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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

Steering complaints

51 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2014
Air BagsSteering

I BROUGHT MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC FOR REGULAR INSPECTION. I HAVE A STRANGE NOISE IN THE STEERING BASE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL OR APPLY THE BRAKES. HE TOLD ME IT WAS IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER AND I WENT TO THE BUICK…

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I BROUGHT MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC FOR REGULAR INSPECTION. I HAVE A STRANGE NOISE IN THE STEERING BASE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL OR APPLY THE BRAKES. HE TOLD ME IT WAS IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER AND I WENT TO THE BUICK DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NO PROBLEM,YET I HAVE A VEHICLE HISTORY SUMMARY FOR IT. HOW CAN I GET IT FIXED IF THEY DENY IT? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10633617

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2014
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10630058

64,000 miles · Aug 27, 2014
Steering

PULLED INTO PARKING LOT AND LOST POWER STEERING. LOTS OF CLUNKING AND GRINDING JUST PRIOR. MECHANIC SAYS POWER STEERING HOSES, RACK AND PINION AND TIE RODS. YET ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. GM WAS AWARE ENOUGH OF THE PROBLEM THAT THEY PUT A SUPERVISOR ON THE LINE BUT SAID THAT IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW, SO IT'S NOT THEIR P…

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PULLED INTO PARKING LOT AND LOST POWER STEERING. LOTS OF CLUNKING AND GRINDING JUST PRIOR. MECHANIC SAYS POWER STEERING HOSES, RACK AND PINION AND TIE RODS. YET ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. GM WAS AWARE ENOUGH OF THE PROBLEM THAT THEY PUT A SUPERVISOR ON THE LINE BUT SAID THAT IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW, SO IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM. GOING TO TRY TO WORK WITH LOCAL GUYS TO GET OUT OF IT. NOT SINKING ANOTHER PENNY INTO THIS CAR. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, I'D BE DEAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10628850

80,810 miles · Aug 20, 2014
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension

BROKEN STABILIZER BAR, SWAY BAR LINKS AND BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED.SEVERAL DAYS LATER THERE WAS LEAKAGE UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE OF CAR. AFTER CHECKING FLUIDS ALL SEEMED IN ORDER. BUT LEAKAGE CONTINUED UNTIL I ASSUME FLUID WAS LOW OR OUT. NOW I NOTICE A STEERING WHEEL SQUEAL WHENEVER I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, REGARDLESS OF LOW OR H…

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BROKEN STABILIZER BAR, SWAY BAR LINKS AND BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED.SEVERAL DAYS LATER THERE WAS LEAKAGE UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE OF CAR. AFTER CHECKING FLUIDS ALL SEEMED IN ORDER. BUT LEAKAGE CONTINUED UNTIL I ASSUME FLUID WAS LOW OR OUT. NOW I NOTICE A STEERING WHEEL SQUEAL WHENEVER I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, REGARDLESS OF LOW OR HIGH SPEED. I UNDERSTAND POWER STEERING IS STILL A PROBLEM. WHEN WILL THERE BE A RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626751

84,700 miles · Oct 27, 2013
SteeringSuspension

A CREAKING SOUND WAS NOTICED USUALLY WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL OR IN A CONSTANT STATE TURN MOSTLY AT SPEEDS BELOW 40 MPH. CAR WAS TAKEN TO A GM (BUICK ) DEALER GARAGE AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE RACK AND PINION. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE RACK AND PINION, TIE RODS, POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE AND ALSO RECOMMENDED RE…

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A CREAKING SOUND WAS NOTICED USUALLY WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL OR IN A CONSTANT STATE TURN MOSTLY AT SPEEDS BELOW 40 MPH. CAR WAS TAKEN TO A GM (BUICK ) DEALER GARAGE AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE RACK AND PINION. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE RACK AND PINION, TIE RODS, POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE AND ALSO RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE STRUTS. I TOOK THE CAR TO A GARAGE THAT DOES MD STATE INSPECTIONS TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED AND THEY QUICKLY FOUND THE ISSUE....THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR WAS FATIGUE CRACKED COMPLETELY THROUGH AT THE ATTACH POINT ON ONE END AND ONLY THE BOLT WAS HOLDING IT TOGETHER. THE STABILIZER BAR WAS REPLACED AND THE NOISE WENT AWAY. IF I HAD TAKEN THE GM DEALER'S ADVICE I WOULD HAVE SPENT AT LEAST $1,850 AND STILL HAD THE PROBLEM. THE MECH. AT THE INSPECTION STATION SAYS THAT THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN GM MAKES/MODELS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10549674

72,500 miles · Jul 22, 2013
Power TrainSteering

THIS IS THE FIFTH (5TH) TIME THE RACK AND PINION HAS GONE OUT ON THIS VEHICLE IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS - MAY 2013 THROUGH JULY 2013. THIS DOES NOT MAKE ANY SENSE - THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH "GENUINE GM PARTS" AND STILL CONTINUES TO GO OUT IN ABOUT A WEEK AFTER INSTALL. WHEN IS SOMEONE GOING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? I SEND COMP…

