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Cars · Top 10

Best Buick LaCrosse Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

By Kory White · Updated Oct 2026 · 4 min read
2019 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)
Direct answer

The 2019 Buick LaCrosse is the best LaCrosse model year, with the 2018 at #2 and the 2017 at #3. NHTSA lists 6 owner complaints for the 2019 and 12 for the 2018, versus 206 for the 2012.

At a glance

#PickNHTSA complaintsBest for
12019 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)6 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 LaCrosseThe newest LaCrosse with the fewest NHTSA complaints
22018 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)12 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 LaCrosseThe cheapest new-generation LaCrosse, with standard eAssist
32017 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)36 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 LaCrosseThe first year of the third-generation LaCrosse
42016 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)48 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 LaCrosseThe last and best-connected second-generation LaCrosse
52015 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)44 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 LaCrosseA facelifted LaCrosse with a standard rearview camera
62014 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)63 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 LaCrosseThe cheapest facelifted LaCrosse with the new safety tech
72013 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)129 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 LaCrosseA pre-facelift LaCrosse with more standard features
82012 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)206 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 LaCrosseThe first eAssist LaCrosse at the lowest launch price
92009 Buick LaCrosse (GMX365)106 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 LaCrosseThe best first-generation LaCrosse
102011 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)169 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 LaCrosseThe cheapest second-generation LaCrosse

Pick by what you want

Best overall
2019 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)
Best value
2018 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)
Best second generation
2016 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)
Best first generation
2009 Buick LaCrosse (GMX365)
Cheapest when new
2011 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)

The ranking

1

2019 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)

2019 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)
Answrs VerdictThe best LaCrosse year.
NHTSA complaints: 6 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 LaCrosseNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed (automatic transmission; brake caliper)EPA fuel economy: 20 city / 30 highway / 24 combined mpg (3.6L V6, 9-speed); 25 / 35 / 29 mpg with eAssistNew for 2019: Sport Touring trim priced from $40,295 including destination, with the 310 hp 3.6-liter V6 and nine-speed automaticLast US year: North American LaCrosse production ended February 15, 2019

The 2019 LaCrosse was the last US model year, and NHTSA lists just 6 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns for it. The new Sport Touring trim started at $40,295 with the 310 hp V6 and nine-speed automatic.

Go ifThe newest LaCrosse with the fewest NHTSA complaints
Skip ifYou want the lowest price for a third-generation car
Why #1 over #2: NHTSA lists 6 complaints and 2 recalls for it versus 12 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2018.
2

2018 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)

2018 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)
Answrs VerdictThe value pick.
NHTSA complaints: 12 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 LaCrosseNHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed (automatic transmission; brake caliper; fuel pump)Price when new: From $30,490, down from the 2017 model’s $32,990 starting priceNew for 2018: Standard eAssist mild-hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder, plus a 9-speed automatic for V-6 modelsEPA fuel economy: 25 city / 35 highway / 29 combined mpg (eAssist)

For 2018 Buick made the eAssist mild hybrid standard, added a 9-speed automatic for V6 models and cut the starting price to $30,490 from $32,990. The eAssist car is rated at 29 combined mpg.

Go ifThe cheapest new-generation LaCrosse, with standard eAssist
Skip ifYou want the 2019 Sport Touring trim
Why #2 over #3: NHTSA lists 12 complaints for it versus 36 for the 2017, and it adds the 9-speed automatic for the V6.
3

2017 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)

2017 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)
Answrs VerdictThe redesign year.
NHTSA complaints: 36 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 LaCrosseNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed (electric power steering; rear suspension)Price when new: All-new 2017 LaCrosse priced from $32,990Engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and a new eight-speed automaticEPA fuel economy: 21 city / 31 highway / 25 combined mpg (3.6L V6, 8-speed)

The all-new 2017 LaCrosse started at $32,990 with a 305 hp 3.6-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic, rated at 25 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns: electric power steering and rear suspension.

Go ifThe first year of the third-generation LaCrosse
Skip ifYou want the 9-speed automatic (2018 onward)
Why #3 over #4: NHTSA lists 36 complaints for it versus 48 for the 2016.
4

2016 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)

2016 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)
Answrs VerdictThe best GMX353.
NHTSA complaints: 48 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 LaCrosseNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed, both for the front air bagsPrice when new: Base prices from $31,065 (1SV); Sport Touring $34,065New for 2016: Sport Touring model with 18-inch machined-face wheels, a rear spoiler, IntelliLink with Apple CarPlay capability and OnStar 4G LTE Wi-FiEPA fuel economy: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined mpg (3.6L V6)

The 2016 was the last second-generation LaCrosse, and it added a Sport Touring model with 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and IntelliLink with Apple CarPlay capability. Base prices started at $31,065; NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns, both for the front air bags.

Go ifThe last and best-connected second-generation LaCrosse
Skip ifYou want the lighter third-generation car
Why #4 over #5: NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for it versus 3 for the 2015, and it offers Apple CarPlay capability.
5

2015 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)

2015 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)
Answrs VerdictThe camera year.
NHTSA complaints: 44 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 LaCrosseNHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed, all for air bagsPrice when new: Base prices from $33,635New for 2015: OnStar with 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot; rearview camera made standardEPA fuel economy: 24 city / 35 highway / 28 combined mpg (eAssist)

For 2015 the LaCrosse added OnStar with 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and made the rearview camera standard. The eAssist model is rated at 28 combined mpg.

Go ifA facelifted LaCrosse with a standard rearview camera
Skip ifYou want Apple CarPlay (2016 Sport Touring)
Why #5 over #6: NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 44 complaints for it versus 5 recalls and 63 complaints for the 2014.
6

2014 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)

2014 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)
Answrs VerdictThe facelift year.
NHTSA complaints: 63 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 LaCrosseNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed (air bags, brakes, electrical, transmission)Price when new: Base 1SB model $34,060, including a $925 destination chargeFacelift: Everything new from the A-pillar forward, a configurable eight-inch driver display and new radar- and camera-based safety featuresEPA fuel economy: 24 city / 35 highway / 28 combined mpg (eAssist)

The facelifted 2014 LaCrosse is new from the A-pillar forward, with a configurable eight-inch driver display and radar- and camera-based safety features. The base 1SB model cost $34,060 including destination.

Go ifThe cheapest facelifted LaCrosse with the new safety tech
Skip ifYou want fewer recalls (2015 lists 3)
Why #6 over #7: NHTSA lists 63 complaints for it versus 129 for the 2013, and it has the facelift and new safety features.
7

2013 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)

2013 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)
Answrs VerdictThe best early GMX353.
NHTSA complaints: 129 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 LaCrosseNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed (transmission, electrical, rear suspension)Price when new: Base price raised to $31,660; Leather group $33,870 with a backup cameraSimpler lineup: Five trim levels: Base, Leather, Premium 1, Premium 2 and TouringEPA fuel economy: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined mpg (eAssist)

For 2013 Buick cut the lineup to five trims and raised the base price to $31,660 with more standard equipment; the Leather group at $33,870 adds a backup camera. The eAssist model is rated at 29 combined mpg.

Go ifA pre-facelift LaCrosse with more standard features
Skip ifYou want the 2014 facelift and safety tech
Why #7 over #8: NHTSA lists 129 complaints for it versus 206 for the 2012.
8

2012 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)

2012 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)
Answrs VerdictThe eAssist debut.
NHTSA complaints: 206 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 LaCrosseNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed (seats, electrical, stability control, rear suspension)Price when new: $29,960 plus an $860 destination chargeNew for 2012: eAssist mild hybrid (2.4L four-cylinder) became the base powertrainEPA fuel economy: 24 city / 35 highway / 28 combined mpg (eAssist)

The 2012 LaCrosse made the eAssist mild hybrid its base powertrain at $29,960 plus destination, rated at 28 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 206 complaints, the most of any second-generation year.

Go ifThe first eAssist LaCrosse at the lowest launch price
Skip ifYou want fewer NHTSA complaints (2013 lists 129)
Why #8 over #9: Its eAssist is rated at 28 combined mpg versus 21 for the 2009’s 3.8-liter V6.
9

2009 Buick LaCrosse (GMX365)

2009 Buick LaCrosse (GMX365)
Answrs VerdictThe best GMX365.
NHTSA complaints: 106 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 LaCrosseNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed (headlights; ignition)EPA fuel economy: 17 city / 28 highway / 21 combined mpg (3.8L V6, 4-speed)New for 2009: Heated outside mirrors standard on all models; Bluetooth available on all modelsLast of its generation: The 2009 model year was the last of the first-generation LaCrosse; the LaCrosse Super base price rose to $33,805

The 2009 was the last first-generation LaCrosse, with heated outside mirrors standard and Bluetooth available on all models. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 106 owner complaints for it.

Go ifThe best first-generation LaCrosse
Skip ifYou want the second-generation car and eAssist
Why #9 over #10: NHTSA lists 106 complaints and 2 recalls for it versus 169 complaints and 4 recalls for the 2011.
10

2011 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)

2011 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)
Answrs VerdictThe budget pick.
NHTSA complaints: 169 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 LaCrosseNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed (rear suspension, power seat, heated windshield)Price when new: Base LaCrosse from $26,995Engine: 182 hp direct-injection 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder; all-wheel drive offered with the 3.6-liter V6EPA fuel economy: 19 city / 29 highway / 23 combined mpg (2.4L)

The 2011 LaCrosse started at $26,995 with a 182 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 23 combined mpg, and offered all-wheel drive with the 3.6-liter V6. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 169 complaints.

Go ifThe cheapest second-generation LaCrosse
Skip ifYou want fewer NHTSA complaints (2009 lists 106)

How we ranked these

We ranked each LaCrosse model year on what it gives a used buyer today: NHTSA owner complaint and recall counts first, then equipment, launch price and EPA fuel economy, using NHTSA, fueleconomy.gov and launch coverage of each year. Generation codes follow the Wikipedia record: GMX365 (2005-2009), GMX353 (2010-2016) and E2XX (2017-2019). Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.

Questions people ask

What is the most reliable Buick LaCrosse year?

By NHTSA records, the 2019 LaCrosse: NHTSA lists 6 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns for it.

Which Buick LaCrosse years should you stay away from?

Be most careful with the first-year 2005 LaCrosse: NHTSA lists 315 owner complaints for it, versus 6 for the 2019. Check every car’s open recalls by VIN.

Is there a 2019 Buick LaCrosse?

Yes. 2019 was the last US model year; North American production ended February 15, 2019. The LaCrosse continued in China.

Was there a 2009 LaCrosse CXS?

Not in the US lineup: the CXS was replaced by the LaCrosse Super, with the CXS available only partly through the 2008 model year.

NHTSA complaints by model year (as listed) at a glance

2019 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)6 complaints
2018 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)12 complaints
2017 Buick LaCrosse (E2XX)36 complaints
2015 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)44 complaints
2016 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)48 complaints
2014 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)63 complaints
2009 Buick LaCrosse (GMX365)106 complaints
2013 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)129 complaints
2011 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)169 complaints
2012 Buick LaCrosse (GMX353)206 complaints
NHTSA complaints by model year (as listed), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.

Official sites

Sources

Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.