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Buick Lacrosse vs Hyundai Elantra

For 2005–2019 models, the Hyundai Elantra has 24.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 29.5 for the Buick Lacrosse. 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

1.2× the Hyundai Elantra’s rate

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

  1. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 70,000 mi

  2. Wiring harness, grounds and connectors

    Typically around 75,000 mi

  3. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 52,000 mi

  4. Stalling and no-start

    Typically around 61,000 mi

  5. Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim

    Typically around 48,822 mi

Estimate costs for a specific Buick Lacrosse →

Hyundai Elantra

24.5 complaints per 10,000 sold

17% fewer than the Buick Lacrosse

Complaints
6,202
Sold
2,527,042
Recall campaigns
21
Open NHTSA investigations
3

Most complaints: 2010, 2013 and 2017. Fewest: 2005–2006 and 2015. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 78,500 mi

  2. Stalling and no-start

    Typically around 59,850 mi

  3. Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)

    Typically around 80,000 mi

  4. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 45,000 mi

  5. Wiring harness, grounds and connectors

    Typically around 77,000 mi

Estimate costs for a specific Hyundai Elantra →

Common questions

Which has fewer problems, the Buick Lacrosse or the Hyundai Elantra?

For 2005–2019 models, the Hyundai Elantra has 24.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Buick Lacrosse has 29.5, 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 Hyundai Elantra?

The most-reported problem on the Hyundai Elantra is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 78,500 miles.

Which Buick Lacrosse and Hyundai Elantra years have the most complaints?

Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Buick Lacrosse: 2006–2009; Hyundai Elantra: 2010, 2013 and 2017.

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.