Buick LaCrosse Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Buick LaCrosse model year (2005–2019) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Buick LaCrosse Years to Avoid
2 recalls · 210 complaints
13 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 242
3 recalls · 205 complaints
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 214
1 recall · 162 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 179
Best Buick LaCrosse Years to Buy
0 recalls · 7 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 7
1 recall · 5 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 8
1 recall · 23 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 26
Found the right year? Verify that specific LaCrosse with a free VIN report.
Buick LaCrosse — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 7 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 1 | 5 | — | — | 8 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 26 | — | — | 26 | Good |
| 2016 | 1 | 33 | 1 | — | 38 | Good |
| 2015 | 1 | 23 | — | — | 26 | Good |
| 2014 | 0 | 45 | 3 | — | 51 | Good |
| 2013 | 2 | 108 | 4 | 1 | 127 | Caution |
| 2012 | 1 | 145 | 7 | — | 162 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 1 | 135 | 8 | — | 154 | Caution |
| 2010 | 0 | 138 | 2 | — | 142 | Caution |
| 2009 | 1 | 70 | — | — | 73 | Good |
| 2008 | 1 | 162 | 7 | — | 179 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 2 | 166 | — | — | 172 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 2 | 210 | 13 | — | 242 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 3 | 205 | — | — | 214 | Avoid |
All 15 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Buick LaCrosse Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2019Recent LaCrosse models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2019 stands out with just 7 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade LaCrosse units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year LaCrosse should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2006 Buick LaCrosse if possible. It has 2 recalls, 210 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 242 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year LaCrosse to buy?+
The 2019 Buick LaCrosse is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 7. It has only 0 recalls and 7 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which LaCrosse has the fewest problems?+
The 2019, 2018, 2015 model years have the fewest documented problems. 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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