IllustrationDT: THE CONSUMERS WIFE IS TOO LIGHT TO ACTIVATE AIR BAG ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HOW TO BYPASS THE SWITCH. THE CONSUMER HAD NO IDEA AT THE TIME HE BOUGHT HIS VEHICLE THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT BE ACTIVATED FOR HIS WIFE. *JB
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Lacrosse years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
530–25K
3725–50K
4150–75K
3175–100K
46100–150K
16150K+
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
What owners actually said
315 reportsDT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. HE CONTACTED NHTSA LAST WEEK COMPLAINING THAT WHILE DRIVING AND LOOKING IN THE SIDE MIRROR THERE IS A NARROW CHROME STRIP ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE UP ONE CAN SEE A REFLECTION. THIS IS A DISTRACTION, AND IF A MOTORCYCLEIS RIGHT IN THAT REFLECTION ONE MAY NOT BE ABL…
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DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. HE CONTACTED NHTSA LAST WEEK COMPLAINING THAT WHILE DRIVING AND LOOKING IN THE SIDE MIRROR THERE IS A NARROW CHROME STRIP ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE UP ONE CAN SEE A REFLECTION. THIS IS A DISTRACTION, AND IF A MOTORCYCLEIS RIGHT IN THAT REFLECTION ONE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SEE IT. *AK
PURCHASED THE CAR IN MARCH OF 05, HAVE HAD IT IN A TOTAL OF 24 DAYS FOR SERVICE, ON ABOUT 10 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE FRONT DOORS LEAKED BADLY IN THE RAIN. THEY HAVE SINCE BEEN ADJUSTED, HAD NEW SEALS PUT IN, BONDO APPLIED AT A BODY SHOP. THEN BUICK REPLACED BOTH DOORS WITH NEW FACTORY DOORS. THESE ALSO LEAKED. THEY WERE ADJUSTE…
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PURCHASED THE CAR IN MARCH OF 05, HAVE HAD IT IN A TOTAL OF 24 DAYS FOR SERVICE, ON ABOUT 10 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE FRONT DOORS LEAKED BADLY IN THE RAIN. THEY HAVE SINCE BEEN ADJUSTED, HAD NEW SEALS PUT IN, BONDO APPLIED AT A BODY SHOP. THEN BUICK REPLACED BOTH DOORS WITH NEW FACTORY DOORS. THESE ALSO LEAKED. THEY WERE ADJUSTED AND BONDO WAS APPLIED TO THE NEW DOORS. THEY REQUIRED MULTIPLE ADJUSTMENTS AS WELL. NOW THE DOORS FEEL LIKE THEY DROP A QUARTER INCH WHEN YOU OPEN THEM AND THERE IS A LOT OF WIND NOISE. *JB
DT: THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEACTIVATING WHEN HIS WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT. THE PASSENGER WEIGHED 121 POUNDS. THE AIR BAG WILL STAY ON AND ACTIVATE WHEN THE OWNER WAS IN THE SEAT WEIGHING ABOUT 50 POUNDS MORE THAN THE PASSENGER. THE OW…
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DT: THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEACTIVATING WHEN HIS WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT. THE PASSENGER WEIGHED 121 POUNDS. THE AIR BAG WILL STAY ON AND ACTIVATE WHEN THE OWNER WAS IN THE SEAT WEIGHING ABOUT 50 POUNDS MORE THAN THE PASSENGER. THE OWNER HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE CHECKED, AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT COULD BE THE MAGNETIC FIELD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND THEY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE MAGNETIC FIELD. THEY COULD NOT HELP EITHER. THE OWNER SAID THAT HE COULD NOT GET LT FIXED BECAUSE THE DEALER INDICATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE OWNER SAID THAT IT WAS A DESIGN PROBLEM AND NO ONE CAN FIX IT. ALL OF THE INFORMATION GIVEN WAS WHAT THE CONSUMER PROVIDED.*AK
DT: NEW BUICK LACROSS; THE CAR WANDERED AROUND THE ROAD. IT WOULD ALL OF A SUDDEN GO TO THE LEFT AND THEN TO THE RIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T HAVE TO BE TURNED IN EITHER OF THOSE DIRECTIONS. *AK *NM
DT: RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE A MONTH AGO ON THE BRAKES. THEY CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER 3 TIMES, AND HE SAID BUICK HAD NO PARTS TO FIX THIS CAR. *AK *TT *SB
DT: CALLER WOULD LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE LENGTH OF TIME IT IS TAKING FOR THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE BRAKES WHICH HAVE BEEN RECALLED. HE HAS RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, CALLED BUICK, AND HAS NOT RECEIVED TIMELY SERVICE. HE SUGGESTS THEY PROVIDE A LOANER CAR FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS WAITING ON REPAIRS. *AK *NM
DT: CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK VEHICLE 2 WEEKS AGO TO GET THE PART FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THAT WAS 2 WEEKS THAT THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WITH UNSAFE BRAKES. ALSO, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CAR WAS MAKING A NOISE ONCE AND IN A WHILE. WHEN BACK OUTVEHICLE MADE THE NOISE. THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED ON MAY 2, A…
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DT: CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK VEHICLE 2 WEEKS AGO TO GET THE PART FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THAT WAS 2 WEEKS THAT THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WITH UNSAFE BRAKES. ALSO, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CAR WAS MAKING A NOISE ONCE AND IN A WHILE. WHEN BACK OUTVEHICLE MADE THE NOISE. THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED ON MAY 2, AND THE DEALER ORDERED THE PARTS. *AK
THE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS AT THE MOMENT TO PERFORM THE SAFETY RECALL ON THE 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. *MR RECALL CAMPAIGN# 05V156000. *SC *JB
BUICK LACROSSE CXL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE ONSTAR SYSTEM. *MR ONSTAR HAD COME ON WHEN THE CONSUMER DID NOT ACTIVATE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE NEXT MORNING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, ON STAR HAD COME ON AND CONTINUED WITH "ONSTAR READY-GOODBYE," AND WOULD NOT STOP EVEN WHEN TURNED OFF. THE CONSUMER WAS INFOR…
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BUICK LACROSSE CXL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE ONSTAR SYSTEM. *MR ONSTAR HAD COME ON WHEN THE CONSUMER DID NOT ACTIVATE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE NEXT MORNING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, ON STAR HAD COME ON AND CONTINUED WITH "ONSTAR READY-GOODBYE," AND WOULD NOT STOP EVEN WHEN TURNED OFF. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A GLITCH. *SC THE CONSUMER RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND ANTOHER VEHICLE WAS ORDERED, HOWVER BEFORE THE CONSUMER COULD EVEN GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT THE ON STAR SYSTEM FAILED ON THAT VEHICLE AS WELL. *JB
Official recalls
415V519000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.