The most-reported LaCrosse run is 2G4WD582381 (2008 builds) with 17 complaints, 5.5× the typical run. Electrical system problems make up 27% of reports; 2008 is the worst model year at 5.9 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 25 recall campaigns for LaCrosse model years 2005–2019.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Buick LaCrosse has 618 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 4% of every LaCrosse complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G4WD582381•••••• | 2008 | — | — | |
| 2G4WC582171•••••• | 2007 | 1 | — | |
| 2G4WD582X81•••••• | 2008 | — | — | |
| 2G4WD582481•••••• | 2008 | 2 | — | |
| 2G4WD532451•••••• | 2005 | — | — | |
| 2G4WD582981•••••• | 2008 | — | — | |
| 2G4WD582181•••••• | 2008 | 2 | — | |
| 2G4WD582061•••••• | 2006 | 1 | — | |
| 2G4WC582161•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| 1G4GC5EG8AF•••••• | 2010 | — | 1 | |
| 2G4WD582X61•••••• | 2006 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2G4WD582271•••••• | 2007 | — | 1 |
Each of the other 606 LaCrosse runs has 12 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 118 LaCrosse VINs so far, most often 2014, 2015, 2017 builds; 4 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Buick LaCrosse the gap between build years is 5.9×: a 2008 car draws 5.9 complaints per run, a 2018 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | 6 | — | |
| 2018 | 12 | 12 | — | |
| 2017 | 31 | 19 | — | |
| 2016 | 43 | 25 | 4 | |
| 2015 | 39 | 20 | 4 | |
| 2014 | 61 | 37 | 7 | |
| 2013 | 126 | 58 | 4 | |
| 2012 | 187 | 101 | 8 | |
| 2011 | 154 | 60 | 13 | |
| 2010 | 172 | 65 | 6 | |
| 2009 | 101 | 25 | 3 | |
| 2008 | 217 | 37 | 10 | |
| 2007 | 224 | 55 | 7 | |
| 2006 | 278 | 47 | 11 | |
| 2005 | 277 | 65 | 6 |
Heaviest year here is 2008 at 5.9 complaints per run; lightest is 2018 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 27% of everything Buick LaCrosse owners report: Electrical System, 543 of 1,928 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 9 | 40 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | 20 | |
| Air Bags | 37 | — | |
| Steering | 17 | — | |
| Engine | 4 | 9 | |
| Suspension | 7 | — | |
| Service Brakes | 12 | 1 | |
| Power Train | 4 | 1 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 25 recall campaigns on the Buick LaCrosse; the 6 below cover build years 2005 to 2016. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 14V355000 | Electrical System:ignition | 2005–2009 |
| 15V519000 | Exterior Lighting:headlights | 2005–2009 |
| 20V764000 | Suspension:rear | 2010–2013 |
| 21V00F000 | Suspension:rear | 2010–2013 |
| 16V651000 | Air Bags:frontal | 2014–2016 |
| 17V437000 | Air Bags:frontal | 2014–2016 |
14V355000 was opened in 2014 on cars built from 2005: 9 years on the road before the recall.
The LaCrosse against its rivals
The LaCrosse draws 3.1 complaints per production run; the Cadillac CTS 2.9, the Ford Fusion 11.9 and the Kia Optima 8.2.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick LaCrosse | 1,928 | 618 | 4.3% | |
| Cadillac CTS | 1,912 | 650 | 8.2% | |
| Ford Fusion | 20,718 | 1,734 | 3.5% | |
| Kia Optima | 7,004 | 853 | 4% |
How serious were they
Of the 1,928 reports on the Buick LaCrosse, 4.3% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Buick LaCrosse | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 1,928 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 83 (4.3%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 56 (2.9%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 61 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Buick LaCrosse share of that is 1,928 complaints over 618 runs, 0.17% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Buick LaCrosse VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 1,928 NHTSA complaints from 618 LaCrosse runs and 25 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which LaCrosse production run has the most complaints?
2G4WD582381, a 2008 build, with 17 complaints. The typical LaCrosse run has 3.1.
Which LaCrosse years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2008 is heaviest at 5.9 complaints per run and 2018 lightest at 1.
Does the LaCrosse get more complaints than the Cadillac CTS?
Yes: 3.1 complaints per production run for the LaCrosse against 2.9 for the Cadillac CTS.
How many LaCrosse complaints involve a crash?
4.3% of 1,928 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 56 involved a fire.
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