NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
156 reportsClear category filter119,000 miles · Sep 1, 2023
Exterior Lighting
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11542059
65,000 miles · Sep 13, 2022
Exterior Lighting
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 t…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11484192
130,000 miles · Sep 22, 2021
Exterior Lighting
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 wa…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11433970
Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2021
Exterior Lighting
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11426699
112,000 miles · Apr 10, 2020
Exterior Lighting
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 BEA…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11320759
75,000 miles · Jan 23, 2020
Exterior LightingStructure
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11301373
Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2019
Exterior Lighting
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 INCL…
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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.'
NHTSA ODI #11290141
121,500 miles · Sep 30, 2019
Exterior Lighting
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 THE…
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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
NHTSA ODI #11259012
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
56,000 miles · Jul 2, 2019
Exterior Lighting
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. T…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11228949
Official recalls
3Aug 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.
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.
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
1RQ17002 · 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.