WORST Buick Lacrosse Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

When you’re looking to buy a Buick LaCrosse, it’s crucial to know which model years might cause you more trouble than enjoyment. Avoid the first-generation models from 2005 to 2009 because they are known for electrical issues and rear suspension problems.

The second-generation models, especially from 2010 and 2011, aren’t much better, often needing transmission repairs and having electrical faults.

What about the newer models? Knowing these issues can help you avoid expensive repairs and ensure a smoother experience.

Want to know which years are the most reliable? Let’s find out more.

Key Takeaways

• Steer clear of the 2005-2009 models because they have electrical problems and issues with the rear suspension.
• The 2009 model is especially problematic, often needing transmission repairs.
• The 2010 and 2011 models also have major transmission issues and should be skipped.
• The second-generation models from 2010 to 2016 are costly to maintain due to frequent transmission and electrical problems.
• The third-generation models from 2017 to 2019 are more reliable and have fewer issues.

First-Generation Issues

Why should you be careful about buying a first-generation Buick LaCrosse?

The models from 2005 to 2009 have a lot of problems, with a PainRank of 7.55 based on 169 complaints. Owners often mention big issues, like ongoing electrical problems and issues with the rear suspension coming loose.

The 2009 model is especially bad, with low reliability and more frequent transmission repairs.

Because of these issues, buying a first-generation Buick LaCrosse could mean dealing with a lot of expensive repairs.

Second-Generation Problems

The second-generation Buick LaCrosse (2010-2016) has some common problems, including transmission repairs, electrical issues, and higher ownership costs.

There have been 147 complaints about these models, showing a trend of reliability concerns.

The 2010 model is particularly known for its average reliability and increased expenses.

Transmission Repair Issues

Second-generation Buick LaCrosse models, especially from 2010 and 2011, are well-known for having transmission problems that can be expensive to fix and pose serious safety risks. Owners often complain about rough shifting, hesitation when accelerating, and even complete transmission failure. These issues can lead to costly repairs and significant safety concerns.

Here are some common complaints:

1. Rough shifting: The car shifts gears in a jerky way, making the ride less smooth.
2. Hesitation: The car takes a moment to respond when you press the gas, which can be dangerous.
3. Complete transmission failure: The transmission stops working entirely, which can leave you stranded and require an expensive fix.
4. Frequent repairs: The car often needs to be taken to the mechanic, leading to continuous and costly repairs.

Because of these problems, it’s a good idea to avoid 2010 and 2011 Buick LaCrosse models.

Electrical Faults Prevalence

Besides transmission problems, second-generation Buick LaCrosse models often have electrical issues that can disrupt your daily driving. Common problems include faulty door lock actuators and disconnected rear suspension sensors. These can make your car less reliable and safe. With a PainRank of 11.13, these electrical issues are more common than in many other cars. Fixing them usually requires professional help, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Here’s a breakdown of the common problems:

Expensive Ownership Costs

If you’re thinking about getting a second-generation Buick LaCrosse, be prepared for some high ownership costs. These cars often need expensive repairs, especially with the transmission.

Common issues include:

1. Transmission problems – These happen a lot and are costly to fix.
2. Electrical issues – These can be persistent and also pricey to repair.
3. Steering noise – This can signal bigger, more expensive problems.
4. Gas cap leaks – They might seem minor but can lead to serious and costly repairs.

Picking a newer or older model might save you money and give you fewer headaches in the long run.

Third-Generation Concerns

The third-generation Buick LaCrosse (2017-2019) is known for its reliable performance and very few issues, making it a better option than older models. Our car experts recommend these years, not because of any major problems, but because they have fewer concerns compared to earlier versions. With a low PainRank of just 1.54, these models are dependable. If you’re considering a Buick LaCrosse, the 2017-2019 models are a smarter choice than the more problematic years.

Choosing the third-generation LaCrosse means you can relax and enjoy a reliable car.

Sudden Low Beam Headlight Failure

If you have a first-generation Buick LaCrosse or Rainier, you might experience sudden low beam headlight failure. This is often because of a bad headlamp driver module.

When this happens, your headlights can turn off without warning, which can be very dangerous.

To fix this problem, you’ll need to replace the faulty module to make sure your headlights work properly.

Affected Vehicle Models

Owners of first-generation Buick LaCrosse and Rainier models often face sudden low beam headlight failures because of a faulty headlamp driver module. This can make your headlights turn off without warning, creating a big safety risk. Even if other lights work fine, losing your low beams can seriously affect your visibility.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Unexpected headlight shutdowns: Imagine driving at night and suddenly your low beams go out.
2. Safety hazards: This problem can make accidents more likely.
3. Frequent replacements: Fixing this usually means you have to replace the faulty headlamp driver module.
4. Common complaints: Many owners of these models have reported the same issue, showing it’s a widespread problem.

If you own a Buick LaCrosse or Rainier, it’s important to be aware of these risks.

Headlamp Driver Module

When driving a Buick LaCrosse or Rainier, you might notice that your low beam headlights suddenly stop working because of a bad headlamp driver module. This problem mainly affects the 1st generation LaCrosse and Rainier models.

