Product Reviews
News
Take Action
About Us
search
Become a Member
Donate
Search
All Products A-Z
    Become a Member
    Donate

    Welcome to Consumer Reports.

    We’re so glad to have you as a member. You now have access to benefits that can help you choose right, be safe and stay informed.
    Get Started
    2015
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005

    Buick LaCrosse Change Vehicle

    The LaCrosse is a sophisticated and thoroughly modern sedan. Quiet, roomy and luxurious, it offers responsive handling and a steady ride, qualities not normally associated with past Buicks. However, the cockpit is a bit narrow, the dashboard is busy, and styling restricts visibility and access. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder is mated to a light hybrid system.
    Alerts
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2015
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005

    Buick LaCrosse

    Reliability
    See All
    Owner Satisfaction
    See All
    Crash and Rollover Tests
    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
    IIHS Side Crash Good
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
    See All

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    NA
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    NA
    Reliability Trouble Spots
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
    Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
    View all Reliability
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
    View all Owner Satisfaction
    Safety Equipment
    ABS standard. Front side air bags available, standard from 2010; rear available from 2010. Head protection air bags available from 2005, standard from 2007. ESC available from 2006, standard from 2010.
    Road Test

    The LaCrosse is a sophisticated and thoroughly modern sedan. Quiet, roomy and luxurious, it offers responsive handling and a steady ride, qualities not normally associated with past Buicks. However, the cockpit is a bit narrow, the dashboard is busy, and styling restricts visibility and access.

    The 2.4-liter four-cylinder is mated to a light hybrid system. This has good acceleration, while returning an impressive 26 mpg overall. The refined 3.6-liter V6 is smooth and delivers plenty of power.

    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear
    Drive Wheels
    AWD , Front
    Warranty

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Body Styles
    sedan
    Transmissions Available
    • 6-speed Automatic
    Engines Available
    • 2.4-liter 4 (182 hp)
    • 3.6-liter V6 (304 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Buick LaCrosse owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    What Owners Say

    Backup or other camera/sensors

    “unfocused, fuzzy images”

    Anonymous, SC (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    “On-Star module failed, rendering GPS system inoperative”

    Anonymous, OH (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

    “It works like my Magellan GPS in that it requires a street address for the search and not just a store or other entity name. It doesn't work as well as Google Maps on my phone. So I have to look up the address in Google Maps on my phone, put it in”

    Anonymous, IL (2015 Buick LaCrosse None)

    “dealers "tech" man figured out the problem,”

    Jim D., PA (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Voice control commands

    “Bluetooth navigation commands not understood. Phone connections are patchy or garbled”

    Anonymous, SC (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

    “does not always go to correct voice command number”

    Jim D., PA (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen goes blank

    “Went blank after second HMI module was replaced. Still in service department being investigated”

    Anonymous, CT (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)
    Load more

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine knock or ping

    “Faulty valve”

    Anonymous, IN (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)
    Engine mounts

    “one of the bolts that keep the engine in place broke and the engine was off balance and we could not drive it till the new bolt was put on”

    Anonymous, MD (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)
    Oil leaks

    “Due to head gasket failure”

    W W., KS (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

    Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Power steering pumps and hoses

    “Power steering went out going 70 mph. It was electronic”

    David L., OH (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)
    Shocks or struts

    “Had a broken front strut”

    Scott H., TX (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    “One burned out”

    Anonymous, ME (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)
    Tire pressure monitor

    “in-correct reading”

    Michael-Jan G., MI (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

    What Owners Say

    Rough shifting

    “Hesitation up shifting, 1st to 2nd and 3rd. Hard down shifting”

    Anonymous, NY (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)
    Slipping transmission

    “Hesitation up shifting”

    Anonymous, NY (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    Automatic climate control

    “Blows cold air when outside temp is cold and inside temp is below setting. Especially on bright sunny days”

    Anonymous, PA (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    “Immediately after the phone is paired via bluetooth, the phone contacts will appear. However, when you shut the car off and come back later, it takes at least 4-5 minutes before the contacts load. If you select the contacts before 4-5 minutes, it t”

    Anonymous, IL (2015 Buick LaCrosse None)

    Body Integrity

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Wind noise

    “Loud wind noise at any speed. For a $44,000. car I am disappointed. The doors and windows gaskets/seals should be better”

    Anonymous, MI (2015 Buick LaCrosse Unsure 3.6-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

    What Owners Say

    Head gasket

    “Replaced head gasket under warranty”

    W W., KS (2015 Buick LaCrosse None 3.6-L V6)

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    Power Equipment

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    Change Vehicle