Is air bags failed to deploy in a crash a known issue with the 2014 Buick Lacrosse?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about air bags failed to deploy in a crash on the 2014 Buick Lacrosse (2015-08 → 2019-03). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11156983): "REAR ENDED IN AN ACCIDENT & MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY" Source: NHTSA.

Is electrical system dashboard shutdown and window switch a known issue with the 2014 Buick Lacrosse?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about electrical system dashboard shutdown and window switch on the 2014 Buick Lacrosse (2014-10 → 2026-07). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11516624): "The driver’s door window motor burnt out causing the window switch to smoke. The fuse never failed. The car was diagnosed at the dealership. It is at the dealership now awaiting the purchase of repair parts" Source: NHTSA.

Is wheel cracking and tire air loss or tread separation a known issue with the 2014 Buick Lacrosse?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about wheel cracking and tire air loss or tread separation on the 2014 Buick Lacrosse (2015-12 → 2022-11). Reported component: WHEELS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11397959): "VEHICLE HAS 112,000 MILES, ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE TIRES & WAS TOLD THAT THE WHEELS ARE NO GOOD, THE CHROME IS PEELING, THEREFORE WHEN THE OLD TIRES WERE REMOVED, THE CHROME FELL OFF, THEREFOR WHEELS WON'T HOLD AIR!" Source: NHTSA.

Is unintended acceleration despite brake application a known issue with the 2014 Buick Lacrosse?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about unintended acceleration despite brake application on the 2014 Buick Lacrosse (2016-01 → 2019-04). Reported component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11203942): "I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BY SEVERAL CARS ACROSS THE INTERSECTION. I STEPPED HARDER ON THE BRAKE AND MANAGED TO STOP MY VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE WAS REVVING VERY HIGH" Source: NHTSA.

2014 Buick Lacrosse Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is low beam headlight illumination and ballast failure a known issue with the 2014 Buick Lacrosse?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about low beam headlight illumination and ballast failure on the 2014 Buick Lacrosse (2015-02 → 2020-01). Reported component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10788073): "THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS PRODUCED POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING IN THE EVENINGS. THE CONTACT HAD THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ADJUSTED TWICE BY THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is electric power steering failure and rack replacement a known issue with the 2014 Buick Lacrosse?

11 NHTSA complaints have been filed about electric power steering failure and rack replacement on the 2014 Buick Lacrosse (2017-04 → 2025-02). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11640372): "The contact stated that while his wife was driving on the highway at 25 MPH, the “Service Power Steering” message was displayed, and shortly afterward the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became difficult to turn" Source: NHTSA.

The 2014 Buick Lacrosse carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering frontal. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Low beam headlight illumination and ballast failure.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #16V651000 · Aug 9, 2016

Issue: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #17V437000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

Campaign #14V240000 · Aug 5, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Lacrosse vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 31, 2014 and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured February 7, 2014, through March 31, 2014, and equipped with 17 inch front brake rotors. The affected vehicles may have had brake rotors intended for the rear of the car accidentally installed on the front. The rear rotors, while the same diameter, are thinner and may result in a front brake pad detaching from the caliper.

Risk: If a brake pad detaches from caliper, there may be a sudden reduction in braking, lengthening the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake rotors, and install the correct rotors with new brake pads, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14128.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #14V317000 · Dec 6, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick LaCrosse vehicles manufactured April 30, 2013, to September 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a wiring splice in the driver's door may corrode and break, resulting in the absence of an audible chime to notify the driver if the door is opened while the key is in the ignition. Additionally, the Retained Accessory Power (RAP) module may stay active for ten minutes allowing the operation of the passenger windows, rear windows, and sunroof. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention," and 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."

Risk: Without an audible indicator, the driver may not be aware that the driver's door is open while the key is in the ignition, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway. If the passenger windows, rear windows, and sunroof can function when the vehicle is turned off and the driver is not in the vehicle, there is an increased risk of injury if an unsupervised occupant operates the power closures.

Fix: GM will notify owners and dealers will inspect the driver door window motor harness, and replace the electrical splice, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. General Motors number for this recall is 14235.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #14V092000 · Feb 21, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk: If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Buick owners at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC owners at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Buick Lacrosse.

Reported to NHTSA

Low beam headlight illumination and ballast failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2020-01

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS PRODUCED POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING IN THE EVENINGS. THE CONTACT HAD THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ADJUSTED TWICE BY THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10788073

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PROPER LIGHT COVERAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER RAISED THE HEADLIGHTS; HOWEVER, THE DEFECT WAS NOT CORRECTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10701183

“THE CONTACT STATED A BLUE PLASTIC TRIM DETACHED WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT CAUSING THE ILLUMINATION OF THE HEADLIGHT TO BE REDUCED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11297693

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering failure and rack replacement

STEERING

11 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2025-02

“The contact stated that while his wife was driving on the highway at 25 MPH, the “Service Power Steering” message was displayed, and shortly afterward the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became difficult to turn”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640372

“Our steering went out on Interstate 65 while traveling about 70 miles per hour. We were near an exit and I was able to pump my brakes and get off without causing an accident that could have caused a multiple pile-up, injuries and potential deaths”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11427848

“I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY ON THE INTERIOR LANE AT 75 MPH WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN I GOT A AUDIBLE AND VISUAL ALARM INDICATING STEERING FAILURE. I THEN GOT THE SAME FOR STABILTRAK FAILURE. THE STEERING ASSIST WAS OBVIOUSLY GONE IMMEDIATELY AND THE CAR STARTED FLOATING BACK AND FORTH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291501

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failed to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2019-03

“REAR ENDED IN AN ACCIDENT & MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11156983

“ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS STATIONARY. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE STOMACH, LEG, HEAD, AND RIGHT SHOULDER, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10919069

“WHILE PREPARING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10818126

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system dashboard shutdown and window switch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2026-07

“The driver’s door window motor burnt out causing the window switch to smoke. The fuse never failed. The car was diagnosed at the dealership. It is at the dealership now awaiting the purchase of repair parts”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11516624

“AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 8/15/16 THAT MORNING AFTER HANGING UP HANDSFREE CALL WITH WIFE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS ALL DASHBOARD GAUGES WENT BLANK AND CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING ON FRWY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10896782

“DURING DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT @65 MILES PER HOUR IN TRAFFIC THE VEHICLE WILL DROP BATTERY POWER AND DASH BOARD GOES BLANK AND CAR SHUTS OFF AND IN LESS THAN 1 MINUTE ALL ELECTRICAL TO DASH AND ENGINE WILL COME BACK ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10855532

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel cracking and tire air loss or tread separation

WHEELS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2022-11

“VEHICLE HAS 112,000 MILES, ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE TIRES & WAS TOLD THAT THE WHEELS ARE NO GOOD, THE CHROME IS PEELING, THEREFORE WHEN THE OLD TIRES WERE REMOVED, THE CHROME FELL OFF, THEREFOR WHEELS WON'T HOLD AIR!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397959

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR INDICATED A LOW LEFT REAR TIRE. I STOPPED AND ADDED THE NECESSARY AIR AND CONTINUED DRIVING. IN ABOUT 10 MILES THE MONITOR INDICATED THAT THE TIRE WAS LOW AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11102241

“HEARD RUMBLING HIGH PITCH SOUNDS WHICH I FIRST THOUGHT WAS TRANSMISSION, BUT WAS ANTI SKID/ABS COMPUTER ASSISTED BRAKING. CAR PULLED SHARPLY RIGHT, INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED RIGHT TIRE -0- PSI. COMPLETE TIRE FAILURE SIDEWALL & SMOKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10816463

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration despite brake application

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2019-04

“I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BY SEVERAL CARS ACROSS THE INTERSECTION. I STEPPED HARDER ON THE BRAKE AND MANAGED TO STOP MY VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE WAS REVVING VERY HIGH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11203942

“WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11109789

“INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE ACCELERATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED - I.E. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT A STOP SIGN THE ENGINE TACHOMETER INDICATES THAT THE ENGINE IS RUNNING UP TO 2000 RPM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10817557

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

48 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Buick Lacrosse reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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