Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 17% | 27,000 miles |
| 2017 | 4 | 11% | 17,000 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 13% | 40,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 5% | 15,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 5% | 46,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% | 116,000 miles |
| 2012 | 12 | 6% | 9,000 miles |
| 2011 | 9 | 5% | 75,000 miles |
| 2010 | 17 | 9% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% | 70,000 miles |
| 2008 | 10 | 4% | 54,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% | 23,000 miles |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% | 26,000 miles |
| 2005 | 11 | 3% | 7,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My 2017 Buick LaCrosse Premium AWD experienced a sudden, dangerous mechanical failure of the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor system while operating the vehicle under normal road conditions. The vehicle suffered an immediate loss of engine continuity and engine power, forcing the car into a hazardous low-speed limp mode while in active traffic. A certified repair facility inspected the vehicle, confirmed a complete failure of the internal pedal sensor circuit, and replaced the unit to restore safe operating throttle control. This specific electronic and mechanical defect represents a widespread manufacturing vulnerability that General Motors has officially acknowledged under Special Coverage Adjustment N182188250. …
Vehicle loses power every gmc vehicle I have owned (3) seen to have this issue throttle pedal position sensor while driving on the interstate vehicle speed drops to reduce engine power which is very scary and dangerous
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. While the vehicle was in reverse, the contact attempted to shift into drive, but the vehicle failed to move forward. In addition, while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle failed to move forward. All the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel, including the check engine wrench, traction control, and stabilitrak. In addition, the speedometer and temperature indicators would go to zero. Also, when driving 50 MPH, the rpms would go up and down. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to texan GMC Buick (18225 eastex fwy, humble, tx 77338, [phone]) six times where it was diagnosed that multiple failure codes were found and there was a loss of communication. The dealer performed a calibration and cleared all the codes. The vehicle was test driven and all the gauges were at zero. …
From standing stop or while in motion at highway speeds, stomp the accelerator to command immediate acceleration: accelerator sometimes sticks in wide open throttle resulting in unintended sustained acceleration. First counter-measure tried - slap the gear selector handle to neutral position; however, engine remains in wot condition. Second counter-measure - push the engine off switch and coast to a stop. Third counter-measure - stop the accelerator pedal again until it comes un-stuck. In light of the effectiveness of counter-measure #3, I believe the fault is in the linkage from the accelerator pedal to the throttle control - probably in the accelerator pedal linkage itself.
I was driving and my car stopped then I started it back up then hesitated to go. I parked the car then tried to reverse an it kept jumping and won't accelerate. I could have got into a major accident on the freeway. The code is giving a Transmission Control Module
I was stopped at a red light when my vehicle accelerated forward and I was almost hit by several cars across the intersection. I stepped harder on the brake and managed to stop my vehicle although the engine was revving very high. I managed to find an opening in traffic and pulled over. I turned the car off and restarted it. The RPM's were even higher now(over 5000). I immediately turned it back off and called the dealership. I was told it was unsafe to drive and to have it towed to the dealership. I had it towed and was just informed by the service manager at the dealership that there is no recall for this issue ( which is an accelerator sensor). I think this could have been very serious. I am even more outraged because of the fact that my daughter was in the car with me. …
during a regular drive the check stabiltrack system message popped up on the dash in the middle circle and then the little car with the squiggly lines behind it popped up and the check engine light came on and started blinking. Immediately I noticed lack of steering control, the car's speed was accelerating and decelerating on its own, jerking and stalling also was observed. As of now the car sits in my driveway because I don't trust the safety of it. I literally feared my life was in danger driving it because of the lack of handling and the acceleration shifts that were so random. So I returned home, as I pulled into the yard the vehicle jerked hard while I was attempting turn into the driveway causing me to hit my mailbox and damaged the side fender and front bumper. no one was injured but the car was damaged as stated before and I'm scared to drive it anywhere. …
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle decelerated inadvertently almost to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and another dealer Wilkins Buick-GMC (6913 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD 21061) but there were no codes on the code reader. The dealers were unable to duplicate the failure after test driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at Buick-GMC (6913 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD 21061). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 54,456.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Lacrosse years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (17), 2012 (12), 2005 (11), 2008 (10) and 2009 (9) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Buick Lacrosse acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Buick Lacrosse model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Lacrosse acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles; 55% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (4 mentions), followed by the cruise control (3).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.