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THIS IS THE FIFTH (5TH) TIME THE RACK AND PINION HAS GONE OUT ON THIS VEHICLE IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS - MAY 2013 THROUGH JULY 2013. THIS DOES NOT MAKE ANY SENSE - THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH "GENUINE GM PARTS" AND STILL CONTINUES TO GO OUT IN ABOUT A WEEK AFTER INSTALL. WHEN IS SOMEONE GOING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? I SEND COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT TO YOU AND TO THE BUICK PEOPLE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO TO KEEP SENDING COMPLAINTS TO YOUR AGENCY? WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO TO SEND COMPLAINTS TO BUICK AND GENERAL MOTORS - NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN, NOTHING IS GOING TO BE FIXED. BAH!!!!!!! I WILL DEFINITELY NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER AMERICAN VEHICLE AGAIN! NOTHING BUT THE RUNAROUND. IF MY NAME WAS SHAQUILLE O'NEAL THEY WOULD BE SENDING ME A BRAND NEW VEHICLE TO SHUT ME UP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10526105

72,500 miles · Jul 1, 2013
Power TrainSteering

CAR WAS REPAIRED THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013, PICKED UP ON THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013, RACK AND PINION WENT OUT FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 28, 2013 FOR THE FOURTH () TIME IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS DEFECT. THERE WAS NO WARNING, STEERING GOT TIGHT, PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FLUID, WAS EMPTY, PUT SOME MORE …

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CAR WAS REPAIRED THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013, PICKED UP ON THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013, RACK AND PINION WENT OUT FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 28, 2013 FOR THE FOURTH () TIME IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS DEFECT. THERE WAS NO WARNING, STEERING GOT TIGHT, PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FLUID, WAS EMPTY, PUT SOME MORE IN AND IT POURED OUT THE BOTTOM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. JUST LIKE THE OTHER THREE TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10522539

69,500 miles · Jun 24, 2013
Power TrainSteering

MY SON WAS DRIVING AND THE RACK AND PINION WENT OUT AGAIN. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IN TWO MONTHS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS VEHICLE BEFORE SOMETHING SERIOUS HAPPENS LIKE LOST OF LIFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521362

67,800 miles · May 29, 2013
Steering

SON WAS DRIVING TO PICK UP HIS MOTHER FROM WORK. STEERING BECAME HARD TO TURN (2ND TIME IN ONE MONTH). VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR RACK AND PINION PROBLEMS NOT ONE MONTH AGO. PROBLEM HAS RECURRED. GM IS AWARE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PLATFORM (SHARED WITH BUICK LUCERNE) AND CHOOSES NOT TO FIX OR ADDRESS THE PROBLEM UNTIL T…

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SON WAS DRIVING TO PICK UP HIS MOTHER FROM WORK. STEERING BECAME HARD TO TURN (2ND TIME IN ONE MONTH). VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR RACK AND PINION PROBLEMS NOT ONE MONTH AGO. PROBLEM HAS RECURRED. GM IS AWARE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PLATFORM (SHARED WITH BUICK LUCERNE) AND CHOOSES NOT TO FIX OR ADDRESS THE PROBLEM UNTIL THERE IS LOSS OF LIFE. THE NHTSA IS AWARE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM ALSO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10514045

67,549 miles · May 2, 2013
Steering

MY WIFE AND SON HAVE COMPLAINED FOR LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS THAT THE POWER STEERING IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN, MAKES FUNNY NOISES, BUMPING/THUMPING SOUND, WHEN TURNING, A LOW SOUNDING SCREECHING NO POWER STEERING FLUID. MY SON WAS DRIVING TO FOOTBALL PRACTICE THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON WHILE TURNING A CORNER,…

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MY WIFE AND SON HAVE COMPLAINED FOR LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS THAT THE POWER STEERING IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN, MAKES FUNNY NOISES, BUMPING/THUMPING SOUND, WHEN TURNING, A LOW SOUNDING SCREECHING NO POWER STEERING FLUID. MY SON WAS DRIVING TO FOOTBALL PRACTICE THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON WHILE TURNING A CORNER, IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. A CLASSMATE WITH HIM, AND TOGETHER THEY HAD TO TURN THE CAR (ALMOST WRECKING THE VEHICLE). I WENT TO GET THE CAR AND CHECKED THE FLUID LEVEL, THERE WAS NONE IN THE PUMP. I PUT SOME IN AND CHECKED UNDER THE CAR. POWER STEERING FLUID WAS POURING OUT UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE. AFTER FILLING IT AGAIN, THEY POWER STEERING WORKED FOR ONLY A MOMENT OR SO, SCREECHING AT THE SAME TIME AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER, IT NO LONGER WORKED. I THOUGHT IT WAS A BUSTED POWER STEERING HOSE. MY WIFE TOOK IT TO THE SHOP, THEY PUT IT UPON THE RACK AND WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE RACK AND PINION THAT WENT OUT. THAT IT WOULD COST AROUND $700 TO REPAIR IT. THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS AS I AM TYPING THIS - MILEAGE IS AROUND 67,500 - PROBLEM INITIALLY BEGAN (PER MY WIFE AND SON) A COUPLE OF MONTHS OR SO AGO. I DO NOT DRIVE THAT VEHICLE, OTHERWISE I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE NOTICED THE PROBLEM MUCH SOONER. THERE ARE SEVERAL BUICK VEHICLES BUILT ON THE SAME TYPE OF PLATFORM AS OUR 2005 BUICK LACROSSE THAT HAVE RECALLS. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE THE PROBLEMS APPEARS TO BE ACROSS THE BOARD? ALMOST ALL THE COMPLAINTS I RESEARCHED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH BUICK LACROSSE IS A REPEAT OF WHAT OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT. BUICK (GENERAL MOTORS) SHOULD ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT - YES I SAID DEFECT." IT IS MORE COST EFFECTIVE TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM AND WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE FORCED TO ADDRESS IT. MY BOY ALMOST HAD WRECK BEHIND IT AND GENERAL MOTORS/BUICK WON'T FIX IT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. ENOUGH SAID. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10510361

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.