Owners have filed 54 complaints
about the 2015 Buick Lacrosse with NHTSA between 2015 and 2025.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 13
Against the median year of the Buick Lacrosse. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 86
16.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 98
58% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
26.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
824.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
618.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
721.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
26.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
412.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
412.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2015 Buick Lacrosse 4 DR FWD
11.8% risk
2015 Buick Lacrosse 4 DR AWD
11.8% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2015peak 4Nov 2025
Recalls on the 2015 Buick Lacrosse
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
17V437000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: 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.
16V651000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: 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.
15V666000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2016439362,263 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), which controls airbag and pretensioner deployment, contains a software defect which may prevent the deployment of frontal airbags and pretensioners in certain circumstances. Failure of frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy in a crash (when warranted) could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will reflash the SDM with new software. In vehicles with any previous deployment events recorded in the SDM, the dealers will replace the existing SDM with a new SDM containing the latest software. Note: This recall affects 2014-2017 model year Sierra LD/Silverado LD models and 2015-2016 model year Sierra HD/Silverado HD model vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesBear, DECrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, another vehicle spun uncontrollably and crashed into the driver's side door of the vehicle and the door caved in. The contact hit the left side of her head against the front driver's side window. The air bags failed to deploy. The fire department assisted the contact out of the vehicle by cutting the driver-side door. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of emergency units. The contact sustained soreness on the left side of her body, from the neck down to the legs. The contact also sustained bruises on the left side. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact associated the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V437000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11487099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesMt Laurel Township, NJCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owned a 2015 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while making a right turn and attempted to depress the brake pedal but failed to stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he crashed into a low road divider and came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries on his left shoulder down to his left hip but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence and then to the local dealer. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11422247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesSterling Heights, MICrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH DRIVERS SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11088636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesSullivan, IDCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH, A DEER STRUCK THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT DID NOT FULLY INFLATE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT WHERE AND WAS AWAITING INSPECTION FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V651000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS). THE CONTACT HAD A REPAIR APPOINTMENT AT A LOCAL DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #10925777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,495 milesBush, LACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SURGED FORWARD, WENT OVER A RAILROAD CROSS TIE, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 01/21/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10780211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,495 milesBush, LACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SURGED FORWARD, WENT OVER A RAILROAD CROSS TIE, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 01/21/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10780211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Carlisle, PA
POWER TRAIN
I had first seen a check engine light for a month and it would come on and off and sometimes it would stay off for about a week before it comes back on and do the same thing. I had noticed some slippage within the transmission a week prior to this incident and was looking to take it in for an inspection but money is tight so I couldn’t afford to go in for an inspection, especially a repair. I was driving to work and the vehicle was doing its slippage and I go about a mile or two until I reach an intersection, I came to a red light and stopped, when it turned green, I started pressing on the gas but the car didn’t move, it only revved. I then proceeded to put it in park and turn it off then on, only for it to do the same thing. So from there I had it pushed off into a nearby parking spot and then towed to a wrenchrite where they had confirmed it had nothing to do with the transmission fluid or anything minor. I then had it taken to Emory Services and they had confirmed the transmission its self had been fried.
NHTSA complaint #11698532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,900 milesEwing, NJ
STEERING
The contact owns a 2015 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH on a main road and attempting to make a right turn, the contact noticed that the steering wheel had become increasingly difficult to steer. The message "Service Power Steering - Drive with Care" was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,900.
NHTSA complaint #11666414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mexico, GA
STEERING
As I was driving around a corner, the steering wheel got hard, very hard and it no longer worked
NHTSA complaint #11657664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,500 milesGrove Hill, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2015 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked briefly before shifting into gear. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the ABS was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,500.
NHTSA complaint #11657483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHolly Grove, AR
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while stationary at a stop light and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11597441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There have been at least five different occasions when the doors of the car will randomly lock and unlock continously for anywhere from 1-3 minutes. No one would be holding the key or pushing the button. We are sitting in the car when it happens. It has occurred with the car on and off.
NHTSA complaint #11569462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marshall, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission problem. Jerking when going into gear.
NHTSA complaint #11550798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saratoga, Springs, NY
SEAT BELTS
The part of the driver seat belt that goes under the seat and is attached by a metal cable. The cable totally ripped apart. The date is approximate because I did not notice it until it was almost completely broken off. . I had the seatbelt repaired at the dealer Mangino Buick in Ballston spa New York, at the sum of $300they said GM refused to cover it. I tried to explain that this is a Safety issue not a warranty item. This never happens.
NHTSA complaint #11524977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orl, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line under hood was rubbing against a bracket and is leaking. All the hangers and clips are secured and no play in Fuel line.
