RoadVitals

2016 Buick Lacrosse Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
46
Latest Jun 22, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Buick Lacrosse, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Steering1222.2%
  • Powertrain (other)611.1%
  • Airbags59.3%
  • Brakes47.4%
  • Engine47.4%
  • Fuel system35.6%
  • Interior & seats23.7%
  • Electrical23.7%
  • Visibility11.9%
  • Body & structure11.9%
  • Exterior lighting11.9%
  • Other / unspecified11.9%
  • Seat belts11.9%
  • Suspension11.9%
  • Tires & wheels11.9%
  • Transmission11.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving down the road goin around 45 mph all of a sudden my steering wheel got so stiff I could hardly steer the car off the road and out of traffic. I didn't hit anything, my power steering just stopped. I put the car into park and turned off the ignition after a few minutes I started it back up and my steering was back to normal. This has happened to me 2 times driving my 2016 Buick Lacrosse Sport. It's Dangerous and Honestly if your not paying attention it can cause a accident.

NHTSA ID 11736881 · filed May 10, 2026

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 dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact was informed that a code for 19-NA-182 could be reset, and that there was no failure found with the steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA ID 11653907 · filed Apr 10, 2025
All 12 reports naming steering

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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, not an inherent safety issue but under some driving conditions it is clearly a safety consideration.

NHTSA ID 11550579 · filed Oct 18, 2023

control module,left and right rear wheel speed sensors

NHTSA ID 11531198 · filed Jul 9, 2023
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 warning light was illuminated. OnStar was contacted and informed the contact that a DTC for the ABS was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was repaired for ABS failure; however, the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced twice due to the failure. The mechanic advised the contact to get rid of the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID 11720665 · filed Feb 26, 2026

Cars shudders 20-30 MPH. Started last year, I needed to get my wife for cancer treatments. Basically, shifted the car manually.

NHTSA ID 11657537 · filed Apr 29, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. Despite a severe, high-speed frontal impact, the frontal airbags failed to physically deploy, and the seatbelt pretensioners failed to tighten, leaving the seatbelts completely loose. Crucially, the dashboard instrument cluster displayed a message indicating that an airbag deployment event had occurred. A check of the VIN shows no open recalls, meaning the GM SDM software update (NHTSA Campaign 16V651000) was likely marked as completed by a prior owner. However, the system completely failed to function as designed during a major crash, mimicking the exact symptoms of the original defect. The vehicle is currently held at a private tow yard pending an insurance investigation and an Event Data Recorder (EDR) download.

NHTSA ID 11745821 · filed Jun 22, 2026

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. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ID 11638093 · filed Jan 23, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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, not an inherent safety issue but under some driving conditions it is clearly a safety consideration.

NHTSA ID 11550579 · filed Oct 18, 2023

control module,left and right rear wheel speed sensors

NHTSA ID 11531198 · filed Jul 9, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Diagnostic trouble code P0442. Evaporative emission system leak detected indicated by check engine light on.

NHTSA ID 11637143 · filed Jan 20, 2025

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 failure recurred. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the electric power steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID 11587603 · filed May 8, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 warning light was illuminated. OnStar was contacted and informed the contact that a DTC for the ABS was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was repaired for ABS failure; however, the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced twice due to the failure. The mechanic advised the contact to get rid of the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID 11720665 · filed Feb 26, 2026

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 repair was not covered! We had to pay ±$471 out of pocket which we don't agree with. The second issue is the Return fuel supply line which let loose when starting the car, (weeks later) spraying gas all over the garage floor. I opened the hood to check the problem and tried starting the engine again. There was a small fire which I extinguished immediately. We had to have the car towed to the dealership to get it repaired a second time for fuel line issues. This time it cost us ±$978 out of pocket to get it fixed. They said again extended warranty did NOT cover this problem. I am told by a GM executive that GM has a separate warranty (10yr) for EPA fuel & emissions compliance that should have covered this situation, yet the dealer charged us for the repairs. I have also heard that NHTSA has a similar regulation which I would like to know more about.

NHTSA ID 11508086 · filed Feb 19, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT HOOD LATCH WOULD PARTIALLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,100.

NHTSA ID 10949761 · filed Feb 6, 2017

RENTED AUTO FROM ENTERPRISE LEASING COMPANY OF ST. LOUIS, DROVE 412 MILES WITH THE SEAT HEATERS ON. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR I FELT AN INTENSE BURNING SENSATION ON MY LOWER BACK. BEFORE BED MY HUSBAND LOOKED AT IT AND SAID IT WAS VERY VERY RED. I AM A BACK SLEEPER SO I HAD A VERY RESTLESS NIGHT. BY THE NEXT MORNING THE RED SPOTS HAD BLISTERED AND ARE PAINFUL. I CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TALK TO ENTERPRISE LEASING COMPANY OF ST. LOUIS; WHICH IS JUST RIDICULOUS - ENTERPRISE DID NOT MAKE THE CAR! EVENTUALLY I WAS GIVEN CASE NUMBER 8-1897481531. I HAVE READ OTHER REPORTS OF GM BEING SUED FOR BURNS FROM SEAT HEATERS, GM SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO INSTALL A SAFETY FEATURE TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM THIS FEATURE.

