LaCrosse (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
L26
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Buick LaCrosse Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
LY7
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LS4
5.3L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
LP2
1.0L 3-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Buick LaCrosse, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse
On a used 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the exterior lighting (468), the electrical system (358) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (190). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 468 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse about the exterior lighting.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 358 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 190 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 113 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse about the steering.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 68 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse about the engine, all engines combined.
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.
Show 1 older recall
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 complaints?
Owners have filed 1,210 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse. The systems they name most often are the exterior, the electrical system and the safety systems.
Is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,210 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse have?
NHTSA has 1,210 owner complaints on file for the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Buick LaCrosse?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the exterior, the electrical system and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 1,210 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.