This page covers 4 recalls, 12 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse.
23–24 mpg combined
9.8–10.2 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2018 Buick LaCrosse center on the electrical system and engine. On the electrical side, owners most frequently describe the key fob failing to unlock doors or start the vehicle, with the problem recurring even after replacing the fob battery. Several owners also report the car suddenly losing power while driving or refusing to accelerate from a stop, with the instrument cluster displaying "Engine Power Reduced," a check engine warning, and traction control lights simultaneously. Engine complaints include thermostat failure causing the cooling fans to run continuously and the engine temperature to read abnormally low. One report describes an accumulator end-cap bolt detaching and transmission fluid leaking, which the owner connected to a hesitation under acceleration, though that account appears isolated. The "Engine Power Reduced" message paired with multiple warning lights during acceleration loss is the most consistently repeated symptom across these complaints.
12
Total Complaints
By System
The 2018 Buick LaCrosse has 4 recalls, the most serious involving two separate fire and stall risks tied to fuel and transmission systems that can leak fluid onto hot surfaces or cut power to the wheels entirely.
The fuel system concern involves a high-pressure fuel pump that can detach from its mounting flange, damaging the fuel line and creating a fuel leak with a risk of fire. The transmission issues stem from a start-stop accumulator that may have missing bolts on its endcap, allowing transmission fluid to leak out. That fluid can reach hot surfaces and ignite, and if enough fluid escapes, the transmission can stop delivering power to the wheels, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, which is why more than one filing exists for what is essentially the same underlying problem.
On the braking side, the rear brake calipers may have pistons with an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form inside the piston bores. This can reduce how much clamping force the rear brakes generate, meaning longer stopping distances than the driver would expect when pressing the pedal.
At a glance
What can fail
The start-stop accumulator in the transmission may be missing bolts, allowing transmission fluid to leak and eventually causing transmission failure and loss of power to the wheels.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Your dealer will inspect the transmission start-stop accumulator and replace it if bolts are found missing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The endcap on the start-stop transmission accumulator may be missing bolts, which could affect transmission operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the accumulator endcap and replace it if bolts are missing, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake caliper pistons may have inadequate coating, allowing gas pockets to form and reducing rear brake performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the brake system to remove gas pockets and restore brake performance at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pump can separate from its mounting flange, potentially damaging the high pressure fuel line.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and fuel pipe at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
