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2018 Buick LaCrosse Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2018 Buick LaCrosse Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse has 19 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve electrical system and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.4/ 10

Based on 19 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 26.3%

ENGINE

4 21.1%

POWER TRAIN

3 15.8%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 10.5%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 5.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 26.3% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 9 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Buick LaCrosse

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse has 19 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 26% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5), ENGINE (4), POWER TRAIN (3).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 13 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 Buick LaCrosse?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 LaCrosse complaints2019 LaCrosse complaints2016 LaCrosse complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 9 of 9 systems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 Reports26% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 INTERSTATE, IT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. APPARENTLY OWNERS ARE SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR SUCH AN OCCURRENCE IN ORDER TO GATHER EVIDENCE OF A NEED FOR A REPAIR. I WANT GM TO TELL ME IF MY VEHICLE HAS THIS DEFECT IN ADVANCE AND, IF SO, REPAIR IT BEFORE THE DISASTER OCCURS.

9/26/2019

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

1/27/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

4 Reports21% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

12/10/2018

Thermostat failure at 56,000 miles.

12/23/2023

2 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

3 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 themselves. Also across the dash was displayed 'service transmission'. I thought it was the accelerator pedal position sensor, but it may be a transmission problem. I've had it towed on three different occasions and had the battery replaced. Neither dealership will not fix the problem, however.

5/25/2023

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 residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that in 2021, he detected an abnormal fuel odor coming through the air vents while driving. The brake pedal also stuck while depressed, and the rear brake pads needed to be replaced frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer in 2021 for the fuel odor, and an unknown fuel system part was replaced. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V668000 (Power Train), 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 161,188.

6/11/2024

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 themselves. Also across the dash was displayed 'service transmission'. I thought it was the accelerator pedal position sensor, but it may be a transmission problem. I've had it towed on three different occasions and had the battery replaced. Neither dealership will not fix the problem, however.

5/25/2023

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 put me and other drivers at a safety risk because it would roll backwards after taking my foot off the breaks to accelerate where it would almost hit drivers behind me at the stops as well as them almost mistakingly hitting me in the back when my break lights stop reflecting when trying to accelerate at stop lights with traffic. I have had it diagnosed with the recall codes N20231344O GM # 20V668000 NHTSA # 18V576000 18V358000 But the dealships are saying there aren't any recall for the vehicle. This issues is ongoing.

11/11/2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 PART WENT AS EXPECTED. A LOT OF SMILES AND VERY ENGAGED IN CONVERSATION. THE SALES GUY MIKE WAS VERY NICE. NO PRESSURE. THE PROBLEM IS AFTER THE CARE WAS SIGNED FOR. AFTER THE EXCITEMENT OF GETTING A BRAND NEW VEHICLE I REALIZED I PAID TOO MUCH AND DIDN'T UNDERSTAND ALL THE CHARGES THAT JACKED THE TOTAL UP SO FAR. HOWEVER THAT'S NOT MY ISSUE. MY ISSUE IS THE BRAND NEW CAR IS SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. IT GOES COMPLETELY DEAD. LEAVING ME STRANDED. IT HAPPENED THREE TIMES ON 10/5. THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE IS PPUTTING ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME, MY FAMILY AND MY CLIENTS. SO I'M NOW LOSING INCOME AND IT ALSO CAUSED ME TO HAVE A BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE WITH A CLIENT WHICH EFFECTS MY PROFESSIONAL REPUTATION. THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE IS MAJOR AND A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. YOUR SERVICE TEAM IS WORKING WITH GMC ENGINEERS TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER I DO NOT WANT THIS VEHICLE. YOUR SALES MANAGER STEVE SAYS THIS IS UP TO GMC TO DETERMINE IF A VEHICLE CAN BE EXCHANGED OR NOT. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE FOR ME. I WORK TOO HARD AND A LOT OF PEOPLE DEPEND ON ME.

10/10/2018

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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."

1/19/2022

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that in 2021, he detected an abnormal fuel odor coming through the air vents while driving. The brake pedal also stuck while depressed, and the rear brake pads needed to be replaced frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer in 2021 for the fuel odor, and an unknown fuel system part was replaced. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V668000 (Power Train), 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 161,188.

6/11/2024

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that in 2021, he detected an abnormal fuel odor coming through the air vents while driving. The brake pedal also stuck while depressed, and the rear brake pads needed to be replaced frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer in 2021 for the fuel odor, and an unknown fuel system part was replaced. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V668000 (Power Train), 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 161,188.

6/11/2024

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 failure to the Special Coverage Campaign: N182188250. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who disconnected the hand controls and informed the contact that the controls were operating as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the accelerator pedal position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 15 MPH. The message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the accelerator pedal position sensor needed to be replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,600.

9/22/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse?

The most reported complaint category for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, with 5 owner reports. That is about 26% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN.

Are complaints about the 2018 Buick LaCrosse a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 13 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2018 Buick LaCrosse severe?

13 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Buick LaCrosse: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
19
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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