What 46 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Buick Lacrosse

On June 22,2026, I was involved in a frontal impact collision while traveling at approximately 35 mph. The vehicle suffered a catastrophic failure of the entire occupant restraint system. Despite a severe, high-speed frontal impact, the frontal airbags failed to physically deploy, and the seatbelt pretensioners failed to tighten, leaving the seatbelts completely loose. Crucially, the dashboard instrument cluster displayed a message indicating that an airbag deployment event had occurred. A check of the VIN shows no open recalls, meaning the GM SDM software update (NHTSA Campaign 16V651000) was likely marked as completed by a prior owner. However, the system completely failed to function as designed during a major crash, mimicking the exact symptoms of the original defect. The vehicle is currently held at a private tow yard pending an insurance investigation and an Event Data Recorder (EDR) download.

NHTSA ODI 11745821

While driving down the road goin around 45 mph all of a sudden my steering wheel got so stiff I could hardly steer the car off the road and out of traffic. I didn't hit anything, my power steering just stopped. I put the car into park and turned off the ignition after a few minutes I started it back up and my steering was back to normal. This has happened to me 2 times driving my 2016 Buick Lacrosse Sport. It's Dangerous and Honestly if your not paying attention it can cause a accident.

NHTSA ODI 11736881

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the fuel pump was previously replaced due to the vehicle stalling while driving. The contact stated that the tailgate unintendedly opened while the vehicle was parked and turned off. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while driving from a complete stop, and the vehicle hesitated and shuddered while driving at various speeds. An unknown warning light was illuminated. OnStar was contacted and informed the contact that a DTC for the ABS was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was repaired for ABS failure; however, the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced twice due to the failure. The mechanic advised the contact to get rid of the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ODI 11720665

Trunk lid latch disintegrated, and lid flipped open without warning. Driver vision immediately obscured, leaving trunk contents to be easily dislodged and become hazardous to other motorists; will not secure.

NHTSA ODI 11701648

Cars shudders 20-30 MPH. Started last year, I needed to get my wife for cancer treatments. Basically, shifted the car manually.

NHTSA ODI 11657537

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that occasionally while his wife was driving in rainy or snowy conditions, the check power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after it had stopped raining or snowing, the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that a dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact was informed that a code for 19-NA-182 could be reset, and that there was no failure found with the steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11653907

The contact owns a 2016 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11638093

Diagnostic trouble code P0442. Evaporative emission system leak detected indicated by check engine light on.

NHTSA ODI 11637143

My steering wheel is locking up as I am driving . Very scary and dangerous where my dealership I lease car from (sunset dealership).,Lompoc,CA has found no codes dealing with the situation twice.

NHTSA ODI 11601288

The contact owns a 2016 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure was diagnosed as a glitch, and the Power steering control module (PSCM) software update was performed; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the electric power steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ODI 11587603

I lost power steering while driving 70 mph on a two-lane highway in Wyoming. There were no warnings before the incident, but a Service Power Steering light came on at the same time it quit working. One mechanic shop did a diagnosis on the car. I was told that the Electric Gear Power Steering Motor needs to be replaced along the whole Rack and Pinion that it's attached to has to be replaced because of the way it's designed. I found out that 2,000 of these same model and year of cars had a recall on them for this exact problem, but my car's VIN wasn't included in that recall. After doing thorough research on the internet, I have found that this is a common issue with these cars, and it's obvious that the manufacturer should have included more cars in the recall. I have just turned 77,000 miles on my car, and I have been given a $4,000 estimate to get it repaired. It is completely undrivable at this time.

NHTSA ODI 11562281

While navigating a curve, my power steering quit, nearly causing me to hit an oncoming car in the opposite lane. I stop and search the car for issues but found none. The care returned to normal steering and two days later, I had a vehicle pull out in front of me, while quickly avoiding the other car, my power steering quit working again. Luckily, I was able to overcome the steering but it certainly shocked me. This is a most definite safety concern that must be looked at closer before someone seriously gets hurt.

NHTSA ODI 11553496

See attached document from complainant

NHTSA ODI 11551529

Adaptive cruise control dropped out, taking along with it the ABS (warning light), Stabilitrak (handling system) (warning light), Collision prep (message). Dealer states the ABS computer module failed, now in process of finding a replacement. Meanwhile, the ABS, cruise control, and other systems mentioned here are inoperative. It may well be that this may be considered to be a component failure, not an inherent safety issue but under some driving conditions it is clearly a safety consideration.

NHTSA ODI 11550579

I was driving on a main street. Received Power Steering Fluid message and then steering well locked up. Could not manuever it. Had to pull over to call for assistance, to no avail. The manual states it is a electrical power issue. I've taken this car in numerous of times for various services, specially the "jerking" of the car. I've discovered there was a recall for the Power steering today was announced a few years ago but never gotten a letter to have mine checked. I just recently picked my car up from servicing and there is no notation of needing power steering fluid. I feel like this is a dangerous issue especially if had locked up on the highway!