NHTSA complaint #11500759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBear, DECrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, another vehicle spun uncontrollably and crashed into the driver's side door of the vehicle and the door caved in. The contact hit the left side of her head against the front driver's side window. The air bags failed to deploy. The fire department assisted the contact out of the vehicle by cutting the driver-side door. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of emergency units. The contact sustained soreness on the left side of her body, from the neck down to the legs. The contact also sustained bruises on the left side. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact associated the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V437000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11487099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clawson, MI
STEERING
My wife was driving and went to turn the vehicle and the steering locked up momentarily. She drove directly home a block away and pulled into the garage. When attempting to take the car for service it would not turn in either direction.
NHTSA complaint #11476408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The truck pops open on its own when park and while driving.. Had to pull the fuse just to keep it from opening.
NHTSA complaint #11471159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,100 milesNorwalk, CT
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he noticed that the steering wheel did not have power steering. The warning message "Service Power Steering" was illuminated. The contact was able to take the vehicle to the dealer by forcefully steering the steering wheel. The dealer test drove the vehicle and diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel regained power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,100.
NHTSA complaint #11446130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edmond, OK
STEERING
Power steering went out while driving roughy 45/50 mph. Unknown reason why it went out.
NHTSA complaint #11438406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edmond, OK
STEERING
While driving at approximately 55 mph, my power steering went out (at first I thought I had blown a tire). It became almost impossible to perform any quick/reactionary steering changes. I put on my hazards and drove to the dealership and then for a second opinion with my local trusted mechanic. Both advised the electronic steering assembly went bad, that there is a new part #, indicative of a high failure rate; however, the part is not available in all of North America (they checked.) they called GM Buick and were advised an ETA on the backorder for the part is unknown. They filed for an emergency backorder request and are awaiting further information. Now, I have an undriveable vehicle, there are no loaner cars available, the cheapest rental car is a full car payment every three days, and no idea how long before the vehicle will be able to be repaired as it is too dangerous to drive in its current state. I think this needs to be investigated, as this issue sounds like it should be a recall before someone gets killed.
NHTSA complaint #11427844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edmond, OK
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
While driving at approximately 55 mph, my power steering went out (at first I thought I had blown a tire). It became almost impossible to perform any quick/reactionary steering changes. I put on my hazards and drove to the dealership and then for a second opinion with my local trusted mechanic. Both advised the electronic steering assembly went bad, that there is a new part #, indicative of a high failure rate; however, the part is not available in all of North America (they checked.) they called GM Buick and were advised an ETA on the backorder for the part is unknown. They filed for an emergency backorder request and are awaiting further information. Now, I have an undriveable vehicle, there are no loaner cars available, the cheapest rental car is a full car payment every three days, and no idea how long before the vehicle will be able to be repaired as it is too dangerous to drive in its current state. I think this needs to be investigated, as this issue sounds like it should be a recall before someone gets killed.
NHTSA complaint #11427844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesMt Laurel Township, NJCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owned a 2015 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while making a right turn and attempted to depress the brake pedal but failed to stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he crashed into a low road divider and came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries on his left shoulder down to his left hip but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence and then to the local dealer. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11422247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MT Laurel,, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE FAILED
NHTSA complaint #11418204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
AIR BAGS
SERVICE AIR BAG MAINTENANCE WARNING ⚠️
NHTSA complaint #11399060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesFT. Pierce, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WOULD NOT START AT ALL, ONCE WE GOT IT STARTED AND HEADED DOWN THE ROAD, THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11395038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesFT. Pierce, FL
ENGINE
WOULD NOT START AT ALL, ONCE WE GOT IT STARTED AND HEADED DOWN THE ROAD, THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11395038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesFlorissant, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON PARKING HER VEHICLE IN HER GARAGE, A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LOU FUSZ BUICK GMC (10950 PAGE AVE, ST. LOUIS, MO 63132) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED OUT OF POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,000.
NHTSA complaint #11372440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,150 milesMansfield, TX
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING HER VEHICLE AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE POWER STEERING DRIVE WITH CARE AND SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST WARNING MESSAGES APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE SERVICED AT A DEALER. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO CLASSIC BUICK GMC ARLINGTON (1400 E INTERSTATE 20, ARLINGTON, TX 760180) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,150.
NHTSA complaint #11350626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maywood, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING HOME ON A CITY STREET WE NOTICED THAT BOTH LOW AND HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #11342657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesPlano,, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RADIO WON'T TURN ON AFTER I START CAR. HOWEVER IF I TURN ON RADIO BEFORE STARTING CAR AND THE DOOR IS OPEN IT WILL COME ON. IF I LEAVE THE RADIO ON AND SHUT CAR DOWN AND LEAVE CAR, WHEN I RETURN & BEFORE START THE CAR, THE RADIO WILL COME ON UPON START UP. SEEM LIKE THERE IS A RADIO CONTROL SWITCH IN THE DOOR AREA THAT IS TEMPERMENTAL.
NHTSA complaint #11321746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
