Problems · NHTSA complaints
2018 Buick Lacrosse problems
Owners filed 12 complaints about the 2018 Buick Lacrosse with NHTSA between Oct 2018 and Nov 2025. The most-cited component is electrical system (5).
Complaints
12
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system5
- Engine4
- Power train3
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Other / unknown1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
1
1
0
1
3
2
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
5 reports
“When I get to a stop sign, and a stop light, when trying to accelerate after a complete stop, the car would struggle to accelerate to go forward. 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. It put me and other drivers at a safety risk because it would roll backwards after taking my foot off the breaks to accelerate where it would almost hit drivers behind me at the stops as well as them almost mistakingly hitting me in the back when my break lights stop reflecting when trying to accelerate at stop lights with traffic. I have had it diagnosed with the recall codes N20231344O GM # 20V668000 NHTSA # 18V576000 18V358000 But the dealships are saying there aren't any recall for the vehicle. This issues is ongoing.”
Engine
4 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated the hand controls were not working properly. While driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. 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 vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who disconnected the hand controls and informed the contact that the controls were operating as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the accelerator pedal position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 15 MPH. The message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the accelerator pedal position sensor needed to be replaced; however, the failure persisted.…”
Power train
3 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Lacrosse. 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. The contact discovered that the START/STOP accumulator endcap bolt had detached, causing transmission fluid to leak onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that in 2021, he detected an abnormal fuel odor coming through the air vents while driving. The brake pedal also stuck while depressed, and the rear brake pads needed to be replaced frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer in 2021 for the fuel odor, and an unknown fuel system part was replaced. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V668000 (Power Train), 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN.…”
Fuel/propulsion system
2 reports
“I have brought my 2018 Buick Lacrosse to two different Buick dealerships who say that even though a special instruction letter was recognized and a recall was observed, because my check light went out and the codes on the car where cleared, they will not fix either recall. 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. I've had it towed on three different occasions and had the battery replaced. Neither dealership will not fix the problem, however.”
Vehicle speed control
2 reports
“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."”
Service brakes, hydraulic
1 report1 related recall
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.