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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

11 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

S10- DIRECT REPLY- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING ASSISTANCE WITH A SAFETY RECALL OF A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF. THE DEALER STATED IT WOULD COST $150 TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULE FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE STAL…

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S10- DIRECT REPLY- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM CONSTITUENT REGARDING ASSISTANCE WITH A SAFETY RECALL OF A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF. THE DEALER STATED IT WOULD COST $150 TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULE FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE STALLED SLIGHTLY WHEN DRIVING UP A SHORT HILL. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER CONCLUDED THE FENDER WAS RUBBING ON THE TIRE WHEN TURNING LEFT AND THEY SIMPLY RE-POSITIONED THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER. ON ONE OCCASION, WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD A STRANGE NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT WAS DETERMINED, THE POWER STEERING PUMP, TRANSMISSION, WATER PUMP AND ENGINE WERE ALL LEAKING FLUIDS. ALSO, THE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB UPDATED 12/17/15 *JB

NHTSA ODI #10702602

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10626429

33,600 miles · Feb 20, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

A COUPLE MONTHS AGO IT STALLED, WHILE MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT. THERE WERE NO ENGINE LIGHTS ON. THIS HAPPENED TO ME A COUPLE TIMES AND TO MY HUSBAND. IT TAKES ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES BEFORE YOU CAN START IT. THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON WHEN IT STALLS, BUT GOES OFF WHEN STARTED. WITHOUT THE ENGINE LIGHT ON, THERE IS NO…

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A COUPLE MONTHS AGO IT STALLED, WHILE MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT. THERE WERE NO ENGINE LIGHTS ON. THIS HAPPENED TO ME A COUPLE TIMES AND TO MY HUSBAND. IT TAKES ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES BEFORE YOU CAN START IT. THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON WHEN IT STALLS, BUT GOES OFF WHEN STARTED. WITHOUT THE ENGINE LIGHT ON, THERE IS NO THE CODE TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG. ONE TIME IT STALLED AND WHEN STARTED, THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON.. MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO THE GM DEALER AND WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE BATTERY. WE BOUGHT BRAND NEW BATTERY AND INSTALLED IT. SAME DAY THE CAR WOULD STALL. I HAVE READ MANY STORIES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS IT COULD BE, BUT WHEN REPLACING PARTS DOESN'T FIX THE STALLING PROBLEM. I CALLED GM AND GOT A CASE NUMBER. WE ARE TOLD TO KEEP DRIVING IT UNTIL THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON SO WE CAN GET A DIAGNOSIS. WHEN THE CAR STALLS AT 20 MPH OR 55 MPH, YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. GM WON'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL THERE IS A DIAGNOSIS. I ASKED GM IF I COULD GET A LOANER CAR UNTIL MY CAR IS FIXED AND THEY JUST SAY THE WARRANTY IS OVER, OR IT IS A SEVEN YEAR OLD CAR, AND OF COURSE WON'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL IT ISDIAGNOSED.?? IT IS VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IF NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. I DON'T DARE TO DRIVE IT. MY HUSBAND IS THE ONLY ONE WHO DRIVES IT. WE HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH IS GAS HOG THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE. I CAN'T AFFORD A NEW CAR. I ALSO CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP BUYING PARTS THAT DON'T FIX THE PROBLEM.MY CAR IS PAID OFF. I AM DISABLED AND CAN'T WORK. JUST WAITING NOW FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS. MY CAR HAS LOW MILEAGE AND IS IN PERFECT CONDITION. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR THAT IS REGISTERED AND INSURED AND GM WILL NOT HELP ME. I THINK IT IS DANGEROUS TO TELL US TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL A ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. ANY RESOLUTIONS? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10448559

42,000 miles · Mar 10, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVisibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY JERK WHEN CHANGING GEARS AND SPORADICALLY WOULD FAIL TO START. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DEFROSTER WOULD TAKE AN ABNORMALLY LONG TIME TO DEFROST THE WINDOW AND THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WOULD INDEPENDENTLY…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY JERK WHEN CHANGING GEARS AND SPORADICALLY WOULD FAIL TO START. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DEFROSTER WOULD TAKE AN ABNORMALLY LONG TIME TO DEFROST THE WINDOW AND THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WOULD INDEPENDENTLY TURN OFF AND ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10389707

86,355 miles · Apr 29, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 57 DURING DAYTIME HOURS. WHILE CRUISING AT 73 MILES PER HOUR IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE, THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND LOST ALL POWER. I COASTED TO A STOP OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND EVERYTHING SEEMED OK, SO I CONTINUED ON. A LITTLE LATER IT SPUTTERED AGAIN AND STARTED LOSING POWER. TH…

