connectors for the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system may not be properly sealed.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick LaCrosse 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Buick LaCrosse 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,400–$2,600 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every Buick LaCrosse year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2017 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-lacrosse/?y=2017" title="Buick LaCrosse reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="491" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-lacrosse/2017/">Lemon Index</a> (2017 Buick LaCrosse reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2017 Buick LaCrosse reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 71; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick LaCrosse year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2015.
What are the most common 2017 Buick LaCrosse problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (35%), transmission & drivetrain (35%) and engine (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Buick LaCrosse have?
2 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Buick LaCrosse get?
23 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Buick LaCrosse safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2017 Buick LaCrosse have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 35% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Buick LaCrosse cost in fuel a year?
About $2,400 to $2,600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Buick LaCrosse have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
Is there a better Buick LaCrosse year than the 2017?
Not nearby: the 2017 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Buick LaCrosse years within 3 model years of it. Across every year, 2015 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works