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2006 Buick Lacrosse

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Lacrosse years

Owner complaints for the 2006 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

218 reports with mileage · 81 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 156 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports7 fire reports12 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

83 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2023
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceVehicle Speed Control

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11557083

159,000 miles · Sep 23, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

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 RECAL…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11257312

120,800 miles · May 21, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

HELLO, MY 2006 BUICK LACROSSE REGULAR BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEPS GOING OUT DUE TO THE WIRING GETTING HOT FOR SOME REASON. NO AFTERMARKET HIGHLIGHTS OR BULBS BEEN ADDED. THE WIRING IS MELTING COMPLETELY. YOU CAN SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I'M ALSO EXPERIENCING MY ENTIRE DASH GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING FOR 2-SECONDS THEN…

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HELLO, MY 2006 BUICK LACROSSE REGULAR BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEPS GOING OUT DUE TO THE WIRING GETTING HOT FOR SOME REASON. NO AFTERMARKET HIGHLIGHTS OR BULBS BEEN ADDED. THE WIRING IS MELTING COMPLETELY. YOU CAN SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I'M ALSO EXPERIENCING MY ENTIRE DASH GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING FOR 2-SECONDS THEN COMES BACK ON, I'M NOT SURE IF THE WIRING THAT'S SHORTING OUT FROM MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AFTER BURNING IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE OR NOT SINCE THE WIRES BEGINS TO TOUCH AFTER THE WIRE COVERING IS BURNED. I CONTACTED BUICK THE MANUFACTURE, AND THEY ARE GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND ASKING ME QUESTIONS THAT DOESN'T EVEN PERTAIN TO THE ISSUES AT HAND, LIKE WHEN WAS YOUR LAST OIL CHANGE? THIS ISSUE WITH THE HEADLIGHTS IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE A FIRE AND PREVENT VISIBILITY FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS TO SEE ME AT NIGHT, PLUSH GETTING A TICKET FROM THE POLICE FOR HAVING NO HEADLIGHTS. THIS SHOULD BECOME A RECALL ISSUE IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11208931

36,000 miles · Apr 30, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemCrashInjury

RECALL IN 2014 RE: IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE OF MORE THAN ONE KEY ON KEYRING IN IGNITION. WEIGHT WOULD CAUSE CAR TO SHUTDOWN(TURN OFF IGNITION) IN A CRASH THUS NOT ALLOWING AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. RECALL STARTED IN 2014. DID NOT OWN THE CAR UNTIL 2017. WAS NOT AWARE OF RECALL. SON WAS INJURED IN CRASH OF SUCH VEHICLE ON 2/16/19. HIT A …

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RECALL IN 2014 RE: IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE OF MORE THAN ONE KEY ON KEYRING IN IGNITION. WEIGHT WOULD CAUSE CAR TO SHUTDOWN(TURN OFF IGNITION) IN A CRASH THUS NOT ALLOWING AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. RECALL STARTED IN 2014. DID NOT OWN THE CAR UNTIL 2017. WAS NOT AWARE OF RECALL. SON WAS INJURED IN CRASH OF SUCH VEHICLE ON 2/16/19. HIT A TELEPHONE POLE AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH. FRONT NOR SIDE CURTAINS DID NOT DEPLOY RESULTING IN SEVERE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY TO BRAIN STEM. WAS IN COMA FOR 6 DAYS. 10 WEEKS IN ICU AND REHAB. IS IMPAIRED NOW EFFECTS WALKING , SPEECH, ADL SKILLS, MEMORY. WILL NEED LONG TERM CARE.WS TRAVELING G ON A RURAL ROAD, HIT PATCH OF BLACK ICE, O ERCORRECTED AND SLID ACROSS ROAD HITTING UTILITY POLE AT 60-70 MPH.. NEEDED TO BE EXTRICATED FROM VEHICLE, UNCONSCIOUS VICIOUS, WAS WEARING SEATBELT. *DT VIN NOT AVAILABLE.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11204646