NHTSA ODI 11536767

control module,left and right rear wheel speed sensors

NHTSA ODI 11531198

This concerns our 2016 Buick LaCrosse. We leased the car late in 2016 for 3-1/2 years, then purchased it including an extended warranty. Two problems occurred. First the fuel supply line to the engine began leaking, leaving a gasoline odor inside the car. We took the car to our dealership and had it repaired. We told the dealership we purchased an extended warranty with the car and were told this repair was not covered! We had to pay ±$471 out of pocket which we don't agree with. The second issue is the Return fuel supply line which let loose when starting the car, (weeks later) spraying gas all over the garage floor. I opened the hood to check the problem and tried starting the engine again. There was a small fire which I extinguished immediately. We had to have the car towed to the dealership to get it repaired a second time for fuel line issues. This time it cost us ±$978 out of pocket to get it fixed. They said again extended warranty did NOT cover this problem. I am told by a GM executive that GM has a separate warranty (10yr) for EPA fuel & emissions compliance that should have covered this situation, yet the dealer charged us for the repairs. I have also heard that NHTSA has a similar regulation which I would like to know more about.

NHTSA ODI 11508086

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the steering wheel locked, almost causing a collision. A message indicating power steering failure was displayed. The Police Department assisted the contact with driving the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact stated upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering responded as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via mail. The failure mileage was approximately 23,098. The contact stated that she paid for the repairs according to the Technical Service Bulletin that applies to her vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11503449

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that when she started her vehicle, the automatic collision unavailable, and oil leak warning message illuminated. The contact stated the warning lights were then unilluminated. The contact stated that the following day while the vehicle was parked and turned on, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated she called a tow truck to tow the vehicle to the local dealer and while she waited she was able to steer the steering wheel; however, she did not feel safe driving the vehicle and it was then towed to a local dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the diagnosis was that the vehicle needed to update the power control module(PCM) software. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact the failure was not covered under the warranty. The failure mileage was 92,968.

NHTSA ODI 11483748

At highway speeds with the Adaptive Cruise Control engaged, the brakes are heavily applied when other vehicles or obstructions are not observed. ACC engaged on controlled access highway no vehicles or obstructions and random hard braking takes place. Vehicle has been taken to the dealer numerous times for this condition and dealer reports no problems.

NHTSA ODI 11483622

Vogue Custom Built Radial VIII Tire size: 235/50/18 While driving on the Highway, I experienced a Tire blowout on my front passenger side of the vehicle that also led to vehicle damage. I have pictures of the tire post blowout with a gaping hole in the middle of the tire and the tread completely fallen off. This Incident put my life and others at risk as I was forced to pull my vehicle to the side border of the highway to avoid incoming traffic. This Incident occurred 7 months after I had my tires serviced at my local tire shop where they verified that 2 of the 4 tires were experiencing splitting on the sidewall and tread. I got those 2 tires replaced with the same vogue tires and they were moved to the back of the vehicle. The other 2 tires were ok to drive on. This background information highlights what I believe is a manufacturer's defect with the tendency that these Vogue tires have to split and deteriorate. I believe that the front passenger tire that blew out on the highway, likely experienced the same effects that required me to replace 2 of the tires just 7 months ago. These tires are dangerous for anyone to drive on due to this manufacturer's defect. They have less than 60,000 miles of mileage on them, they were properly inflated, and I did not receive any vehicle warning signs or see any indicators on the exterior of the tire. I am also a person that services their vehicle routinely. My hope is to help others avoid the risks that come with these tires which could have cost myself and others their lives.

NHTSA ODI 11472742

When braking from 50 mph or 40 mph coming to a stop my car jerks and it’s very hard to stop it uncomfortable hesitation, Jerk, or lurch. Almost caused accident twice where I couldn’t stop the vehicle this is very unsafe for me and my family also transmission downshifts and up shifts are really hard in this vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11463473

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that upon reversing, he noticed that the steering wheel had lost power steering functionality. The “Power Steering Failure” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to forcefully steer the steering wheel and drove to his residence that was not too far away. The contact stated that the next day, he restarted the vehicle and he noticed that the vehicle had regained power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering control module had failed. The dealer reprogrammed the power steering control module. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V116000 (Steering) however, the vehicle year was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ODI 11447131

The right side power mirror changes position by itself, it only seems to occur when starting vehicle. It will change even if the correct position is entered into the memory. It happens numerous times in a day or not at all. And I took it in for service, the dealer said there is nothing wrong, we cannot duplicate the issue. So they could not fix it.

NHTSA ODI 11435336

THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER MIRROR CHANGES POSITION BY ITSELF. ALSO WHEN I HIT A BAD BUMP OR POTHOLE THE DOORS UNLOCK

NHTSA ODI 11407860