DecodedCars2017 Buick LaCrosse
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD, 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 21 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 197.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,598–3,838 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints36 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 106 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is a midsize car offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,838 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 31 highway), 7% worse than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2017
- New body dimensions: 0.7 in longer, wheelbase +2.8 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- No hybrid version any more
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 28 to 25
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 LaCrosse →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 197.6 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 114.6 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,838 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD | 197.6 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 114.6 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,598 lb | 59/41 |
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 | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | -7% | $2,700 | 360 |
| LaCrosse AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -14% | $2,900 | 378 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Buick LaCrosse 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.9% |
| 2017 Buick LaCrosse 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.9% |
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Buick LaCrosse (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2017 Ford Mustang | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Suspension › Rear · Apr 21, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V267000 · 11,246 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (C) is recalling certain 2017 Buick LaCrosse vehicles. The rear suspension toe-links may have been incorrectly installed, and, as a result, they may loosen and disconnect from the rear suspension system.
- Risk
- If a rear-suspension toe-link disconnects, it may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right rear suspension toe-link assemblies, correcting their installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 25, 2017. Owners may contact Buick's customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 17168.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Feb 23, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V116000 · 2,085 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Buick LaCrosse vehicles. The electrical connectors for the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system may not be properly sealed. As a result, water may enter and corrode the connectors possibly resulting in a loss of power steering.
- Risk
- A loss of power steering may result in increased manual steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect correct the seal seating and secure the EPS connector seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 17085.
Not every 2017 Buick LaCrosse is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Buick LaCrosse buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 16,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 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 |
| 2016 LaCrosse | 28 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 48 |
| 2015 LaCrosse | 28 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 44 |
| 2014 LaCrosse | 28 | 196.9 in | ★★★★★ | 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 →