106,000 miles · Apr 15, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM, HIGH BEAM, DAY TIME RUNNING LAMPS, AND EMERGENCY/HAZARD LIGHTING FAILED TO FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE THAN TWICE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE LIGHTS WOULD OPERATE PROPERLY DURING THE EVENING HOURS. JOHN JONES AUTO GROUP…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM, HIGH BEAM, DAY TIME RUNNING LAMPS, AND EMERGENCY/HAZARD LIGHTING FAILED TO FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE THAN TWICE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE LIGHTS WOULD OPERATE PROPERLY DURING THE EVENING HOURS. JOHN JONES AUTO GROUP CORYDON (1735 GARDNER LN NW, CORYDON, IN 47112, (812) 722-4146) INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER RECALL AND HAD NOT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11196520

180,000 miles · Mar 22, 2019
Electrical System

DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK AND WILL NOT OPEN. IT WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE LOCK BUTTON OR WITH THE KEY. I HAVE TO CLIMB OVER THE PASSENGER SEAT TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. I LOOKED THE PROBLEM UP ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN SINCE I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF …

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DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK AND WILL NOT OPEN. IT WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE LOCK BUTTON OR WITH THE KEY. I HAVE TO CLIMB OVER THE PASSENGER SEAT TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. I LOOKED THE PROBLEM UP ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN SINCE I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #11190993

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

EVERY TIME I GET IN THE CAR THE LIGHTS WON'T STAY ON. I CHANGE THE BULBS AND IT STILL DOING THE SAME THING. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION IS ACTING UP TO.

NHTSA ODI #11173759

Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2019
Electrical System

WHEN CAR IS OFF, THE HEADLIGHTS COME ON RANDOMLY THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND NIGHT. THIS IS DRAINING THE BATTERY AND THE CAR IS UNABLE TO START. CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2016 AND THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING RANDOMLY FOR 2 YEARS.

NHTSA ODI #11170055

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE AREA THAT I LIVE IS RURAL AND BACK ROADS DO NOT HAVE STREET LIGHTS. WHILE THE BRIGHTS WERE WORKING, THAT ALSO CREATED A HAZARDOUS CONDITION, AS THE BRIGHTS COULD TEMPORARILY BLIND AN ONCOMING DRIVER, ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS ON NARROW 2 LANE ROADS. THE CAR WAS TAKEN T…

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WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE AREA THAT I LIVE IS RURAL AND BACK ROADS DO NOT HAVE STREET LIGHTS. WHILE THE BRIGHTS WERE WORKING, THAT ALSO CREATED A HAZARDOUS CONDITION, AS THE BRIGHTS COULD TEMPORARILY BLIND AN ONCOMING DRIVER, ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS ON NARROW 2 LANE ROADS. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO ART MORAN BUICK DEALERSHIP AND I PAID OVER $300.00 TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT MODULE. I WAS TOLD THAT GM ONLY COVERED THIS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE TO 12 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES. THIS HAPPENED SIX MONTHS PAST THAT DATE. THE CAR HAS 98,300 MILES ON IT AS OF TODAY. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD, AND NHTSA SHOULD REQUIRE A FULL RECALL. I HAVE THE RECALL LETTER FROM GM, AS WELL AS THE PAID BILL FOR THE REPAIR FROM THE BUICK DEALER. HOWEVER, I AM NOT A COMPUTER GENIOUS, SO TELL ME HOW I CAN GET THESE DOCUMENTS TO YOU.

NHTSA ODI #11151754

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. IN ADDITION, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE DEALER (COGGIN BUICK GMC IN JACKSONVILLE, 7245 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244, (904) 638-1115) WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. IN ADDITION, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE DEALER (COGGIN BUICK GMC IN JACKSONVILLE, 7245 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244, (904) 638-1115) WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC REMEDY TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN TELLING THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE BULB AND, IF THE FAILURE RECURRED, TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULBS FOR THE LOW BEAMS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *TR

NHTSA ODI #11057112

Official recalls

3

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.

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

1

RQ17002 · Loss Of Headlights

Opened Apr 24, 2017 · Closed Mar 29, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.