Summary
The Buick LaCrosse has 21 recalls spanning the 2005–2018 model years, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2018 models where a missing bolt in the transmission can cause fluid to leak, potentially igniting on a hot surface, and a loss of drive power that raises the risk of a crash.
The 2017 model year has two notable issues. The rear suspension toe-links on some of these vehicles were installed in the wrong direction, and the bolt at the outboard end can work loose and fall out over time, leaving the rear suspension disconnected and causing the vehicle to handle unpredictably. Separately, the electric power steering connectors on 2017 vehicles may allow water in and corrode the connections, leading to a partial or complete loss of steering assist and requiring significantly more effort to steer.
The 2014 model year has three recalls. On some of these vehicles, the airbag control module contains a software defect that can prevent frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. There is also a front brake assembly that may have been fitted with a thinner rear rotor, which generates excess heat and wears brake pads far more quickly than intended. A wiring issue in the driver's door can cause the ignition key-in-door chime to stop working, removing a warning that can prevent rollaway.
The 2013 model year has a software issue in the automatic transmission control that can unexpectedly cut engine braking, reducing the driver's ability to slow the vehicle in certain conditions. The 2012–2013 eAssist models have a generator control module that can fail, gradually draining the battery, stalling the engine, and in some cases producing smoke or a fire starting in the trunk area.
On 2012 models, the electronic stability control system was incorrectly calibrated on some vehicles, which can cause it to activate unexpectedly, producing sudden deceleration and handling changes, particularly at higher speeds.
The 2010–2013 model years, particularly those registered in northern and mid-Atlantic states, share a rear toe-link corrosion concern: the protective coating on the links can chip away, the metal rusts, and a broken link can cause a sudden loss of directional control.
The 2011 model year has a software issue in the climate control module that can disable the windshield defrost system, reducing visibility in cold or wet conditions.
Going back to earlier production, the 2005–2009 model years have a headlight relay issue that can cause the headlamps to stop illuminating, reducing both the driver's forward visibility and the vehicle's visibility to oncoming traffic. The 2005 model year alone has a brake pushrod clip that can bend and separate during installation, disconnecting the brake pedal from the brake booster and leaving the driver with no braking ability.
