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2005 Buick Lacrosse

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Lacrosse years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Buick Lacrosse are substantially higher than the model-year median of 129.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

224 reports with mileage · 91 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 82 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 80 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports6 fire reports3 injury reports

Suspension complaints

13 reports
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16,000 miles · Apr 14, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringSuspension

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 P…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11085091

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

S10- DIRECT REPLY- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING ASSISTANCE WITH A SAFETY RECALL OF A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF. THE DEALER STATED IT WOULD COST $150 TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULE FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE STAL…

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S10- DIRECT REPLY- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING ASSISTANCE WITH A SAFETY RECALL OF A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF. THE DEALER STATED IT WOULD COST $150 TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULE FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE STALLED SLIGHTLY WHEN DRIVING UP A SHORT HILL. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER CONCLUDED THE FENDER WAS RUBBING ON THE TIRE WHEN TURNING LEFT AND THEY SIMPLY RE-POSITIONED THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER. ON ONE OCCASION, WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD A STRANGE NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT WAS DETERMINED, THE POWER STEERING PUMP, TRANSMISSION, WATER PUMP AND ENGINE WERE ALL LEAKING FLUIDS. ALSO, THE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB UPDATED 12/17/15 *JB

NHTSA ODI #10702602

74,499 miles · Mar 24, 2015
Suspension

PREMATURE CORROSION CAUSED REAR STRUT TO FALL OFF AND CUT DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE. REPLACED 1 TIRE, REAR STRUTS, REAR SPRINGS AND REAR SWAY BAR LINKS. MECHANIC SAID THIS FAILURE WAS "UNUSUAL." I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT THIS DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE REPAIRS COST $917.46. THIS EXPENSE WAS COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED. I WASH WINTER …

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PREMATURE CORROSION CAUSED REAR STRUT TO FALL OFF AND CUT DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE. REPLACED 1 TIRE, REAR STRUTS, REAR SPRINGS AND REAR SWAY BAR LINKS. MECHANIC SAID THIS FAILURE WAS "UNUSUAL." I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT THIS DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE REPAIRS COST $917.46. THIS EXPENSE WAS COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED. I WASH WINTER SALT OFF OF THE CAR REGULARLY. PARTS, DESIGN, OR BOTH ARE FLAWED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10701295

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2014
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10630058

80,810 miles · Aug 20, 2014
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension

BROKEN STABILIZER BAR, SWAY BAR LINKS AND BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED.SEVERAL DAYS LATER THERE WAS LEAKAGE UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE OF CAR. AFTER CHECKING FLUIDS ALL SEEMED IN ORDER. BUT LEAKAGE CONTINUED UNTIL I ASSUME FLUID WAS LOW OR OUT. NOW I NOTICE A STEERING WHEEL SQUEAL WHENEVER I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, REGARDLESS OF LOW OR H…

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BROKEN STABILIZER BAR, SWAY BAR LINKS AND BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED.SEVERAL DAYS LATER THERE WAS LEAKAGE UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE OF CAR. AFTER CHECKING FLUIDS ALL SEEMED IN ORDER. BUT LEAKAGE CONTINUED UNTIL I ASSUME FLUID WAS LOW OR OUT. NOW I NOTICE A STEERING WHEEL SQUEAL WHENEVER I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, REGARDLESS OF LOW OR HIGH SPEED. I UNDERSTAND POWER STEERING IS STILL A PROBLEM. WHEN WILL THERE BE A RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626751

65,000 miles · Jul 29, 2014
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE HEARD AS THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A BUMP. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SWAY BAR THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL WAS CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER …

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TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE HEARD AS THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A BUMP. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SWAY BAR THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL WAS CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10617352

84,700 miles · Oct 27, 2013
SteeringSuspension

A CREAKING SOUND WAS NOTICED USUALLY WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL OR IN A CONSTANT STATE TURN MOSTLY AT SPEEDS BELOW 40 MPH. CAR WAS TAKEN TO A GM (BUICK ) DEALER GARAGE AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE RACK AND PINION. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE RACK AND PINION, TIE RODS, POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE AND ALSO RECOMMENDED RE…

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A CREAKING SOUND WAS NOTICED USUALLY WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL OR IN A CONSTANT STATE TURN MOSTLY AT SPEEDS BELOW 40 MPH. CAR WAS TAKEN TO A GM (BUICK ) DEALER GARAGE AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE RACK AND PINION. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE RACK AND PINION, TIE RODS, POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE AND ALSO RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE STRUTS. I TOOK THE CAR TO A GARAGE THAT DOES MD STATE INSPECTIONS TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED AND THEY QUICKLY FOUND THE ISSUE....THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR WAS FATIGUE CRACKED COMPLETELY THROUGH AT THE ATTACH POINT ON ONE END AND ONLY THE BOLT WAS HOLDING IT TOGETHER. THE STABILIZER BAR WAS REPLACED AND THE NOISE WENT AWAY. IF I HAD TAKEN THE GM DEALER'S ADVICE I WOULD HAVE SPENT AT LEAST $1,850 AND STILL HAD THE PROBLEM. THE MECH. AT THE INSPECTION STATION SAYS THAT THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN GM MAKES/MODELS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10549674

57,130 miles · Jan 14, 2013
Suspension

FRONT END OF CAR HAS A SLIGHT SHIMMY,AND TIRES WILL THUMP AT ALL SPEEDS. DEALER DID A FORCE BALANCE,DID NOT HELP. I HAD A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE.THAT HELPED ABOUT 85 PERCENT OF THE PROBLEM BUT STILL HAS A SLIGHT SHIMMY. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE ROTORS OR RIMS.TIRES ARE NEW. NEW WHEEL BEARINGS INSTALLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10492899

22,700 miles · Jan 16, 2010
Suspension

NOISE IN FRONT AREA, PARTS REPLACED FRONT STRUT, STRUT MOUNT, TIE ROD END AND FRONT TIRES, NOISE STILL, MECHANICS MENTIONED THAT "CROSS MEMBER IS CRACKED", CAR ONLY HAVE 22700 MILES, THEY RECOMMENDED TO CHECK IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PART, CAR IS IN AN EXCELLENT CONDITION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10300014

2,000 miles · Dec 31, 2007
SteeringSuspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN WOBBLING EXCESSIVELY AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIRES AND ADJUSTED THE ALIGNMENT. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, THE FAILURES RECURRED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN WOBBLING EXCESSIVELY AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIRES AND ADJUSTED THE ALIGNMENT. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, THE FAILURES RECURRED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,470. UPDATED 01/24/08 *BF UPDATED 01/24/08 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10213286

Official recalls

4

15V519000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Aug 14, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

14V355000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jun 23, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

06V417000 · Air Bags:frontal

Oct 31, 2006

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

05V156000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages

Apr 20, 2005

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.