Buick LaCrosse (2005–2019): used buyer's guide and engines

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Buick LaCrosse was Buick's large front-drive sedan, sold for the 2005–2019 model years across three generations. Engines included 3.8L and 3.6L V6s and a 5.3L V8 early on, then 2.4L, 3.0L and 3.6L engines, and finally a 3.6L V6 or a 2.5L eAssist mild hybrid rated by EPA at 25/35/29 mpg.

Type
Full-size sedan, seats 5
Powertrains
LaCrosse 3.6L V6 (2017–2019), LaCrosse 2.5L eAssist (2018–2019), LaCrosse 3.6L V6 (2010–2016), LaCrosse 2.4L eAssist (2012–2016), LaCrosse 3.8L V6 (2005–2009)
Current generation
Third generation, 2017–2019

Buick LaCrosse engines, horsepower and mpg

Other engines in EPA data: a 3.6L V6 (2005), a 5.3L V8 (2009, 16/24/19), a 3.0L V6 (2010, 17/26/20) and a non-hybrid 2.4L (2010, 19/30/23). We did not find Buick-published horsepower figures we could open for LaCrosse engines.

Buick LaCrosse powertrains with manufacturer-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
LaCrosse 3.6L V6 (2017–2019)3.6L V6[1][2][3]——8-speed (2017) / 9-speed (2019) automaticFWD or AWD20/30/242019 MY[2]
LaCrosse 2.5L eAssist (2018–2019)2.5L four-cylinder with eAssist mild hybrid[4][5]——6-speed automaticFWD25/35/292019 MY[5]
LaCrosse 3.6L V6 (2010–2016)3.6L V6[6][7]——6-speed automaticFWD or AWD18/28/212016 MY[7]
LaCrosse 2.4L eAssist (2012–2016)2.4L four-cylinder with eAssist[8][9]——6-speed automaticFWD24/35/282016 MY[9]
LaCrosse 3.8L V6 (2005–2009)3.8L V6[10][11]——4-speed automaticFWD17/28/212009 MY[11]

Output is as rated by the manufacturer; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

LaCrosse eAssist explained

eAssist pairs a four-cylinder with a small electric motor/generator and battery. EPA rated the 2012 2.4L eAssist at 24/35/28 mpg and the 2019 2.5L eAssist at 25/35/29, versus 20/30/24 for the 2019 V6.[8][5][2]

Which LaCrosse to look at

2017–2019 cars are the newest and the most efficient V6s in EPA data. 2010–2016 cars cover the widest engine choice. 2005–2009 cars use older four-speed automatics.[2][7][11]

Recalls to check

2005–2009 cars are covered by the ignition switch recall 14V-355. 2010–2013 cars sold in salt-belt states have rear toe link recalls (20V-764 and extensions). Check the VIN before buying.[17]

Buick LaCrosse generations by year

Every US Buick LaCrosse generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Third generation2017–20193.6L V6 (8- then 9-speed), 2.5L eAssist (2018–2019)EPA lists FWD and AWD V6 models; Buick's legacy page mentions the LaCrosse Avenir.[1][2][5][12]
Second generation2010–20162.4L, 3.0L V6 (2010), 3.6L V6; 2.4L eAssist from 2012; 6-speed automaticEPA lists AWD versions from 2010 and the eAssist model from 2012.[13][6][14][8][7]
First generation2005–20093.8L V6, 3.6L V6, 5.3L V8 (2009); 4-speed automaticThe first LaCrosse; EPA has no LaCrosse listing before 2005.[15][10][16]

Buick LaCrosse problems and recalls

The largest LaCrosse recall is 14V-355: on 2005–2009 models, a heavy key ring or a jolt can move the ignition switch out of Run, shutting off the engine and air bags. Second-generation 2010–2013 cars in salt-belt states have rear toe link corrosion recalls, and 2018–2019 cars a rear brake caliper recall.

Documented Buick LaCrosse issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Ignition switch can move out of Run (recall 14V-355)[18][17]First generation (2005–2009)2005–2009Recall 14V355
Headlamp driver module may overheat (recall 15V-519)[19][17]First generation (2005–2009) – 2006–20092006–2009Recall 15V519
Rear toe links may corrode and fracture (recalls 20V-764, 21V-633, 21V-00F)[20][21][22][17]Second generation (2010–2016) – 2010–20132010–2013Recall 20V764
Power seat height adjuster bolt may fall out (recall 14V-447)[23][17]Second generation (2010–2016) – 2011–20122011–2012Recall 14V447
eAssist generator control module may fail (recall 13V-173)[24][17]Second generation (2010–2016) – 2012–20132012–2013Recall 13V173
Frontal air bags may not deploy during a software test (recalls 16V-651 and 17V-437)[25][26][17]Second generation (2010–2016) – 2014–20162014–2016Recall 16V651
Rear brake rotors may be fitted at the front (recall 14V-240)[27][17]Second generation (2010–2016) – 20142014Recall 14V240
Rear brake caliper pistons may lack coating (recall 18V-576)[28][17]Third generation (2017–2019) – 2018–20192018–2019Recall 18V576

All 10 documented LaCrosse issues and 10 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

More LaCrosse research

See how a LaCrosse was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Buick build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Buick build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Buick LaCrosse sold?

EPA lists the LaCrosse from the 2005 through 2019 model years.

What engines did the LaCrosse have?

3.8L and 3.6L V6s and a 5.3L V8 in 2005–2009; 2.4L, 3.0L and 3.6L engines plus 2.4L eAssist in 2010–2016; and a 3.6L V6 or 2.5L eAssist in 2017–2019.

Was there an AWD LaCrosse?

Yes. EPA lists AWD LaCrosse models from 2010 and AWD 3.6L V6 models through 2019.

What mpg does the LaCrosse eAssist get?

EPA rated the 2019 2.5L eAssist at 25 city, 35 highway and 29 mpg combined.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by the manufacturer for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. EPA fuel economy: 2017 Buick LaCrosse 3.6L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  2. EPA fuel economy: 2019 Buick LaCrosse 3.6L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2019 Buick LaCrosse AWD 3.6L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2018 Buick LaCrosse eAssist 2.5L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. EPA fuel economy: 2019 Buick LaCrosse eAssist 2.5L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. EPA fuel economy: 2010 Buick LaCrosse 3.6L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. EPA fuel economy: 2016 Buick LaCrosse 3.6L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  8. EPA fuel economy: 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist 2.4L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. EPA fuel economy: 2016 Buick LaCrosse eAssist 2.4L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. EPA fuel economy: 2005 Buick LaCrosse 3.8L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. EPA fuel economy: 2009 Buick LaCrosse 3.8L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. Buick legacy vehicles (Encore, Regal, LaCrosse) — Buick (buick.com)
  13. EPA fuel economy: 2010 Buick LaCrosse 3.0L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2010 Buick LaCrosse 2.4L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  15. EPA fuel economy: 2005 Buick LaCrosse 3.6L V6 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  16. EPA fuel economy: 2009 Buick LaCrosse 5.3L V8 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  17. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: LaCrosse — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  18. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 14V-355 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  19. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 15V-519 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  20. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-764 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  21. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 21V-633 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  22. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 21V-00F — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  23. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 14V-447 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  24. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 13V-173 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  25. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 16V-651 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  26. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 17V-437 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  27. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 14V-240 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  28. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 18V-576 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Buick or General Motors. Buick, Avenir and the model names are trademarks of General Motors.