Is the 2018 Buick LaCrosse reliable?

It’s generally considered a solid, comfortable full-size sedan with good long-distance manners, but reliability can hinge on keeping electronics, battery health, and transmission operation in check.

What are the most common 2018 Buick LaCrosse problems?

Common issues include infotainment bugs (freezing or Bluetooth drops), intermittent electrical or sensor warnings, and occasional 8-speed transmission shift quality complaints.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2018 Buick LaCrosse?

Costs are typically moderate for the class; routine items are straightforward, but repairs can become pricier if infotainment modules, sensors, or transmission-related concerns need attention.

What are the best years to buy for a Buick LaCrosse?

Many shoppers focus on the third generation (2017–2019) for the redesign’s updated tech and driving refinement, and often look for well-documented service history and any completed software updates.

What should I check before buying a used 2018 Buick LaCrosse?

Verify smooth transmission behavior on a long test drive, confirm all infotainment and driver-assist features work consistently, scan for stored trouble codes, and review maintenance records (especially battery, software updates, and fluid services). For deeper details, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim breakdowns, and the recommended maintenance schedules for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2018 Buick LaCrosse Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

88/ 100

LOW RISK

Grade: A-

A supremely comfortable and mechanically sound sedan, requiring attention to its occasional electronic and climate control annoyances.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Should You Buy the 2018 Buick LaCrosse?

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse stands out as a remarkably robust and comfortable full-size sedan, representing a safe bet for buyers prioritizing refinement and a quiet ride. While no vehicle is flawless, this generation of LaCrosse offers a reliably smooth ownership experience, provided you're mindful of its minor electrical and HVAC quirks. This is a car you can buy with genuine confidence, knowing major mechanical issues are generally rare.

Biggest Strengths

Smooth, quiet ride quality
Generally strong and reliable V6 engine
Comfortable and spacious interior

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2018 Buick LaCrosse. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Infotainment Systemminor

HVAC Blend Door Actuatorsmoderate

Front Suspension Bushingsmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

What breaks on the 2018 Buick LaCrosse?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Buick LaCrosse by Year

Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Buick LaCrosse. Click any year for its full report.

All Buick LaCrosse years ranked →Buick LaCrosse years to avoid →Buick LaCrosse common problems →

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Frequently Asked Questions

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