PROBLEM GUIDE

2010–2016 Buick LaCrosse Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated May 2026

205

complaints filed for the 2012 model year

2010–2016

Model years affected

$200 – $700

Typical repair cost, by problem

Sudden, unpredictable engine shutdowns while driving, often at highway speeds, accompanied by StabiliTrak warnings, leave vehicles frequently taking 15-30 minutes to restart, stranding occupants — the dominant safety concern for this nameplate. Battery drainage and generator control module failures persist even after a recall repair.

Quick Scan: 16 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Sudden, unpredictable engine shutdowns while driving

Vehicles frequently take 15-30 minutes to restart, leaving occupants stranded

Check engine light: On

Sudden, unpredictable engine shutdowns while driving — often at highway speeds — are accompanied by StabiliTrak warnings, with vehicles frequently taking 15-30 minutes to restart, leaving occupants stranded.

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Battery drainage persists even after a recall repair

Generator control module failures cause the car not to restart

Check engine light: On

Battery drainage, charging system malfunctions, and generator control module failures persist even after recall repairs — one owner reports the battery draining within 30 minutes, causing the car to shut off and not restart.

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Rear toe-link recall, extended parts unavailability

A safety-critical defect owners cannot get repaired

Check engine light: On

Rear toe-link failures triggered a delayed recall with extended parts unavailability (2020-2021), leaving owners unable to repair a safety-critical defect.

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Heat-related brake pedal sticking

Dragging brakes and stuck brake lights during summer months

Check engine light: On

Heat-related brake pedal sticking during summer months causes dragging brakes and stuck brake lights.

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Engine-compartment and seat fires

One seat fire traced to a heater-coil ignition

Check engine light: On

Two engine-compartment fires linked to electrical failures, plus a separate seat fire traced to a heater-coil ignition.

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A/C compressor failed a fourth time on a single vehicle

A recurring failure despite repeated replacement

Check engine light: Off

One vehicle's A/C compressor failed for the fourth time.

$450106,552 mi

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Door Lock Mechanism Sticks

The door lock mechanism sticks

Check engine light: Off

The door lock mechanism sticks. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 317 owner reports on file.

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Steering May Develop Clunk Noise From Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft

Steering may develop a clunk noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft

Check engine light: Off

Steering may develop a clunk noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 113 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue

The check engine light comes on due to a gas cap issue

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a gas cap issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 129 owner reports on file.

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High Pressure Power Steering Hose Can Leak Fluid

The high pressure power steering hose can leak fluid

Check engine light: Off

The high pressure power steering hose can leak fluid. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 81 owner reports on file.

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The Check Engine Light With Code: P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0336, and/or P0391

The check engine light comes on with one or more of codes P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0336, and/or P0391

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on with one or more of codes P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0336, and/or P0391. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 52 owner reports on file.

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Buick LaCrosse Recurring Rear Wheel Bearing Failures Leading to Multiple Replacements Under Warranty

Recurring rear wheel bearing failures lead to multiple replacements under warranty

Check engine light: Off

Recurring rear wheel bearing failures lead to multiple replacements under warranty. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 39 owner reports on file.

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Buick LaCrosse Infotainment Screen Black and Backup Camera Issues Including Blurriness and Incorrect Display

The infotainment screen goes black and backup camera issues occur, including blurriness and incorrect display

Check engine light: Off

The infotainment screen goes black and backup camera issues occur, including blurriness and incorrect display. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 25 owner reports on file.

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Contamination of Extended Life Coolant

Contamination of the extended life coolant occurs

Check engine light: Off

Contamination of the extended life coolant occurs. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 15 owner reports on file.

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Buick LaCrosse Passenger Seat Belt Alarm Triggers Randomly With No Occupant

The passenger seat belt alarm triggers randomly with no occupant, potentially due to an item left on the seat

Check engine light: Off

The passenger seat belt alarm triggers randomly with no occupant, potentially due to an item left on the seat. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 14 owner reports on file.

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Buick LaCrosse Power Steering Failure With Dealer Estimate of $3,700 for Electrical Column Issue

Power steering failure occurs with a dealer estimate of $3,700 for an electrical column issue

Check engine light: Off

Power steering failure occurs with a dealer estimate of $3,700 for an electrical column issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 12 owner reports on file.

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Rear toe-link failures triggered a delayed recall (2020-2021) with extended parts unavailability, leaving owners unable to repair a safety-critical defect. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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