Even though your headlights may seem fine, the faulty module can make them turn off without warning, which is very dangerous. This is a common issue in these Buick models, so it’s important to fix the headlamp driver module.

The sudden loss of low beam headlights isn’t just annoying; it seriously affects your safety when driving at night. Knowing about this defect and fixing it’s key to keeping your Buick LaCrosse or Rainier reliable.

Repair and Replacement

To fix the sudden dim headlight issue in your Buick LaCrosse, it’s important to replace the bad headlamp driver module. This is a common problem, especially in older models, that can make your headlights turn off without warning. Fixing this not only keeps you safe but also makes your car more reliable.

Here’s what to do:

1. Check the Problem: Make sure the headlight issue is because of the headlamp driver module.
2. Buy a New Module: Get a good-quality, compatible headlamp driver module for your Buick LaCrosse.
3. Get Professional Help: Have a skilled technician replace the bad module to avoid more electrical problems.
4. Regular Checks: Regularly check your headlights to ensure they work well.

Fixing this issue quickly will lower future risks and make your driving experience better.

Takata Airbag Recalls

Did you know that some Buick LaCrosse models are part of the big Takata airbag recalls because of faulty inflators?

These recalls affect Buick LaCrosse cars and raise serious safety worries.

Takata airbag inflators, found in over 34 million vehicles from different brands, can explode and send out shrapnel, which is very dangerous.

If you own a Buick LaCrosse, you should quickly check for any open Takata airbag recalls to stay safe.

Fixing these defective airbag inflators is crucial to make sure your car is safe to drive.

Common Owner Complaints

Owners of certain Buick LaCrosse models often report problems like the check engine light coming on, strange noises from the steering, and gas cap leaks. These common issues can really affect your driving experience. You might also face:

Broken door locks: Annoying, especially in bad weather.

Electrical problems: These can make your car act unpredictably.

Loose rear suspension: This is a safety concern and can make the car unstable.

Fuel smells: Unpleasant and possibly dangerous.

Steering problems and other mechanical issues are also often mentioned by LaCrosse owners. The check engine light can be especially worrisome, as it often signals more expensive repairs. Keep these issues in mind when considering a Buick LaCrosse to make sure you’re making a well-informed decision.

Reliability Scores by Year

When looking at the Buick Lacrosse, it’s important to check out the reliability scores for each year.

Knowing how reliable the engine is, looking at maintenance costs, and seeing the safety ratings over time will help you decide which years to avoid.

Engine Reliability Trends

Checking out the engine reliability of Buick LaCrosse models over the years shows that the newer ones, like the 2016-2017 versions, are much better. These newer models have higher engine reliability and owners are happier with them compared to the older ones.

For instance, the 2015 Buick LaCrosse scores well for reliability and is cheaper to maintain, while the 2014 model has very few mechanical issues.

On the other hand, older models like the 2009 Buick LaCrosse don’t fare as well. They’ve lower reliability ratings and are more likely to need transmission repairs.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. 2016-2017: Very reliable, few issues.
2. 2015: Very reliable, low maintenance costs.
3. 2014: High owner satisfaction, few problems.
4. 2009: Less reliable, frequent transmission repairs.

Keep these points in mind when choosing a model.

Maintenance Cost Analysis

Looking at the maintenance costs for Buick LaCrosse models, you can see big differences in how reliable and expensive they’re to keep running, depending on the year.

The 2009 models have lower reliability, which means they cost more to own and have more mechanical problems.

The 2005-2006 models also have low reliability and expensive fixes, making them less budget-friendly.

Even the 2010 LaCrosse, which has average reliability, still tends to be costly to own.

The 2007-2008 models have average reliability but also come with a chance of mechanical issues, which could lead to more expenses.

On the other hand, newer Buick LaCrosse models are generally more reliable and less likely to need costly repairs.

Safety Ratings Over Time

When looking at the safety and reliability of Buick LaCrosse models over the years, it’s clear that the newer versions are much better. The models from 2017 to 2019 have a PainRank of 1.54, showing they’re more reliable. Here’s how the older models stack up:

1. 2005-2009 Models: These have a PainRank of 7.55, which means they’ve more reliability problems.
2. 2010-2016 Models: These are even worse, with a PainRank of 11.13.
3. 2017-2019 Models: These newer models are much better, with a PainRank of 1.54.
4. NHTSA Safety Scores: The newer models also have better safety ratings.

If you’re thinking about which Buick LaCrosse years to avoid, use these reliability and safety scores to help you decide.

Maintenance Costs Overview

When you’re thinking about the maintenance costs of a Buick LaCrosse, remember that some model years like 2009 and 2005-2006 can be more expensive to own and fix because they’re less reliable.

Even the 2010 LaCrosse, which has average reliability, can be costly to maintain, making it less appealing.

Older models, especially from 2005 to 2009, usually have lower reliability, leading to higher maintenance costs.

It’s also a good idea to skip the 2007-2008 models since they’ve average reliability and might’ve mechanical problems.

