2005 Buick Lacrosse

Above average

Owners filed 315 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the exterior lighting. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
65,000 milesMedian miles at failure

224 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Exterior Lighting65
020
Electrical System59
140
Steering40
203
Air Bags23
301
Service Brakes8
000
Power Train8
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights8
000
Suspension6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip6
000
Structure5
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights15V519000
Filed Aug 14, 2015429,170 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.

Risk. Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.

Electrical System › Ignition14V355000
Filed Jun 23, 20143,141,731 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

Steering09E005000
Filed Feb 17, 2009979 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

Defect. DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Risk. A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Air Bags › Frontal06V417000
Filed Oct 31, 2006794 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.

Risk. IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.

Remedy. BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages05V156000
Filed Apr 20, 200561,594 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CLIP THAT SECURES THE BRAKE PUSHROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIN COULD HAVE BEEN BENT WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED. A BENT CLIP MAY COME OFF, ALLOWING THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD TO SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL.

Risk. PUSHING ON THE PEDAL WILL NOT APPLY THE BRAKES AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD BUSHING AND RETAINING CLIP AND, IF THE CLIP WAS MISSING, A NEW BRAKE PEDAL ARM ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Tires
Filed Aug 13, 2026FL

The contact owns a 2005 Buick LaCrosse equipped with Venom Power Tires, Tire Line: Ragnarok GTS, Tire Size: 235/35/VR20, DOT Number:1WP2CTPWL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver’s side tire became flat. The contact exited the vehicle and became aware that the sidewall of the tire had separated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The tire dealer was not notified of the failure. The tire was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. The VIN was not available.

Electrical System
Filed May 6, 2026FL

Gas. Leaking car smoking and cutting off

Electrical System
Filed Aug 10, 202389,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2005 Buick LaCrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V355000 (Electrical System) and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and the contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the road. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a regular failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jun 28, 202290,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the instrument panel was inoperable. The battery was replaced several times however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the mileage control circuit had malfunctioned. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Steering
Filed Feb 10, 202124,000 milesAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SMART CHEVROLET CADILLAC BUICK GMC (3 SMART DR, WHITE HALL, AR 71602, (870) 543-2200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN HAD DETACHED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09E005000 (STEERING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 21, 2020138,000 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 50MPH AND THE CAR STALLED AND WENT DOWN TO 20MPH AND IT SHUT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO 20MPH ALL THE WAY HOME. MY CAR INSURANCE APP HAS ENGINE ALERTS AND IT STATED IT IS THE THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH 'D'/'E' VOLTAGE CORRELATION. THE THE ALERT STATED IT WAS URGENT BECAUSE IT DECREASES THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND THE ENGINE MAY ENTER LIMP HOME MODE. I WAS VERY LUCKY NO CARS WHERE BEHIND ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 8, 2020AL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ALLOWED OTHER COMPONENTS TO FUNCTION INCLUDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE HEATER, AND THE DOOR LOCKS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED AND WAS CONCERNED THAT THE SYSTEM WAS HACKED. THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY FAILED TO START OR TURN OVER. THE ENGINE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT WAS ONCE LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND ALMOST SUFFERED FROM HEAT EXHAUSTION. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS DISABLED. JEFF KEY MOTORS (2889 US HIGHWAY 431, ANNISTON, AL 36206, (256) 820-0280) WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE AFTER A MONTH OF DIAGNOSING THE VEHICLE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THEIR CUSTODY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DISMISSED THE ISSUE STATING THAT THEY ONLY DEALT WITH NEWER VEHICLES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED LOCKED IN CAR AND ALMOST DIED DUE TO HEAT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 26, 202090,000 milesDC

WITHIN THE LAST FEW YEARS I HAVE NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY, EVERY MONTH OR SO FOR A FEW HOURS TO A DAY. WHILE AT THE DEALER I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT BACK WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I START THE CAR TO MAKE A TRIP TO A STORE OR OTHER DAILY DRIVES. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING TO THE DEALER WITH IT ON. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Sep 22, 2019169,000 milesOH