NHTSA ID 10851655 · filed Mar 25, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 warning light was illuminated. OnStar was contacted and informed the contact that a DTC for the ABS was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was repaired for ABS failure; however, the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced twice due to the failure. The mechanic advised the contact to get rid of the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID 11720665 · filed Feb 26, 2026

THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER MIRROR CHANGES POSITION BY ITSELF. ALSO WHEN I HIT A BAD BUMP OR POTHOLE THE DOORS UNLOCK

NHTSA ID 11407860 · filed Apr 13, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN HUMID WEATHER, THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD HAS QUICKLY FOGGED UP TO THE POINT OF BLINDING ME. THE DEFROSTERS ARE SHOOTING A FOG OF MOISTURE ONTO THE GLASS. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE HVAC CHECKED AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS CONDITION WAS NORMAL. SEEMS DANGEROUS TO ME?

NHTSA ID 10863920 · filed May 9, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AS I WAS HEADING OUT OF TOWN FOR MY DAILY COMMUTE TO WORK I HEARD A LOUD POP NOISE. I LOOKED UP AND NOTICED MY SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED ABOVE ME. I WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH AND HAD NO TRAFFIC AROUND ME. I TURNED AROUND AND HEADED BACK HOME WHERE I NOTICED THAT THE GLASS WAS BENT UPWARD AS IF THERE WAS TOO MUCH PRESSURE IN THE CABIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID SOMETHING HAD TO OF HIT IT WHICH I DO NOT BELIEVE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AROUND ME AND THE HOLE WAS ABOUT 1FT BY 1FT WITH THE GLASS BENT UPWARD AS IF IT WAS SOMETHING FROM THE INSIDE THAT CAUSED IT TO EXPLODE. I LOOKED UP ON LINE AND NOTICED THAT THE 2015 BUICK REGAL AND CHEVY CRUZE BOTH HAD TO HAVE RECALLS WHERE THEY REPLACED THIN GLASS IN SUNROOFS. TO ME IT APPEARS THIS IS THE CASE FOR MY 2016 BUICK LACROSSE WHERE THE GLASS WAS TOO THIN.

NHTSA ID 10969499 · filed Mar 30, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

LOTS OF CONDENSATION IN RIGHT HEADLIGHT

NHTSA ID 11244409 · filed Aug 16, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document from complainant

NHTSA ID 11551529 · filed Oct 24, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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. Despite a severe, high-speed frontal impact, the frontal airbags failed to physically deploy, and the seatbelt pretensioners failed to tighten, leaving the seatbelts completely loose. Crucially, the dashboard instrument cluster displayed a message indicating that an airbag deployment event had occurred. A check of the VIN shows no open recalls, meaning the GM SDM software update (NHTSA Campaign 16V651000) was likely marked as completed by a prior owner. However, the system completely failed to function as designed during a major crash, mimicking the exact symptoms of the original defect. The vehicle is currently held at a private tow yard pending an insurance investigation and an Event Data Recorder (EDR) download.

NHTSA ID 11745821 · filed Jun 22, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND SWAYED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,000.

NHTSA ID 11119634 · filed Aug 13, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 side border of the highway to avoid incoming traffic. This Incident occurred 7 months after I had my tires serviced at my local tire shop where they verified that 2 of the 4 tires were experiencing splitting on the sidewall and tread. I got those 2 tires replaced with the same vogue tires and they were moved to the back of the vehicle. The other 2 tires were ok to drive on. This background information highlights what I believe is a manufacturer's defect with the tendency that these Vogue tires have to split and deteriorate. I believe that the front passenger tire that blew out on the highway, likely experienced the same effects that required me to replace 2 of the tires just 7 months ago. These tires are dangerous for anyone to drive on due to this manufacturer's defect. They have less than 60,000 miles of mileage on them, they were properly inflated, and I did not receive any vehicle warning signs or see any indicators on the exterior of the tire. I am also a person that services their vehicle routinely. My hope is to help others avoid the risks that come with these tires which could have cost myself and others their lives.

NHTSA ID 11472742 · filed Jul 7, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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. The contact stated she called a tow truck to tow the vehicle to the local dealer and while she waited she was able to steer the steering wheel; however, she did not feel safe driving the vehicle and it was then towed to a local dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the diagnosis was that the vehicle needed to update the power control module(PCM) software. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact the failure was not covered under the warranty. The failure mileage was 92,968.

NHTSA ID 11483748 · filed Sep 9, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .