AI Damage2018 Buick Lacrosse: common problems
Owners of the 2018 Buick Lacrosse filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine. The maker issued 633 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 12
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 633
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 42% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 33% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 25% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel/propulsion system 17% of all complaints
- 5 Vehicle speed control 17% of all complaints
- 6 Fuel system 8% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 8% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 5 complaints (42% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 142.
- Engine: 4 complaints (33% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 68.
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 65.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 complaints (17% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 12.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 complaints (17% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 4.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.6 L · petrol · 6 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- 2.5 L · hybrid · 4 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
- automatic, 9-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 12 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 | 142 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 68 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 65 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 12 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 23 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 19 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 210 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 102 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 28 |
| Tires | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 14 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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 3.6 liter engine in my 2018 Buick Lacrosse Avenir only has 53,939 when we experienced a thermostat failure. The engine temperature was dead cold, and the dual electric fans were running non-stop. When I scanned the trouble code, I found PO128 which points to a faulty thermostat.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,428 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 32% least complained about).
On average one model year of the Lacrosse has 21 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 12, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size…
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a…
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced…
This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have…
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions…
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle…
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and…
This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- This Preliminary information communicates a possible issue with an engine timing chain, gear or crankshaft key
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
NHTSA lists 633 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Buick Lacrosse?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine, powertrain. Total complaints: 12. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (25%), loss of power / limp mode (17%), hesitation when accelerating (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 Buick Lacrosse?
NHTSA lists 633 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2018 Buick Lacrosse from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2018 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.