Buick LaCrosse Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Buick LaCrosse model year (2005–2019) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Buick LaCrosse Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 299 complaints
16 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 343
2 recalls · 250 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 268
0 recalls · 249 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 253
Best Buick LaCrosse Years to Buy
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
Found the right year? Verify that specific LaCrosse with a free VIN report.
Buick LaCrosse — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 5 | 11 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 3 | 0 | 9 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 5 | 0 | 15 | Excellent |
| 2012 | 5 | 197 | 222 | Caution |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2008 | 2 | 250 | 268 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 0 | 249 | 253 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 4 | 299 | 343 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 5 | 0 | 15 | Excellent |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Buick LaCrosse Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2018Recent LaCrosse models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2018 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade LaCrosse units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder LaCrosse models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year LaCrosse should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2006 Buick LaCrosse if possible. It has 4 recalls, 299 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. The overall problem score is 343 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year LaCrosse to buy?+
The 2009 Buick LaCrosse is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 0. It has only 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which LaCrosse has the fewest problems?+
The 2009, 2011, 2014 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Buick LaCrosse Research
Check a Specific Buick LaCrosse VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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