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
1 recall · 210 complaints
13 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 239
2 recalls · 205 complaints
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 211
0 recalls · 162 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 176
Best Buick LaCrosse Years to Buy
1 recall · 5 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 8
1 recall · 7 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 10
2 recalls · 23 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 29
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 | 1 | 7 | — | — | 10 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 1 | 5 | — | — | 8 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 2 | 26 | — | — | 32 | Good |
| 2016 | 2 | 34 | 1 | — | 42 | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | 23 | — | — | 29 | Good |
| 2014 | 3 | 45 | 3 | — | 60 | Good |
| 2013 | 3 | 111 | 4 | 1 | 133 | Caution |
| 2012 | 3 | 145 | 7 | — | 168 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 3 | 135 | 8 | — | 160 | Avoid |
| 2010 | 1 | 138 | 2 | — | 145 | Caution |
| 2009 | 0 | 70 | — | — | 70 | Good |
| 2008 | 0 | 162 | 7 | — | 176 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 1 | 167 | — | — | 170 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 1 | 210 | 13 | — | 239 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 2 | 205 | — | — | 211 | 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: 2018Recent LaCrosse models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2018 stands out with just 8 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2015Mid-decade LaCrosse units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2015 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 1 recall, 210 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 239 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year LaCrosse to buy?+
The 2018 Buick LaCrosse is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 8. It has only 1 recall and 5 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which LaCrosse has the fewest problems?+
The 2018, 2019, 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.
Run a Free VIN Report →