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2009 Buick Lacrosse

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Buick Lacrosse do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 129.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Compare all Lacrosse years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

80 reports with mileage · 26 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 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports4 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

106 reports
68,173 miles · Jul 20, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR 5 MONTHS AND I BOUGHT IT AT 55K MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 11:00PM ON A RAINY NIGHT I WAS STOPPED BY A STATE TROOPER WHO SAID MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE GOOD PART IS- THE TROOPER ACTUALLY SAW MY HEADLIGHTS WERE ORIGINALLY ON BUT HE STATED THAT AS I APPROACHED HIM "THEY J…

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I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR 5 MONTHS AND I BOUGHT IT AT 55K MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 11:00PM ON A RAINY NIGHT I WAS STOPPED BY A STATE TROOPER WHO SAID MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE GOOD PART IS- THE TROOPER ACTUALLY SAW MY HEADLIGHTS WERE ORIGINALLY ON BUT HE STATED THAT AS I APPROACHED HIM "THEY JUST WENT OFF". HE PULLED ME OVER JUST TO MAKE SURE I WAS OK, BUT HE SAID THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I COULD CAUSE A COLLISION WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS. FUNNY THING IS, THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WORKED JUST FINE, BUT THE LOW BEAM -REGULAR HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON AT ALL. THEN, IRONICALLY, WHILE HE WAS RUNNING MY DRIVERS LICENSE,MY HEADLIGHTS POPPED BACK ON. THIS IS VERY SCARY. THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TO ME MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR AT NIGHT, AND MOST RECENTLY ON A CLEAR SUMMER NIGHT, I WAS ON A HIGHWAY WHICH HAD NO STREET LAMPS AND ONCE AGAIN, THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO NOTICE IT SINCE I WAS THE ONLY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND THAT WAS MY ONLY LIGHT, SO I IMMEDIATELY CUT MY HIGH BEAM LIGHTS ON, BUT AGAIN, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE BRIGHT LAMPS WORKED PROPERLY, BUT MY REGULAR HEADLAMPS WOULD NOT CUT ON AT ALL. I PULLED INTO A GAS STATION AND AFTER ABOUT 20-30 MINUTES, THE HEADLIGHTS EVENTUALLY TURNED BACK ON WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. AS OF TODAY, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR AT NIGHT UNLESS I HAVE THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS ON BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN THEY ARE GOING TO CUT OFF. THE PROBLEM IS I DISTRACT OTHER DRIVERS WITH MY HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS SO IT CAUSES ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE GOOGLED THIS ISSUE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR BUICK LACROSSE, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT WHETHER BUICK HAS LOOKED INTO THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525869

44,000 miles · Feb 7, 2013
Service BrakesVisibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND AN UNUSUAL NOISE EMITTED CONTINUOUSLY. IN ADDITION, THE AUTOMATIC DEFROSTER DID NOT FUNCTION ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT UPON ACTIVATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE V…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND AN UNUSUAL NOISE EMITTED CONTINUOUSLY. IN ADDITION, THE AUTOMATIC DEFROSTER DID NOT FUNCTION ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT UPON ACTIVATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.

NHTSA ODI #10496685

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2012
Air BagsElectrical System

2009 BUICK LACROSSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN A PERSON WAS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON A TIMES AND SOMETIMES IT WOULDN'T. THE CONSUMER STATED OVER THE YEARS, SEVERAL LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, SUCH AS THE ABS, SEAT BELT…

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2009 BUICK LACROSSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN A PERSON WAS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON A TIMES AND SOMETIMES IT WOULDN'T. THE CONSUMER STATED OVER THE YEARS, SEVERAL LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, SUCH AS THE ABS, SEAT BELT, TIRE PRESSURE, AND RADIO, ETC. THE DEALER HAD THE VEHICLE FOR EIGHT DAYS. EVERYTHING SEEMED SATISFACTORY, BUT AFTER THREE DAYS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND OTHER INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. *JB UPDATED 02/07/12.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10445311

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2011
Air Bags

2009 BUICK LACROSSE. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE AIR BAGS. CONSUMER STATES IT WOULD SHOW AIR BAGS OFF ABOUT ONCE A WEEK OR SO FOR A SHORT TIME AND KEEPS GETTING WORSE MORE OFTEN.*TGW

NHTSA ODI #10439609

14,000 miles · Nov 27, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury

I HAD COMPLETELY STOPPED MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING AREA AT A CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX WHERE I WAS DELIVERING A MEAL TO MY NEPHEW WHO RESIDES THERE. BECAUSE I HAD JUST RECENTLY LEARNED THAT SOMEONE FROM MY COMMUNITY WAS DYING FROM AN ENCEPHALITIS-INFECTED MOSQUITO AND I AM VERY PRONE TO MOSQUITO BITES, I DECIDED TO RE-START MY CAR AND B…

