2016 Buick Lacrosse Safety Report
2016 Buick Lacrosse Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Buick Lacrosse. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (44) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 5 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Steering | Compare steering issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Buick Lacrosse with 5 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Buick Lacrosse before buying across this generation. |
Buick Lacrosse Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Buick Lacrosse years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Buick Lacrosse | 33 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Buick Lacrosse | 44 | 3 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
| 2018 Buick Lacrosse | 12 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Buick Lacrosse | 5 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Buick Lacrosse Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Buick Lacrosse, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Steering
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Buick onlyPower Train
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Buick onlyAir Bags
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Buick onlyUnknown Or Other
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Buick onlyVehicle Speed Control
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Vehicle Speed Control issues Buick onlyFuel/Propulsion System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Buick onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse
Reliability Score
The 2016 Buick Lacrosse receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Locking Up Several owners have reported the steering wheel locking up while driving, which can be extremely dangerous. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbag Malfunctions General Motors has issued recalls for airbag malfunctions in the 2014-2017 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet models. |
High | Common | 2014-2017 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Buick Lacrosse:
23% of reported issues involve steering problems.
20% of reported issues involve airbag malfunctions.
Recall Details for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may ...
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. 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 custom...
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing...
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. 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 cust...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Buick Lacrosse with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires. 3 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the fuel pump was previously replaced due to the vehicle stalling while driving. The contact stated that the tailgate unintendedly opened while the vehicle was parked and turned off. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while driving from a complete stop, and the vehicle hesitated and shuddered while driving at various speeds. An unknown ...
Trunk lid latch disintegrated, and lid flipped open without warning. Driver vision immediately obscured, leaving trunk contents to be easily dislodged and become hazardous to other motorists; will not secure.
Cars shudders 20-30 MPH. Started last year, I needed to get my wife for cancer treatments. Basically, shifted the car manually.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that occasionally while his wife was driving in rainy or snowy conditions, the check power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after it had stopped raining or snowing, the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that a d...
The contact owns a 2016 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. ...
Diagnostic trouble code P0442. Evaporative emission system leak detected indicated by check engine light on.
My steering wheel is locking up as I am driving . Very scary and dangerous where my dealership I lease car from (sunset dealership).,Lompoc,CA has found no codes dealing with the situation twice.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure was diagnosed as a glitch, and the Power steering control module (PSCM) software update was performed; however, the failu...
I lost power steering while driving 70 mph on a two-lane highway in Wyoming. There were no warnings before the incident, but a Service Power Steering light came on at the same time it quit working. One mechanic shop did a diagnosis on the car. I was told that the Electric Gear Power Steering Motor needs to be replaced along the whole Rack and Pinion that it's attached to has to be replaced because...
While navigating a curve, my power steering quit, nearly causing me to hit an oncoming car in the opposite lane. I stop and search the car for issues but found none. The care returned to normal steering and two days later, I had a vehicle pull out in front of me, while quickly avoiding the other car, my power steering quit working again. Luckily, I was able to overcome the steering but it certainl...
See attached document from complainant
Adaptive cruise control dropped out, taking along with it the ABS (warning light), Stabilitrak (handling system) (warning light), Collision prep (message). Dealer states the ABS computer module failed, now in process of finding a replacement. Meanwhile, the ABS, cruise control, and other systems mentioned here are inoperative. It may well be that this may be considered to be a component failure...
I was driving on a main street. Received Power Steering Fluid message and then steering well locked up. Could not manuever it. Had to pull over to call for assistance, to no avail. The manual states it is a electrical power issue. I've taken this car in numerous of times for various services, specially the "jerking" of the car. I've discovered there was a recall for the Power steering today was a...
control module,left and right rear wheel speed sensors
This concerns our 2016 Buick LaCrosse. We leased the car late in 2016 for 3-1/2 years, then purchased it including an extended warranty. Two problems occurred. First the fuel supply line to the engine began leaking, leaving a gasoline odor inside the car. We took the car to our dealership and had it repaired. We told the dealership we purchased an extended warranty with the car and were told this...
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the steering wheel locked, almost causing a collision. A message indicating power steering failure was displayed. The Police Department assisted the contact with driving the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact stated upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering res...
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that when she started her vehicle, the automatic collision unavailable, and oil leak warning message illuminated. The contact stated the warning lights were then unilluminated. The contact stated that the following day while the vehicle was parked and turned on, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. Th...
At highway speeds with the Adaptive Cruise Control engaged, the brakes are heavily applied when other vehicles or obstructions are not observed. ACC engaged on controlled access highway no vehicles or obstructions and random hard braking takes place. Vehicle has been taken to the dealer numerous times for this condition and dealer reports no problems.
Vogue Custom Built Radial VIII Tire size: 235/50/18 While driving on the Highway, I experienced a Tire blowout on my front passenger side of the vehicle that also led to vehicle damage. I have pictures of the tire post blowout with a gaping hole in the middle of the tire and the tread completely fallen off. This Incident put my life and others at risk as I was forced to pull my vehicle to the ...
When braking from 50 mph or 40 mph coming to a stop my car jerks and it’s very hard to stop it uncomfortable hesitation, Jerk, or lurch. Almost caused accident twice where I couldn’t stop the vehicle this is very unsafe for me and my family also transmission downshifts and up shifts are really hard in this vehicle
Showing 20 of 44 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Buick Lacrosse
Has the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE have?
The 2016 BUICK LACROSSE has 44 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE?
The 2016 BUICK LACROSSE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE involve steering (9 complaints), power train (4 complaints), air bags (4 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, vehicle speed control, fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE out of 44 total complaints (6.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE out of 44 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 BUICK LACROSSE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE is generally recommended. It has 44 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE are: 1. STEERING (9 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (4 complaints), 3. AIR BAGS (4 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), 5. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints). STEERING is the single most-reported problem area with 9 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 BUICK LACROSSE?
Be cautious of steering issues and ensure the airbags are functioning properly before driving. The 2016 BUICK LACROSSE has 44 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE?
The 2016 BUICK LACROSSE receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 44 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 5 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering Locking Up and Airbag Malfunctions.
What are the known issues with the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE?
Known issues with the 2016 BUICK LACROSSE include: Steering Locking Up, Airbag Malfunctions. These are based on patterns found across 44 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse?
Yes, there are recalls for airbag malfunctions in the 2014-2017 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet models.
What are the common issues with the steering system?
Steering can lock up while driving, which can be dangerous, especially at high speeds.
What should I do if I experience steering issues?
Stop driving immediately and contact your dealership for inspection and repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of steering issues and ensure the airbags are functioning properly before driving.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Buick Lacrosse
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The data includes 44 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Buick Lacrosse an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13