Overview
The 2015 Buick LaCrosse is a full-size sedan that blends quiet comfort with near-luxury features, positioned above most mainstream family sedans but priced below many European and Japanese premium rivals. It’s part of the second-generation LaCrosse (2010–2016), which focused on a smoother ride, a more upscale cabin, and modern tech for daily commuting and road trips. This model is ideal for drivers who want a spacious, refined car with a calm highway feel and available all-wheel drive. In the used market, it’s often cross-shopped with the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, and Lexus ES.
Key Features
1) Engine choices for different priorities: a standard 3.6L V6 (strong acceleration and confident passing power) and an available 2.4L eAssist mild-hybrid four-cylinder aimed at better fuel economy in city driving.
2) Available all-wheel drive (with the V6 on many trims), adding all-weather traction without moving to an SUV.
3) Quiet, comfortable ride quality with a roomy back seat and a large trunk, making it a solid long-distance cruiser.
4) Premium convenience options depending on trim, including heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel on certain packages.
5) Buick IntelliLink infotainment for hands-free calling and audio control, with a cabin design that leans upscale for its class.
Common Issues & Reliability
Shoppers commonly search “2015 Buick LaCrosse problems” and “2015 Buick LaCrosse reliability” because this sedan can be very durable, but a few recurring complaints show up among owners.
1) Infotainment and electronics glitches: Some owners report IntelliLink issues such as freezing, intermittent Bluetooth connection, screen responsiveness problems, or audio cutting out. These can appear at varying mileage, often in the 30,000–80,000 mile range, and may require software updates, module replacement, or troubleshooting of related wiring and battery health.
2) Transmission shift quality concerns (6-speed automatic): While many LaCrosse models shift smoothly, some drivers mention harsh shifts, hesitation, or shuddering, particularly as mileage climbs (commonly reported around 60,000–120,000 miles). In some cases, a transmission fluid service with the correct fluid helps; in others, additional diagnosis may be needed for torque converter or internal wear.
3) Oil consumption and seepage on the 3.6L V6: The 3.6L is generally a strong engine, but owners sometimes report higher-than-expected oil use between changes or minor leaks/seeps from gaskets as the vehicle ages, more noticeable after 80,000+ miles. Staying on top of oil level checks is key to preventing low-oil operation.
4) Suspension and steering wear items: On higher-mileage cars, clunks over bumps, looseness, or uneven tire wear can point to worn struts, sway bar links, control arm bushings, or alignment drift. Many of these are normal wear-and-tear items, but they affect ride quality—the LaCrosse’s biggest selling point—so they’re worth addressing promptly.