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I HAD COMPLETELY STOPPED MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING AREA AT A CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX WHERE I WAS DELIVERING A MEAL TO MY NEPHEW WHO RESIDES THERE. BECAUSE I HAD JUST RECENTLY LEARNED THAT SOMEONE FROM MY COMMUNITY WAS DYING FROM AN ENCEPHALITIS-INFECTED MOSQUITO AND I AM VERY PRONE TO MOSQUITO BITES, I DECIDED TO RE-START MY CAR AND BACK INTO THE OPEN PARKING SPACE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE CONDO UNIT, A DISTANCE OF ABOUT 40 FEET FROM MY ORIGINAL STOP. I PROCEEDED TO BACK UP VERY SLOWLY AND VERY CAREFULLY INTO THE PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF THE CONDOMINIUM UNIT. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE TO STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND INSTEAD, IN WHAT SEEMED LIKE A FLASH, ROCKETED BACKWARD, A DISTANCE OF ABOUT 40 FEET INTO THE SIDE OF THE CONDOMINUM. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING SO FAST THAT IT MISSED THE SHRUBBERY IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING AND STRUCK THE WINDOW ABOVE IT, CRASHING INTO THE BUILDING. AT THE TIME, I WAS AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER WITH A PERFECT DRIVING RECORD OF OVER 30 YEARS. THERE IS NO QUESTION IN MY MIND THAT I APPLIED THE BRAKE, BUT IT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. BASED ON MY RECOLLECTION AND ON MY DRIVING EXPERIENCE, I AM CERTAIN THAT THERE WAS NO WAY THAT I HAD STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR BY ACCIDENT. ON THE CONTRARY, I BELIEVE THIS WAS AN INSTANCE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I SUFFERED WHIP LASH BUT WAS TREATED AND RELEASED IN THE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, HOWEVER. TO THIS DAY, I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES OF THE HORRIBLE FEELING WHEN THE CAR THAT I HAD LOVED SO MUCH ROCKETED BACKWARD AND I FELT TOTALLY HELPLESS AND TRAPPED INSIDE. HAVING NOT PREVIOUSLY HEARD OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, I WAS INITIALLY IN SHOCK AND AT A TOTAL LOSS TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I ONLY KNEW THAT I HAD STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR CONTINUED IN ITS BACKWARD PATH AND, IN A FLASH, ROCKETED BACKWARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10437362

4,600 miles · Jun 10, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

PURCHASED A 2009 BUICK LACROSSE IN FEB 09 FOR MY WIFE - AT VARIOUS TIMES ABOUT 6 EVENTS HAVE HAPPENED ALL TOGETHER WITH A STRONG ALCOHOL ODOR COMING INTO THE INTERIOR. THE SMELL IS STRONG AND CAUSES HER NOSE, EYE AND THROAT TO BURN. THIS PAST WEEKEND - SHE DROVE IT TO VA BEACH, VA WITH FAMILY AND IT HAPPENED TWICE ON SUNDAY …

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PURCHASED A 2009 BUICK LACROSSE IN FEB 09 FOR MY WIFE - AT VARIOUS TIMES ABOUT 6 EVENTS HAVE HAPPENED ALL TOGETHER WITH A STRONG ALCOHOL ODOR COMING INTO THE INTERIOR. THE SMELL IS STRONG AND CAUSES HER NOSE, EYE AND THROAT TO BURN. THIS PAST WEEKEND - SHE DROVE IT TO VA BEACH, VA WITH FAMILY AND IT HAPPENED TWICE ON SUNDAY - JUNE 7, 2009. MY CONCERN IS IF THE BUILD UP OF THIS STRONG ALCOHOL ODOR COMES INTO THE CAR - CAN THE ODOR CAUSE A FIRE? I HAVE HAD IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED AND THEY SAID UNTIL IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME - THERE IS NOT A THING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. I AM TAKING IT TO ANOTHER GM DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING TO SEE WHAT THEY COME UP WITH. WE LIKE THE CAR, BUT AM AFRAID IT MAY CAUSE A FIRE WITH THIS STRONG ODOR COMING INTO THE CABIN OF THE AUTO, OR CAUSE MY WIFE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE SHE HAS LUNG COPD PROBLEMS AND THE ODOR TAKES HER BREATH AWAY IT IS SO STRONG. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE IN FEB, TWICE IN MARCH, ONCE IN APRIL AND TWICE IN JUNE THAT SHE HAS NOTICED. I HAVE ALSO SMELLED AN ODD ODOR ON A TRIP TO COLUMBUS, OHIO. CAN YOU HELP FIND A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM OR LET ME KNOW IF OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. THANKS *TR

NHTSA ODI #10273283

Official recalls

2

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.

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.