Buick Lacrosse vs Chevrolet Malibu
For 2005–2019 models, the Buick Lacrosse has 29.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 46.4 for the Chevrolet Malibu. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2019), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Buick Lacrosse
29.5 complaints per 10,000 sold
36% fewer than the Chevrolet Malibu
- Complaints
- 1,981
- Sold
- 670,947
- Recall campaigns
- 21
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2006–2009. Fewest: 2014–2015 and 2018–2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 75,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 61,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 48,822 mi
Chevrolet Malibu
46.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.6× the Buick Lacrosse’s rate
- Complaints
- 13,067
- Sold
- 2,816,760
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2007 and 2009–2010. Fewest: 2014–2015 and 2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 76,300 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 101,956 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 89,932 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 66,000 mi
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 105,091 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Buick Lacrosse or the Chevrolet Malibu?
For 2005–2019 models, the Buick Lacrosse has 29.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Chevrolet Malibu has 46.4, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Buick Lacrosse?
The most-reported problem on the Buick Lacrosse is body control and other modules, typically around 70,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Chevrolet Malibu?
The most-reported problem on the Chevrolet Malibu is body control and other modules, typically around 76,300 miles.
Which Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Malibu years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Buick Lacrosse: 2006–2009; Chevrolet Malibu: 2007 and 2009–2010.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.