2006 Buick Lacrosse

Above average

Owners filed 299 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the exterior lighting. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

217 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 78,246 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Exterior Lighting116
111
Electrical System65
332
Air Bags25
505
Steering20
100
Suspension7
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights7
112
Air Bags › Frontal6
102
Unknown or Other4
000
Structure › Body4
000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module4
000

4 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 20, 2026TX

Vehicle rear-ended at high rate of speed. Impact included rollover. Driver was buckled but seatbelt and/or seat failure and no air bag deployment for either occupant. Serious bodily injury occurred. Vehicle on hold pending further police investigation and scene reconstruction by multiple agencies.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 27, 2023OH

So many issues with the Buick. Made of glass. First I had no coolant line and I took it to be inspected before at, Baumen Ford and they said everything was fine with it. Turns out needed new coolant line, head gasket, timing cover, and switch. 5 new tires, rebuilt transmission, epc solenoid, transmission lines, rear pivot, left front wheel barring, formed band, and many many more. Currently with everything replaced and more that I haven’t listed/can’t state because don’t know the term. Already Has costed me 10k. And still have issues, with the APP, code P1125, P2120, P2138, & C0240. Need to inspect these car Models from 2003-2009 as they all have similar issues and nothing has been done.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 1, 2023119,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2006 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the headlights activated, the front driver’s and passenger’s side low-beam headlights intermittently failed to remain illuminated, making it difficult to see the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the HDM headlamp driver module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Sep 13, 202265,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2006 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlamps failed to properly illuminate the roadway. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lightning) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 22, 2022IL

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Nov 17, 2021113,000 milesWV

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and vibrate and the felt like that the front passenger’s side tire was about to detach from the vehicle. The contact slowed down and drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the tie rod and wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the repairs had not been performed by the first independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Sep 22, 2021130,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving the headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 20, 2021CA

In spite of multiple wheel alignments, where all of the wheels are in alignment with each other, this car still pulls sharply to the right. It is noted amongst internet discussion groups that General Motors/Buick has a common problem with a steering sensor/computer interface that causes this steering problem. I have contacted dealerships, along with Buick's California "response team" with no solution. Everybody I've spoken to so far appears to be clueless about this problem which I suspect is not a truthful response from them. The pulling has been going on for approximately 10 years, but my father (the original owner of this car) was already elderly at the time and had difficulty talking with people on the phone because of hearing loss. He let this fester. This is a serious issue because of the consistent pulling that could lead to lane drifting and cause an accident.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 27, 2021NY

Low beam headlights intermittently go out. Work ok one minute, then go dark. Very dangerous. Known issue under GM recall # 14291. The national highway traffic safety administration campaign ID number 15V-519. Problem has been confirmed by West-Herr Dodge in Rochester NY. Per info I have found this does not appear to have been permanently fixed by GM. As such the repair should be done at no charge going forward.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2020VA

AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AT DIFFERENT TIMES. WAS WORKED ON BY DEALERSHIP FOR PROBABLY A YEAR IN ? 2013 AND 2014.

Suspension
Filed Aug 3, 2020130,675 milesOH

THE STABILIZER BAR BROKE AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL HAD 2 LUG BOLTS BREAK AND ALL THE LOTHERS LUG NUTS SPUN OFF. THANK THE LORD THAT THE WHEEL DID NOT COME OFF. I CALLED THE BUICK DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT $259.00 FOR THE STABILIZER BAR THAT'S IF I DIY THE STABILIZER BAR. WHY IF YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. HAVE YOU NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? THIS DIFFERENTLY A SAFETY ISSUE,

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 10, 2020112,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS INOPERABLE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OPERATED AS INTENDED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE HEADLAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLAMPS WERE USED TO SAFELY OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V519000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN HENDRICK CHEVROLET BUICK GMC SOUTHPOINT LOCATED AT (127 KENTINGTON DR, DURHAM, NC 27713), WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 23, 202075,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLES DOOR LOCKS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE HEADLIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF SIMULTANEOUSLY WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED OR BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 19, 2019NY

I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK ABOUT THE STATUS OF A PRIOR COMPLAINT THAT I SUBMITTED AND WAS WRITTEN BACK ONCE ABOUT. MY COMPLAINT READ AS FOLLOWED: 'THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS PERMANENTLY FAIL TO ILLUMINATE. HIGH BEAM HEADLAMPS ARE NOT AFFECTED. GM REFUSES TO INCLUDE THIS VIN IN IT'S RECALL OF BUICK LACROSSE VEHICLES FOR THIS ITEM BUT INCLUDES OTHERS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. THE REPLACEMENT PART AVAILABLE TO THE CONSUMER ONLY REPAIRS THIS ISSUE FOR A SHORT TIME. BUICK IS REQUIRING ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED ON OTHER AUTOMOBILES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL BY TAKING IT TO A DEALER WHERE THE NEW PART IS ONLY AVAILABLE. THE DEALERSHIP IS QUITE EXPENSIVE COMPARE TO MY REGULAR AUTO REPAIR PLACE. I FEEL THAT THE BUICK COMPANY IS ACTING INAPPROPRIATELY IN ONLY COVERING SPECIFIC VIN NUMBERS OF LACROSSE FROM 2006.'

Steering
Filed Nov 6, 2019AZ

NO POWER STEERING PRESENT WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS AND POWER STEERING FLUID KEEPS GETTING LOW. IT MUS BE TOPPED OFF EVERY WEEK..

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 30, 2019121,500 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT NIGHT. THE FAILURE RECURRED IN THE MORNING. FAULKNER BUICK GMC HARRISBURG (2650 PAXTON ST, HARRISBURG, PA 17111, (877) 891-7240) STATED THAT THE SPECIAL WARRANTY COVERAGE EXPIRED IN 2017 AND THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE CONTACT BACK WITH AN ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE LOW BEAMS HEADLIGHTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,500. *PM *TP

Electrical System
Filed Sep 23, 2019159,000 milesVA

LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS TURNED OFF WHILE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING. HIGH-BEAM LIGHTS STILL FUNCTIONAL. WHILE DRIVING, MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD SUDDENLY TURN OFF WITHOUT WARNING, AND I'D HAVE TO USE MY HIGH-BEAMS. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, THEY WOULD COME BACK ON. THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES, BUT NOW THE LOW-BEAMS DON'T COME ON AT ALL. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT MY VIN ISN'T INCLUDED FOR SOME REASON.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 17, 2019MN

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON...I PURCHASED AS IS ..AN DEALER TOLD ME ITBHAS A RECALL

Steering
Filed Jul 24, 2019NC

STEERING PROBLEMS,

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 2, 201956,000 milesNH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE WITHOUT WARNING AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT NIGHT MORE THAN A FEW TIMES AND WAS A DANGER TO THE CONTACT. ALSO, THE "LIGHTS OR ILLUMINATION REQUIRED" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO QUIRK BUICK (1250 S WILLOW ST, MANCHESTER, NH 03103, (603) 263-4900) WHO STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

20 of 299 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
2006 — this page299470Above average
2005315560Above 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.