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TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 57 DURING DAYTIME HOURS. WHILE CRUISING AT 73 MILES PER HOUR IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE, THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND LOST ALL POWER. I COASTED TO A STOP OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND EVERYTHING SEEMED OK, SO I CONTINUED ON. A LITTLE LATER IT SPUTTERED AGAIN AND STARTED LOSING POWER. THE POWER CAME BACK BEFORE IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I CALLED ON STAR FOR A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND THEY TOLD ME I HAD A FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEM AND THAT IF THE CAR WOULD RUN TO CONTINUE THAT IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS WHEN I GOT HOME. I TOOK THE CAR WORDEN-MARTEN SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIRS ON MARCH 23RD. TO REPAIR THE CAR THEY: 1.REPLACED CAT CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR 125CGMPP- $750.47 A SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 57 DURING DAYTIME HOURS. I WAS PASSING A SEMI TRACTOR TRAILER WITH THREE CARS FOLLOWING ME WHILE CRUISING AT 73 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND LOST ALL POWER PUTTING ME IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE VEHICLE COASTED DOWN TO ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR BEFORE IT KICKED BACK IN. I IN THE MEAN TIME HAD DROPPED BACK BEHIND THE SEMI WITH THE THREE CARS BEHIND ME AND WHEN I COULD I PULLED BACK INTO THE RIGHT HAND LANE. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME AND MY WIFE. I CALLED ON STAR FOR A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND THEY TOLD ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS OK. I TOOK THE CAR WORDEN-MARTEN SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIRS AGAIN ON APRIL 19TH TO REPAIR THE CAR THEY: 1.REPLACED MASS -AIR FLOW UNIT AND SENSOR $ 131.39 WHO KNOWS IF IT IS FIXED RIGHT THIS TIME? THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE IN FOR THE CAR TO FAIL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10328071

37,062 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED SINCE THE VALVE INTAKE WAS BLOCKED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE ON THE VEHICLE COULD BE RUINED IF THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK. ACCORDING TO THE CONTACT, THE DEXCOOL ANTI-FREEZE TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED SINCE THE VALVE INTAKE WAS BLOCKED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE ON THE VEHICLE COULD BE RUINED IF THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK. ACCORDING TO THE CONTACT, THE DEXCOOL ANTI-FREEZE THAT WAS USED WILL CAUSE THE OIL VALVES TO DETERIORATE AND RUIN THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37063. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38000.

NHTSA ODI #10315077

26,000 miles · Jan 5, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE WHICH WAS PURCHASED ON 10-14-2006. THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER MADE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO THE HEADLIGHTS BY ADDING AN UNKNOWN SENSOR, HOWEVER A SHORT OCCURRED AND THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE FAILED COMPLETELY. THE HORN WAS ALSO INOPERABLE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE WATER P…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE WHICH WAS PURCHASED ON 10-14-2006. THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER MADE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO THE HEADLIGHTS BY ADDING AN UNKNOWN SENSOR, HOWEVER A SHORT OCCURRED AND THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE FAILED COMPLETELY. THE HORN WAS ALSO INOPERABLE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. ALL OF THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED UNDER HER EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN. TO DATE, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE HEADLIGHTS TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #10298261

25,000 miles · Jul 23, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE OIL LEVEL ON HIS VEHICLE WAS STEADILY DECREASING EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT NO SERVICE COULD BE PERFORMED FOR THE OIL CONSUMPTION FAILURE UNTIL THE VEHICLE CONSUMES MORE THAN ONE QUART…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE OIL LEVEL ON HIS VEHICLE WAS STEADILY DECREASING EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT NO SERVICE COULD BE PERFORMED FOR THE OIL CONSUMPTION FAILURE UNTIL THE VEHICLE CONSUMES MORE THAN ONE QUART OF OIL EVERY 2,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,340 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. UPDATED 09/16/08 *BF UPDATED 09/19/08. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10235450

5,000 miles · Feb 25, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE SPEED WOULD INCREASE AFTER DRIVING 3-4 MILES. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AFTER BEING PARKED FOR HOURS, IT IDLED ROUGHLY AND THE "TRACTION CONTROL" AND "ENGINE POWER REDUCED" WARNING…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE SPEED WOULD INCREASE AFTER DRIVING 3-4 MILES. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AFTER BEING PARKED FOR HOURS, IT IDLED ROUGHLY AND THE "TRACTION CONTROL" AND "ENGINE POWER REDUCED" WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE PCM, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,800. UPDATED 3/19/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE RUNS ROUGH AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 40MPH. THE DEALER PERFORMED BRAKE PEDAL RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. UPDATED 03/19/08 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10219063

55 miles · Aug 6, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHEN ACCELERATING , ENTERING A THRU WAY OR PASSING A CAR IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR WANTS TO STALL. WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE GAS PEDAL IT TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO KICK IN, MY FOOT IS GOING DOWN ON THE PEDAL AND THE CAR IS NOT RESPONDING AT ALL. ALMOST REAR ENDED A FEW TIMES WHEN GOING UP RAMP TO THRU WAYS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10198685

Official recalls

4

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.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.