Research · Midsize Cars

2017 Buick LacrosseRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 36 owner complaints for the 2017 Buick Lacrosse. Most complaints involve electrical system (11) and power train (9). The EPA rates it 23–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
23–25mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Apr 2017
Owner complaints
36
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (C) is recalling certain 2017 Buick LaCrosse vehicles. The rear suspension toe-links may have been incorrectly installed, and, as a result, they may loosen and disconnect from the rear suspension system.

SuspensionReported Apr 21, 2017NHTSA 17V267000

Steering: electric power assist system

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Buick LaCrosse vehicles. The electrical connectors for the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system may not be properly sealed. As a result, water may enter and corrode the connectors possibly resulting in a loss of power steering.

SteeringReported Feb 23, 2017NHTSA 17V116000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

36 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2016 – Sep 2026
  1. Electrical system11
  2. Power train9
  3. Engine5
  4. Vehicle speed control4
  5. Suspension4
  6. Air bags2
  7. Service brakes1
  8. Steering1
  9. Fuel system, gasoline1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Lacrosse model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2009106
2011169
2012206
2013130
201463
201544
201648
201736
201812
20197
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

11 reports
“The amplifier stopped working and all the sound comes through the amp including but not limited to seatbelt, door ajar, rear seat reminder, blinkers, back up sounds, and any and all sounds that the car my make for any safety features, onstar features, radio, Bluetooth, the list goes on.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2024Electrical systemODI 11602816

Power train

9 reports
“My 2017 Buick LaCrosse Premium AWD (116,220 miles) experienced a severe all-wheel-drive failure causing significant binding and a loud rumbling/clunking noise during sharp, low-speed cornering and acceleration. The vehicle has been officially inspected by two separate authorized manufacturer service centers. On September 25, 2026, a certified GM technician at Advantage Buick GMC formally documented that the vehicle has a prominent rear drivetrain failure, identifying it as a "rear diff or driveshaft issue" that requires full component replacement. Prior to the complete mechanical failure, no warning lights or dashboard indicators illuminated. The binding symptoms appeared suddenly during normal city driving maneuvers. This drivetrain failure directly aligns with documented corporate engineering safety campaigns, specifically Customer Satisfaction Program #16069 (propeller shaft/driveshaft C-clip disengagement defect) and TSB #18-NA-049 (catastrophic twin-clutch carrier assembly failure). The failure of this component poses a severe, immediate driving hazard as a sudden disengagement of the driveshaft or differential lockup at road speeds can result in a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Power train, Unknown or otherODI 11767766

Engine

5 reports
“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that after his wife had parked and turning off the vehicle, moments later the vehicle was restarted and the check engine and TCM warning lights remained illuminated. Additionally, the transmission shifter failed to shift out of park. The vehicle towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 70,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 29, 2023Power train, EngineODI 11562549
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
LaCrosse
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
213125$2,500360
LaCrosse AWD
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive
202923$2,700378
  • LaCrosse
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    21 city · 31 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • LaCrosse AWD
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Buick LaCrosse 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Buick LaCrosse 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 11523Vehicle 11522
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 Lacrosse questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Buick Lacrosse have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2017 Buick Lacrosse problems?

Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (11), power train (9), engine (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Buick Lacrosse get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Buick Lacrosse at 23–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2017 Buick Lacrosse?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Buick Lacrosse 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026