2018 Buick LaCrosse

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse is a full-size sedan that offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior. Available engine options included a 2.5L inline-4 with eAssist (mild hybrid), a 3.6L V6, and a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4. The 3.6L V6 produced 310 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque and was paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. People generally liked the LaCrosse for its quiet cabin, smooth ride, and user-friendly infotainment system. Common dislikes included somewhat bland styling and less engaging handling compared to some competitors.

Engine

3.6L V6

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warning lights and potential engine damage if the oil level is not maintained.
  • Solution: In some cases, GM issued updated valve cover and PCV systems to address the oil consumption. Repairing the engine can be costly, and may require replacing piston rings or other internal components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+ depending on the extent of the damage and repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Failed fuel injectors can cause rough idling, misfires, poor fuel economy, and illuminated check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per injector, depending on labor costs and if one or more injectors need replacing.
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Inline-4 eAssist

• No Issues Found

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• No Issues Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic (Paired with 3.6L V6)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing harsh or erratic shifting, particularly during low-speed operation. Hesitation when accelerating from a stop or during gear changes has also been reported.
  • Solution: Software updates to the transmission control module (TCM) may improve shifting performance. In some cases, replacing the valve body or other internal components might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+ for software update; $800 - $2,500+ for valve body replacement or other internal repairs.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic (Paired with 2.5L Inline-4 eAssist and 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4)

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Magneride Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Magneride system uses electronically controlled dampers to adjust the suspension in real time. When they fail the ride quality can be diminished and become bouncy. Warning lights may appear in the dashboard. Leaking fluid from the struts may also be apparent.
  • Solution: Replacement of the damaged strut
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per strut depending on labor costs and if one or more struts need replacing.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, including freezing, slow response times, and connectivity issues with Bluetooth devices. The screen may also go blank or become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve these issues. In more severe cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for software update (if available); $500 - $1,500+ for infotainment unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the car battery draining prematurely, even when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Solution: Identifying and addressing the source of the parasitic drain. This could involve replacing a faulty module or fixing a wiring issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings.
  • Solution: Removing the headlight and resealing them. Some owners may choose to replace the headlights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ for resealing; $300 - $1,000+ for headlight replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may leak, get stuck, or make excessive noise when opening or closing.
  • Solution: Lubricating the sunroof tracks and seals. In some cases, the sunroof motor or other components may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ for lubrication/adjustment; $300 - $1,000+ for motor or component replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse can have several issues, with the most notable being engine oil consumption, transmission shifting problems, infotainment glitches, and sunroof malfunctions. The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely, from relatively minor software updates to more extensive engine or transmission repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these common complaints and consider having a thorough inspection performed before purchasing a used 2018 LaCrosse.