2016 Buick Lacrosse
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 250 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 189 |
| 2011 | 169 |
| 2012 | 205 |
| 2013 | 129 |
| 2014 | 63 |
| 2015 | 44 |
| 2016 | 48 |
| 2017 | 34 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power steering fluid.
15% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was in a front end collision where the damages were over $20,000.00 and the air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260824
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE and SEAT BELTS
On June 22,2026, I was involved in a frontal impact collision while traveling at approximately 35 mph. The vehicle suffered a catastrophic failure of the entire occupant restraint system.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260622
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200729
10% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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...
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.
Campaign 16V651000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 17V437000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Buick Lacrosse — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V651000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V437000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Buick Lacrosse reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Buick Lacrosse is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Buick Lacrosse?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Buick Lacrosse have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.