LaCrosse (1st)
Engine Reliability Ratings
LY7
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LS4
5.3L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L26
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
9 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Buick LaCrosse regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (6)
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.
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.
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK IS MISSING THE ADHESIVE LAYER THAT BONDS THE BARRIER LAYER TO THE OUTER SHELL OF THE FUEL TANK.
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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse problems?
The 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse has accumulated 1,217 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Exterior, Electrical System, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Buick LaCrosse engine is most reliable?
The 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse was offered with 12 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.8L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse a good used car?
The 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,217 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse have?
The 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse has 1,217 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse?
There are 6 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Buick LaCrosse?
Before buying a used Buick LaCrosse, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Exterior, Electrical System, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the LaCrosse have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,217 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.