Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 43% | 56,000 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 33% | 27,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 14% | 13,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 8% | 106,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% | 76,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 6% | 49,000 miles |
| 2013 | 31 | 24% | 66,000 miles |
| 2012 | 51 | 25% | 53,000 miles |
| 2011 | 35 | 21% | 60,000 miles |
| 2010 | 51 | 27% | 64,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% | 93,000 miles |
| 2008 | 17 | 7% | 61,000 miles |
| 2007 | 16 | 6% | 82,000 miles |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% | 88,000 miles |
| 2005 | 17 | 5% | 42,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that the engine fan failed to shut off after turning off the vehicle. The failure occurred while the vehicle was idling in a drive-thru with the temperature gauge reading that the engine was in the cold position. The driver then drove at speeds between 60 - 70 MPH; after arriving at the residence, the engine fan failed to turn off. The contact disconnected the battery, and all the system functions were reset, and the fan shut off. The failure had become more persistent over time. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer due to the fault codes being erased after disconnecting the battery. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
When accelerating to get on to highway pushing on pedal but nothing happens, have to get pushing up and down until it goes. Has done this four time's and dealer says Buick has no fix for it. Have almost got rear ended twice.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated the hand controls were not working properly. While driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The engine power reduced message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. After several attempts, the codes were reset, and the vehicle worked as designed. The contact linked the failure to the Special Coverage Campaign: N182188250. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who disconnected the hand controls and informed the contact that the controls were operating as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the accelerator pedal position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 15 MPH. …
The 3.6 liter engine in my 2018 Buick Lacrosse Avenir only has 53,939 when we experienced a thermostat failure. The engine temperature was dead cold, and the dual electric fans were running non-stop. When I scanned the trouble code, I found PO128 which points to a faulty thermostat. Because the thermostat is buried under the intake manifold, we had the local Buick dealership replace it at a cost of over $800.00. I don't feel that a car with so few miles should be experiencing a thermostat failure. But this seems to be a common problem with the GM 3.6 liter motor according to a number of Buick forums that I read after the problem occurred.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that after his wife had parked and turning off the vehicle, moments later the vehicle was restarted and the check engine and TCM warning lights remained illuminated. Additionally, the transmission shifter failed to shift out of park. The vehicle towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power on several occasions. The vehicle restarted after a while. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty power inverter module. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,500.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure was diagnosed as a glitch, and the Power steering control module (PSCM) software update was performed; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the electric power steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
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. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Lacrosse years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (51), 2012 (51), 2011 (35), 2013 (31) and 2005 (17) model years. Engine complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Buick Lacrosse engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (7 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (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.