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Buick LaCrosse VIN Number Check

Run a free NHTSA vPIC decode on a Buick LaCrosse VIN to confirm the model year and engine, then see which of the 24 NHTSA recall campaigns for 2005–2019 cover that year.

VIN prefix2G41G4

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Vinny, the VinNumber key mascot
Buick LaCrosse

About the Buick LaCrosse

Buick sold the LaCrosse in the US for model years 2005–2019. Across those years NHTSA lists 24 vehicle recall campaigns and 2,122 owner complaints. The 2005 has the most complaints of any model year (315). EPA rates it at 19–29 mpg combined. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2005–2019
EPA classMidsize Cars
NHTSA recall campaigns24
Owner complaints2,122 at NHTSA
Buick LaCrosse photographed at a US vehicle auction
Auction lot photo, for illustration
Generations

Buick LaCrosse at a glance

One generation in the data, 2005–2019: 24 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,122 owner complaints.

1 / 1
LaCrosse
2005–2019Midsize Cars
Buick LaCrosse (2005–2019)

Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

2005201020152019
2005–2019

Buick LaCrosse

EPA classMidsize Cars
EPA combined mpg19–29
NHTSA recalls24

Engines (EPA)

  • 3.6 L 6-cyl · 2005–2008, 2010–2019
  • 3.8 L 6-cyl · 2005–2009
  • 5.3 L 8-cyl · 2008–2009
  • 2.4 L 4-cyl · 2010–2011
  • 3.0 L 6-cyl · 2010
  • 2.4 L 4-cyl (hybrid) · 2012–2016
  • 2.5 L 4-cyl (hybrid) · 2018
  • 2.5 L 4-cyl (mild hybrid) · 2019

Drive & transmission (EPA)

  • AWD/4WD, FWD
  • automatic (2005–2019), CVT (2012)

Known issues to check

Electrical system (596)Exterior lighting (482)Air bags (249)4 high-risk recall campaigns

Mentions in 2,122 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · LaCrosse2G4WD582?81······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2008 Buick LaCrosse CXL, built in Oshawa #2 (Ost), Ontario
Check a LaCrosse VIN

Sources: EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which LaCrosse model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 24 campaigns on file for LaCrosse model years 2005–2019, and the 2012, 2013 and 2014 show up in the most (5 each). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

2014
Air bag inflator, fire risk or do-not-drive/park-outside advisorySafety recall
Pick a row
What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Transport Canada recalls for these model years were checked against this list; each one matches an NHTSA campaign shown here. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Buick LaCrosse owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2005 (315 of 2,122). Tap any bar or generation.

2,122NHTSA complaints, 2005–2019
99mention a crash
61mention a fire
71injuries reported
Owner complaints by model yearLaCrosse: 2,122 complaints · most for the 2005 (315)

Top complaint areas · LaCrosse

Mentions in 2,122 complaints, 2005–2019.

Electrical system596
Exterior lighting482
Air bags249
Engine and cooling230
Steering227
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)140
Crashes 99Fires 61Injuries 71

2005–2019

NHTSA data summary

The 2005 is the outlier. On its own it has 315 of the ’s 2,122 complaints (15%), more than any other LaCrosse model year, and owners across the generation name electrical system most often (596 mentions), then exterior lighting (482).

What LaCrosse owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2010–2016 (2nd generation)

The 2010 to 2012 models draw the most complaints. NHTSA owners of the 2012 most often describe stalling, steering and suspension concerns and battery trouble. CarComplaints lists stalling, transmission slipping and hard starting for 2010, drifting to the left and engine failure for 2011, and dying while driving and high engine speed for 2012. Recalls cover rear toe links on 2010–2013 models in salt states that may corrode and break, eAssist generator control modules on 2012–2013 models that may drain the battery and seat height adjuster bolts on 2011–2012 models. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

What to check before buying

  • Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the rear toe link recall on 2010 to 2013 models and the eAssist recall.
  • Look under the rear of the car for corroded suspension links.
  • On the drive, feel for stalling or slipping shifts, check that the car tracks straight and watch for battery or charging warnings.
Sources (5) and method
Sources:
  1. NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, 2012 Buick LaCrosse
  2. CarComplaints.com, 2012 Buick LaCrosse problems
  3. NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  4. CarComplaints.com, 2010 Buick LaCrosse problems
  5. CarComplaints.com, 2011 Buick LaCrosse problems

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner complaints · by model year

LaCrosse complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid LaCrosse versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

