The Lemon Index
201720193rd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 15,527 in the U.S. in 2018 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 4 complaints in its first 3 years.
4 owner complaints, first 3 years 23–29 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2018 Toyota Avalon 592018 Chevrolet Impala 532018 Nissan Maxima 43
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 20V668000 (transmission & drivetrain), 18V576000 (brakes) and 18V358000 (fuel system, gasoline) 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 oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Buick sent dealers 992 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This Preliminary information communicates that a customer may bring a vehicle in with a complaint”?
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 4 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 →
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 992 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates that a customer may bring a vehicle in with a complaint
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2020
The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Brakes · recall issued 2018
The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2018
The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
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 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Buick LaCrosse Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,050–$2,600 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every Buick LaCrosse year. 2018 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 2018 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-lacrosse/?y=2018" 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/2018/">Lemon Index</a> (2018 Buick LaCrosse reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2018 Buick LaCrosse reliable?
We can't score it: only 15,527 were sold in the U.S. in 2018 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2018 Buick LaCrosse problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (50%) and engine (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Buick LaCrosse have?
3 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Buick LaCrosse get?
23 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Buick LaCrosse have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Buick LaCrosse cost in fuel a year?
About $2,050 to $2,600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Buick LaCrosse have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Buick LaCrosse year is better than the 2018?
Nearby, the 2017 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car). 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