2018 Buick Lacrosse Safety Report
2018 Buick Lacrosse Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 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 | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (12) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Buick Lacrosse | 5 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Buick Lacrosse | 33 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Buick Lacrosse | 44 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Buick Lacrosse | 44 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Buick Lacrosse Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 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.
Engine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Buick onlyElectrical System
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Buick onlyPower Train,Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Buick onlyVehicle Speed Control,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Vehicle Speed Control,Engine issues Buick onlyService Brakes, Hydraulic,Fuel System, Gasoline,Power Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Fuel System, Gasoline,Power Train issues Buick onlyVehicle Speed Control
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Vehicle Speed Control issues Buick onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse
Reliability Score
The 2018 Buick Lacrosse receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 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 2018 Buick Lacrosse
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Transmission General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Buick LaCrosse for transmission issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel Pump General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Buick Envision for fuel pump failures. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Accelerator Pedal Contact reported issues with the accelerator pedal not working properly. |
Low | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Key Fob Key fob failed to open doors and restart the vehicle. |
Low | Occasional | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Buick Lacrosse:
Issues with the automatic transmission are common.
Fuel pump failures are a recurring issue.
Problems with the accelerator pedal and key fob are frequent.
Foundation components and calipers have been reported as problematic.
Recall Details for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this r...
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. 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 customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. 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 customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Buick Lacrosse with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
When I get to a stop sign, and a stop light, when trying to accelerate after a complete stop, the car would struggle to accelerate to go forward. Where the shifting gears would start blinking, and the warning lights (engine power reduced, engine light, and the traction safety collision light) would display itself making it misfire and impossible to even go forward while pressing the gas pedal. It...
The contact owns a 2018 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated the hand controls were not working properly. While driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The engine power reduced message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. After several attempts, the codes were reset, and the vehicle worked as designed. The contact linked the fail...
The 3.6 liter engine in my 2018 Buick Lacrosse Avenir only has 53,939 when we experienced a thermostat failure. The engine temperature was dead cold, and the dual electric fans were running non-stop. When I scanned the trouble code, I found PO128 which points to a faulty thermostat. Because the thermostat is buried under the intake manifold, we had the local Buick dealership replace it at a cos...
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact pulled over and checked underneath the vehicle. The contact discovered that the START/STOP accumulator endcap bolt had detached, causing transmission fluid to leak onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the r...
Thermostat failure at 56,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the key fob failed to open the doors and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The failure had recurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the batteries in the key fob were replaced but the failure persisted. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacte...
I have brought my 2018 Buick Lacrosse to two different Buick dealerships who say that even though a special instruction letter was recognized and a recall was observed, because my check light went out and the codes on the car where cleared, they will not fix either recall. On three different occasions, the car slowed down to a crawl speed, the check engine light went on and the brakes applied them...
When I tried to stop at the traffic light, the car suddenly accelerated and went forward. At that time, the car brake was engaged. On the same day; When I tried to go forward at the traffic light, the car suddenly accelerated. The dealer service center said, "We cannot find any issue with the transmission."
2018 BUICK LACROSSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF SUDDENLY. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER UPDATED THE SOFTWARE , BUT COULD NOT GUARANTEE THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. *JS
I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM GM THAT MY VEHICLE WITH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH COULD CAUSE A A REDUCED POWER AND ACCELERATION CONDITION. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT A RECALL AND I SHOULD NOT SEEK A REPAIR UNTIL I HAVE EVIDENCE THAT MY VEHICLE HAS THIS PROBLEM. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK TO ME. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHEN I AM MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON AN INTERSTA...
IF STOPPED UPHILL AND THE AUTO STOP ACTIVATES, WHEN YOU RELEASE THE BRAKE THE CAR CAN ROLL BACK, AND THE WAY PEOPLE STOP ON TOP OF YOU THESE DAYS YOUR CAR CAN ROLL BACK INTO THEM AND YOU HAVE TO REPAIR THEIR CAR. PLUS IT ACTUALLY TAKES MORE GAS THAN MY V8 2016 GMC SIERRA THAT DOESN'T STOP WHEN TRAVELING FROM MY FUELING LOCATION TO MY HOME, PER THE CARS OWN COMPUTER SYSTEM
I SENT THIS EMAIL TO THE SURVEY FOR RANDY MARION DEALERSHIP ON STATESVILLE RD HERE IN HUNTERSVILLE NC. AGAIN I DO NOT WANT THE VEHICLE BACK AS IT IS TOO MUCH RISK FOR ME, MY FAMILY AND MY WORK. IT PUT ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION FROM BEING STUCK IN THE STREET AND DEALING WITH AN ANGRY PASSENGER. WE MUST GET THIS RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY. I AM LOSING MONEY. I NEED A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. THE SALES PA...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Buick Lacrosse
Has the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE have?
The 2018 BUICK LACROSSE has 12 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE?
The 2018 BUICK LACROSSE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE involve engine (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), power train,electrical system,fuel/propulsion system (2 complaints). Other affected components include vehicle speed control,engine, service brakes, hydraulic,fuel system, gasoline,power train, vehicle speed control.
How many crash reports does the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE.
Should I buy a 2018 BUICK LACROSSE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE is generally recommended. It has 12 complaints, 3 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 2018 BUICK LACROSSE?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE are: 1. ENGINE (3 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints), 4. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE (1 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 3 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 BUICK LACROSSE?
Be cautious of transmission and fuel pump issues, and be prepared for potential electrical and brake problems. The 2018 BUICK LACROSSE has 12 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE?
The 2018 BUICK LACROSSE receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 12 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Automatic Transmission and Fuel Pump.
What are the known issues with the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE?
Known issues with the 2018 BUICK LACROSSE include: Automatic Transmission, Fuel Pump, Accelerator Pedal, Key Fob. These are based on patterns found across 12 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2018 Buick Lacrosse?
Common issues include transmission and fuel pump failures, as well as problems with the accelerator pedal and key fob.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse?
Yes, there are recalls for transmission and fuel pump issues, and some models have been recalled for electrical connection problems.
What should I do if I experience acceleration struggles?
Check for recalls and have the vehicle inspected by a professional to address any potential issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of transmission and fuel pump issues, and be prepared for potential electrical and brake problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Buick Lacrosse
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse. The data includes 12 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 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 5 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