Keep these points in mind to make a smart choice about owning a Buick LaCrosse.

Safety Ratings Analysis

When looking at the safety ratings for the Buick LaCrosse, you’ll see that the NHTSA scores have gotten better over the years.

However, remember that some models have had airbag recalls, which can affect their safety.

Keeping these things in mind can help you decide which model years to steer clear of.

NHTSA Safety Scores

Checking the NHTSA safety scores for Buick LaCrosse models is really important. Newer models usually have better safety ratings and crash test results. Knowing these scores can help you figure out which Buick LaCrosse models to avoid because of safety issues.

Here’s why it matters:

1. Better Safety Features: Newer models often come with improved safety features.
2. Crash Test Results: Lower scores in some years might mean problems.
3. Smart Choices: Knowing the safety ratings helps you pick safer models.
4. Peace of Mind: You can drive confidently, knowing your car is safer.

Make sure to research the NHTSA safety scores carefully to pick a Buick LaCrosse with the best safety features.

Airbag Recall Impact

It’s really important to check for airbag recalls regularly, especially because of the Takata airbag problems affecting some Buick LaCrosse cars. These Takata airbags can be very dangerous because they might explode and send metal pieces flying. Some LaCrosse models have these faulty airbags, so they need to be fixed right away.

These recalls can also make the safety ratings for Buick LaCrosse cars go down. The recall campaigns to fix the Takata airbag problems are really important for keeping the cars safe.

If you’re thinking about buying a Buick LaCrosse, make sure to check if it has any of these recalls. This is crucial for your safety and to make a smart choice.

Market Value Trends

To understand how the value of a Buick LaCrosse changes over time, you need to look at things like the different versions of the car, how many miles are on it, and how reliable it is. The value can change a lot depending on the year and the features of the car.

It’s a good idea to check the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) regularly for the most up-to-date info. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Different Versions: Fancier versions of the car usually keep their value better.
2. Miles Driven: Fewer miles typically mean the car is worth more.
3. Big Repairs: Major fixes can really lower the car’s value.
4. Year of the Car: Newer cars usually have better features and are worth more.

Engine and Transmission Problems

If you’re thinking about getting a Buick LaCrosse, be aware that some model years have engine and transmission problems that can be expensive to fix. The 2005-2006 and 2009 models are especially known for these issues, which can make them less reliable.

Even the 2010 model, which has average reliability, might still cost you more in the long run because of these problems. The 2007-2008 models also have a small chance of having engine and transmission issues.

It’s important to know about these potential problems so you can avoid unexpected and costly repairs.

Electrical Faults Breakdown

Electrical problems in the Buick LaCrosse can cause major issues, like door locks and windows not working right, which can make the car less reliable. Some common electrical problems you might run into include:

1. Bad wiring harnesses – These can make power cut in and out to different parts of the car.
2. Faulty control modules – If these go bad, the car’s electrical system can act up.
3. Dashboard warning lights – Electrical issues often make these lights come on, pointing to bigger problems.
4. Overall performance – Electrical problems can hurt how well your car works and how safe it is.

It’s really important to fix electrical problems quickly. If you ignore them, they can cause more damage and cost more to fix later.

Keeping your car’s electrical system in good shape is key to making sure your Buick LaCrosse stays safe and reliable.

Suspension Issues

Suspension problems in the Buick LaCrosse, especially in the 2005-2006 and 2009 models, can make the car less reliable and lead to expensive repairs. These years have had issues with the rear suspension coming loose, which affects how the car drives and its safety. Also, many owners have reported hearing noises from the steering and suspension, suggesting there might be bigger problems with these parts. If you’re thinking about buying one, be careful with these model years to avoid spending a lot on repairs and dealing with safety issues.

Fuel Economy Ratings

When looking at the fuel efficiency of a Buick LaCrosse, make sure you check the gas mileage to make a smart choice. Fuel efficiency can change depending on the model year, with newer models usually being better. Checking the data for each model year will give you the right MPG info.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Newer models: These usually have better gas mileage.
2. Hybrid options: Look for hybrid versions if you want the best fuel efficiency.
3. Resale value: A fuel-efficient Buick LaCrosse can sell for more later on.
4. MPG differences: Knowing these can help you pick the best model year.

Best Years to Buy

If you’re thinking about buying a Buick LaCrosse, the 2016-2017 models are great choices because they’re very reliable and cheap to maintain. These years are often considered the best options due to their low maintenance issues and high owner satisfaction.

The 2014 model is also a good pick, as it offers high owner satisfaction and average ownership costs with few mechanical problems.

If you’re looking at older models, the 2011-2013 LaCrosses are also reliable and have low maintenance costs, making them a good option. While newer isn’t always better, these specific years offer a good balance between reliability and cost.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Buick Encore, Buick Lucerne, Buick Enclave and Buick Regal. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a Buick LaCrosse, be cautious with older models. They often come with problems like electrical issues and transmission faults that can lead to expensive repairs.

It’s better to go for the newer, third-generation models from 2017 to 2019. These are more reliable and have fewer mechanical problems, making your driving experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Choose wisely and drive with confidence.