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON

Air Bags
Filed Aug 28, 2019110,421 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CONKLIN FANGMAN BUICK GMC (LOCATED AT 3200 MAIN ST, KANSAS CITY, MO 64111, (816) 759-0853), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,421.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 1, 2019104,000 milesCT

2005 BUICK LACROSSE AIRBAG LIGHT TENTATIVELY TURNS ON. THIS MODEL HAS AIRBAG RECALL.

Electrical System
Filed May 27, 2019CA

IGNITION IT STARTS AND IT DONT START I SEE RECALL FOR MY YEAR CAN SOMEONE CONTACT ME TO LET ME KNOW IF I NEED TO HAVE RECALL DONE

Electrical System
Filed May 10, 2019150,733 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE ROAD IT WILL "RANDOMLY" SHUT OFF. GIVING NO INDICATION OTHER THEN DIMMING LIGHTS. NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP OR THE GARAGE I WENT TO CAN EXPLAIN IT. THE POWER STEERING DOESNT WORK AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH ON THE HIGHWAY AND TOWN ROADS.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 28, 2018NC

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THOSE ARE

Electrical System
Filed Oct 25, 2018PA

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR EVERYTHING WAS PERFECTLY WORKING.I PARKED FOR THE NIGHT BEHIND MY HOUSE NO PROBLEMS. I WENT TO DRIVE MY CAR THE NEXT MORNING AND ALL OF THE DASH GAUGES AS WELL AS THE REVERSE LIGHTS WERE OUT. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP WITH NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT WAS GOING ON. THE CLUSTER PANEL WAS REPLACED WITH NO LUCK OF THE PROBLEM BEING RESOLVED. FUSES WERE REPLACED ALSO. THIS IS NOT ONLY UPSETTING BUT IT IS ALSO DANGEROUS. I CAN NOT AND DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE OR HOW FAST I AM TRAVELING. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS COME UP BEFORE WITH NO SOLUTION. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 1, 2018100,000 milesIL

MY HEAD LIGHTS WON'T COME ON AND MY AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF ALL DAY LONG WHILE DRIVING.

Power Train
Filed Sep 12, 2018118,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTED ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING. UPDATED 11/20/18*JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 7, 2018MN

MY TCS & ABS LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF. I AM UNABLE TO GET A LOT OF POWER AFTER STOPPING & MY CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE. ??? THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN ALL BUICK LACROSSES. RECALL?????

Air Bags
Filed Jun 14, 2018160,000 milesFL

I BELIEVE MY CAR IS INVOLVED IN THE BUY BACK . I HAVE LEATHER SEATS AND AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ITEMS ARE PLACED ON SEAT. I HAVE TO SMACK THE PASS SEAT BOTTOM THEN A FEW MOMENTS LATER THE LIGHT GOES OFF I WOULD LIKE INFO ON MY CONCERN DUE TO NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 14, 201816,000 milesCA

MY STEERING SEEMS TO BE LOOSE WAY TO MUCH PLAY I'VE TIGHTENED A BOLT ON BOTTOM OF STEERING ARM THING TWICE STILL IS COMING LOOSE DIFFICULT TO STEER ALSO SEEMS TO BE MISSING RUBBER OR DEFECTIVE PRICES .WILL CRASH CAN'T CONTROL CAR .STABILITY CONTROL ISSUES OVER AND OVER ALSO TC. AND AIR BAGS ARE FAULTY.IN MOTION MAJOR STEERING PROB.

20 of 315 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20196200Routine
201812300Routine
201734200Routine
201648220Routine
201544300Routine
201463510Routine
2013129531Fatalities reported
2012206540Above average
2011169410Routine
2010189290Routine
2009106240Routine
2008250260Above average
20072504180Above average
2006299470Above average
2005 — this page315560Above average

Compare every Lacrosse year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 14, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.