DecodedCars2016 Buick LaCrosse
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan I4 FWD, 4dr Sedan V-6 AWD, 4dr Sedan V-6 FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 196.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,757–4,162 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints48 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 141 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Buick LaCrosse is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,757 lb (4dr Sedan I4 FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 35 highway), 7% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 LaCrosse — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 LaCrosse →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan I4 FWD | 196.9 in | 73.2 in | 59.1 in | 111.8 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,757 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr Sedan V-6 AWD | 196.9 in | 73.2 in | 59.1 in | 111.8 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 4,162 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr Sedan V-6 FWD | 196.9 in | 73.2 in | 59.1 in | 111.8 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,896 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaCrosse eAssist Hybrid | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 35 / 28 | +7% | $2,400 | 312 |
| LaCrosse FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -20% | $3,200 | 422 |
| LaCrosse | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -20% | $3,200 | 410 |
| LaCrosse AWD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -24% | $3,350 | 441 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Buick LaCrosse.
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Buick LaCrosse (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 10, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · 40,683 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Sep 8, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · 3,640,162 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Not every 2016 Buick LaCrosse is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Buick LaCrosse buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 11 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Air Bags — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Buick LaCrosse. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other LaCrosse years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 LaCrosse | 29 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 7 |
| 2018 LaCrosse | 29 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 12 |
| 2017 LaCrosse | 25 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 36 |
| 2015 LaCrosse | 28 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 44 |
| 2014 LaCrosse | 28 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 61 |
| 2013 LaCrosse | 29 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 116 |
| 2012 LaCrosse | 28 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 160 |
| 2011 LaCrosse | 23 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 121 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →