Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Buick Lacrosse
The 2014 Buick LaCrosse has several recalls and complaints, focusing on electrical system issues, airbag reliability, and brake functionality. These concerns should be carefully checked, as they may lead to safety hazards. Always verify the recall history and ensure any necessary repairs have been completed before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Buick Lacrosse has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 63 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #17V437000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V651000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V317000 Wire Splice may Corrode and Break/FMVSS 114, 118 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V240000 Incorrect Brake Rotors may be Installed NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V092000 Broken Transmission Adjuster Cable/FMVSS 102/114 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 14 complaints
- Steering 12 complaints
- Unknown or Other 9 complaints
- Air Bags 8 complaints
- Service Brakes 6 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 5 complaints
Of the 63 complaints on file, 7 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 63 complaints, owners report 4 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Driver's door wiring corrosion
How to check: Inspect the driver's door wiring for corrosion or damage.
Incorrect front brake rotors
How to check: Check rotor size on front brakes; verify with GM specs.
Shift cable adjuster disengagement
How to check: Ensure shift lever operates smoothly without detachment.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any abnormal engine noises or warnings.
Red flag: Loud or unusual noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for stable idle RPM and no warning lights.
Red flag: Flashing warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Observe brake responsiveness and smooth operation.
Red flag: Soft or grinding brakes
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth gear shifting and acceleration.
Red flag: Jerky or failed gear shifts
- 05
Hard braking
What to check: Brake firmly to test response and stability.
Red flag: Vibration or pulling to one side
- 06
Tight turns
What to check: Listen and feel for steering issues during turns.
Red flag: Steering stiffness or noise
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any persistent electrical issues or warnings?
- Have the brake rotors been checked or replaced?
- Were there any transmission cable repairs?
- Is there a history of steering problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty extension papers
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Buick Lacrosse at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Buick Lacrosse? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.