2,122complaints, 2005–2019
99mention a crash
61mention a fire
71injuries reported
1complaint reports a death
Most complaints: 2005 (315), 2006 (299), 2007 (250)
315’05299’06250’07’10’15

2005 · 315 complaints

Crashes 7 · fires 6 · injuries 4

Exterior lighting82
Electrical system80
Steering51
Air bags34
Service brakes34

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

LaCrosse CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 46 LaCrosse versions for model years 2005–2019 (gas and hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 306 g/mi, for the 2018 hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

LaCrosse2005–2019

19–29 mpg · CO₂ 306–468 g/mi

2019
24combined MPG
374CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)
$2,800EPA yearly fuel cost
5/10Smog rating
1 = worst · 10 = cleanest
5/10Greenhouse gas rating
California LEV-III ULEV70 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 70Emission standard
Cleanest gas version of 2019: LaCrosse · Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.6 L — 24 MPG · 374 g/mi
Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year
2503504505506502005201020152005 · Gas: 4232006 · Gas: 4232007 · Gas: 4232008 · Gas: 4232009 · Gas: 4232010 · Gas: 3862011 · Gas: 3862012 · Gas: 4232013 · Gas: 4322014 · Gas: 4172015 · Gas: 4192016 · Gas: 4102017 · Gas: 3602018 · Gas: 3672019 · Gas: 3742012 · Hybrid: 3172013 · Hybrid: 3122014 · Hybrid: 3122015 · Hybrid: 3142016 · Hybrid: 3122018 · Hybrid: 3062019 · Hybrid: 308
GasHybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

LaCrosse vs Toyota Avalon vs Chevrolet Impala

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2005–2019. NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns for the LaCrosse, against 27 for the Toyota Avalon and 21 for the Chevrolet Impala. Pick a range to compare.

Buick LaCrosse

Model years 2005–2019

NHTSA recall campaigns
24
NHTSA owner complaints
2,122
EPA combined mpg
19–29
Engines (EPA)
4-cyl 2.4, 2.5 L · 6-cyl 3.0, 3.6, 3.8 L · 8-cyl 5.3 L
Also listed
hybrid, mild hybrid
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating
5★ overall (2019)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

  1. Electrical system 596
  2. Exterior lighting 482
  3. Air bags 249

Toyota Avalon

Model years 2005–2019

NHTSA recall campaigns
27
NHTSA owner complaints
1,915
EPA combined mpg
22–44
Engines (EPA)
4-cyl 2.5 L · 6-cyl 3.5 L
Also listed
hybrid
Drive (EPA)
FWD
NHTSA crash rating
5★ overall (2019)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

  1. Speed control / acceleration 402
  2. Exterior lighting 260
  3. Electrical system 196

Chevrolet Impala

Model years 2005–2019

NHTSA recall campaigns
21
NHTSA owner complaints
6,140
EPA combined mpg
19–28
Engines (EPA)
4-cyl 2.4, 2.5 L · 6-cyl 3.4–3.9 L · 8-cyl 5.3 L
Also listed
supercharged, hybrid
Drive (EPA)
FWD
NHTSA crash rating
5★ overall (2019)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

  1. Electrical system 1,768
  2. Engine and cooling 981
  3. Steering 839

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Buick LaCrosse VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a LaCrosse

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Grey Buick LaCrosse (third generation) sedan, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The LaCrosse was discontinued after 2019. Its VIN appears at the base of the driver's side windshield, on the door jamb sticker, and inside the trunk lid. Engine bay stamp is present.

  1. Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
    Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
  2. Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
    Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge
The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.
FAQ

Common Buick LaCrosse VIN questions

Which Buick LaCrosse model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2005 leads with 315, ahead of the 2006 (299) and 2007 (250). Those first two alone make up 29% of the 2,122 LaCrosse complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Buick LaCrosse had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 24 vehicle campaigns for model years 2005–2019, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns.

Which Buick LaCrosse recalls are high risk?

NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 06V-419, 13V-173, 18V-358 and 20V-668. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

What fuel economy does the Buick LaCrosse get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2005–2019 LaCrosse at 19–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Buick LaCrosse compare with the Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala on recalls?

For 2005–2019 models the LaCrosse has 24 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Toyota Avalon has 27, the Chevrolet Impala 21. Complaints run 2,122, 1,915 and 6,140 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Buick LaCrosse have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 LaCrosse 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, FWD and AWD, get that score.

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