What are the most common Buick LaCrosse problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Buick LaCrosse has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Wear, LaCrosse 3.6L LLT/LFX Timing Chain Stretch, eAssist 12V Battery Drain and "Service Battery Charging System" Warnings. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick LaCrosse reliable?
The 2012 Buick LaCrosse has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Wear and LaCrosse 3.6L LLT/LFX Timing Chain Stretch and eAssist 12V Battery Drain and "Service Battery Charging System" Warnings. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Buick LaCrosse problems?
Repair costs for known Buick LaCrosse issues range from $150 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Wear, typically costs $1,500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Wear?
The GM 3.6L V6 (LY7/LLT, and to a lesser extent the early LFX) used in the second-generation LaCrosse is prone to premature timing chain wear and stretch, especially on pre-2012 engines. Worn chains throw off cam-to-crank correlation, setting timing codes and, if neglected, can c… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2016 Buick LaCrosse LaCrosse 3.6L LLT/LFX Timing Chain Stretch?
The GM 3.6L LLT (2007-2011) and LFX (2012+) "High Feature" V6 in LaCrosse, Enclave, Acadia, Traverse, CTS, Cadillac SRX, and many others suffers timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-150,000 miles. Root cause is oil-related — original OLM intervals (up to 12,000 miles) st… Repairs typically run $2,000-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2012-2016 Buick LaCrosse eAssist 12V Battery Drain and "Service Battery Charging System" Warnings?
LaCrosse models equipped with the eAssist mild-hybrid system suffer recurring charging and 12V battery problems tied to the Generator Control Module and the hybrid battery energy control module. Owners report parasitic battery drain, no-start conditions, and "Service Battery Char… Repairs typically run $500-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2014 Buick LaCrosse HVAC Blower Motor and Climate Control Module Failures?
Across LaCrosse generations the HVAC blower motor (and on some 3800-era cars the blower resistor) commonly fails as the car ages, causing intermittent or no airflow. Additionally, a software fault in the electronic climate control (ECC) module can disable the ability to adjust HV… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.
