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Model-year record

2018 Buick LaCrosse
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2018 Buick LaCrosse

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

12

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

3

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

24

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (25% of 12 reports), followed by engine (25%).

Electrical System25% · 3 reports
Engine25% · 3 reports
Power Train17% · 2 reports
Vehicle Speed Control17% · 2 reports
Service Brakes8% · 1 report
Unknown Or Other8% · 1 report

Share of all 12 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11554335, ODI 11302016, ODI 11258360.

Individual complaint reports(12)

Showing the 12 most recent reports
Power TrainNov 2025 · ODI 11698766Details +

When I get to a stop sign, and a stop light, when trying to accelerate after a complete stop, the car would struggle to accelerate to go forward. Where the shifting gears would start blinking, and the warning lights (engine power reduced, engine light, and the traction safety collision light) would display itself making it misfire and impossible to even go forward while pressing the gas pedal. It put me and other drivers at a safety risk because it would roll backwards after taking my foot off the breaks to accelerate where it would almost hit drivers behind me at the stops as well as them almost mistakingly hitting me in the back when my break lights stop reflecting when trying to accelerate at stop lights with traffic. I have had it diagnosed with the recall codes N20231344O GM # 20V668000 NHTSA # 18V576000 18V358000 But the dealships are saying there aren't any recall for the vehicle. This issues is ongoing.

Reported
Nov 2025
Incident date
Nov 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11698766 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlSep 2025 · ODI 11688843Details +

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 message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the accelerator pedal position sensor needed to be replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,600.

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11688843 at NHTSA →
EngineNov 2024 · ODI 11623656Details +

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.

Reported
Nov 2024
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11623656 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJun 2024 · ODI 11593626Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over and checked underneath the vehicle. The contact discovered that the START/STOP accumulator endcap bolt had detached, causing transmission fluid to leak onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that in 2021, he detected an abnormal fuel odor coming through the air vents while driving. The brake pedal also stuck while depressed, and the rear brake pads needed to be replaced frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer in 2021 for the fuel odor, and an unknown fuel system part was replaced. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V668000 (Power Train), 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 161,188.

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Jun 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11593626 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2023 · ODI 11561626Details +

Thermostat failure at 56,000 miles.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11561626 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemNov 2023 · ODI 11554335Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the key fob failed to open the doors and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The failure had recurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the batteries in the key fob were replaced but the failure persisted. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11554335 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2023 · ODI 11523910Details +

I have brought my 2018 Buick Lacrosse to two different Buick dealerships who say that even though a special instruction letter was recognized and a recall was observed, because my check light went out and the codes on the car where cleared, they will not fix either recall. On three different occasions, the car slowed down to a crawl speed, the check engine light went on and the brakes applied themselves. Also across the dash was displayed 'service transmission'. I thought it was the accelerator pedal position sensor, but it may be a transmission problem. I've had it towed on three different occasions and had the battery replaced. Neither dealership will not fix the problem, however.

Reported
May 2023
Incident date
May 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11523910 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlJan 2022 · ODI 11448073Details +

When I tried to stop at the traffic light, the car suddenly accelerated and went forward. At that time, the car brake was engaged. On the same day; When I tried to go forward at the traffic light, the car suddenly accelerated. The dealer service center said, "We cannot find any issue with the transmission."

Reported
Jan 2022
Incident date
Jan 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11448073 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2020 · ODI 11302016Details +

2018 BUICK LACROSSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF SUDDENLY. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER UPDATED THE SOFTWARE , BUT COULD NOT GUARANTEE THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. *JS

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Jul 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11302016 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2019 · ODI 11258360Details +

I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM GM THAT MY VEHICLE WITH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH COULD CAUSE A A REDUCED POWER AND ACCELERATION CONDITION. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT A RECALL AND I SHOULD NOT SEEK A REPAIR UNTIL I HAVE EVIDENCE THAT MY VEHICLE HAS THIS PROBLEM. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK TO ME. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHEN I AM MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON AN INTERSTATE, IT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. APPARENTLY OWNERS ARE SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR SUCH AN OCCURRENCE IN ORDER TO GATHER EVIDENCE OF A NEED FOR A REPAIR. I WANT GM TO TELL ME IF MY VEHICLE HAS THIS DEFECT IN ADVANCE AND, IF SO, REPAIR IT BEFORE THE DISASTER OCCURS.

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11258360 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2018 · ODI 11160527Details +

IF STOPPED UPHILL AND THE AUTO STOP ACTIVATES, WHEN YOU RELEASE THE BRAKE THE CAR CAN ROLL BACK, AND THE WAY PEOPLE STOP ON TOP OF YOU THESE DAYS YOUR CAR CAN ROLL BACK INTO THEM AND YOU HAVE TO REPAIR THEIR CAR. PLUS IT ACTUALLY TAKES MORE GAS THAN MY V8 2016 GMC SIERRA THAT DOESN'T STOP WHEN TRAVELING FROM MY FUELING LOCATION TO MY HOME, PER THE CARS OWN COMPUTER SYSTEM

Reported
Dec 2018
Incident date
Jan 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11160527 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherOct 2018 · ODI 11139466Details +

I SENT THIS EMAIL TO THE SURVEY FOR RANDY MARION DEALERSHIP ON STATESVILLE RD HERE IN HUNTERSVILLE NC. AGAIN I DO NOT WANT THE VEHICLE BACK AS IT IS TOO MUCH RISK FOR ME, MY FAMILY AND MY WORK. IT PUT ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION FROM BEING STUCK IN THE STREET AND DEALING WITH AN ANGRY PASSENGER. WE MUST GET THIS RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY. I AM LOSING MONEY. I NEED A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. THE SALES PART WENT AS EXPECTED. A LOT OF SMILES AND VERY ENGAGED IN CONVERSATION. THE SALES GUY MIKE WAS VERY NICE. NO PRESSURE. THE PROBLEM IS AFTER THE CARE WAS SIGNED FOR. AFTER THE EXCITEMENT OF GETTING A BRAND NEW VEHICLE I REALIZED I PAID TOO MUCH AND DIDN'T UNDERSTAND ALL THE CHARGES THAT JACKED THE TOTAL UP SO FAR. HOWEVER THAT'S NOT MY ISSUE. MY ISSUE IS THE BRAND NEW CAR IS SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. IT GOES COMPLETELY DEAD. LEAVING ME STRANDED. IT HAPPENED THREE TIMES ON 10/5. THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE IS PPUTTING ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME, MY FAMILY AND MY CLIENTS. SO I'M NOW LOSING INCOME AND IT ALSO CAUSED ME TO HAVE A BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE WITH A CLIENT WHICH EFFECTS MY PROFESSIONAL REPUTATION. THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE IS MAJOR AND A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. YOUR SERVICE TEAM IS WORKING WITH GMC ENGINEERS TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER I DO NOT WANT THIS VEHICLE. YOUR SALES MANAGER STEVE SAYS THIS IS UP TO GMC TO DETERMINE IF A VEHICLE CAN BE EXCHANGED OR NOT. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE FOR ME. I WORK TOO HARD AND A LOT OF PEOPLE DEPEND ON ME.

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11139466 at NHTSA →

Recalls(3)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Fuel System · 18V358000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Service Brakes · 18V576000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Power Train · 20V668000Details +

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2018 Buick LaCrosse 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2018 Buick LaCrosse 4 DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
LaCrosse3.6L 6-cylFront-Wheel Drive213024

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2018 Buick LaCrosse: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse?

Owners filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Buick LaCrosse. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2018 Buick LaCrosse?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (25% of complaints) and engine (25%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Buick LaCrosse have?

3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2018 Buick LaCrosse, covering components such as fuel system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Buick LaCrosse get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Buick LaCrosse at 24 mpg combined.