NHTSA vehicle safety data

2005 Buick Lacrosse Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2005 Buick Lacrosse has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 315 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Buick dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Buick Lacrosse, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2005 Buick Lacrosse owner complaints

Owners have filed 315 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Buick Lacrosse, describing incidents dated October 4, 2004 to August 13, 2026.

Most-cited components

Exterior Lighting 82 complaints
Electrical System 80 complaints
Steering 51 complaints
Air Bags 34 complaints
Service Brakes 34 complaints
Power Train 19 complaints

Of the 315 complaints on file, 7 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 315 complaints, owners report 4 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11756701 · Filed August 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2005 Buick LaCrosse equipped with Venom Power Tires, Tire Line: Ragnarok GTS, Tire Size: 235/35/VR20, DOT Number:1WP2CTPWL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver’s side tire became flat. The contact exited the vehicle and became aware that…
ODI #11736191 · Filed May 6, 2026
Gas. Leaking car smoking and cutting off
ODI #11537698 · Filed August 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Buick LaCrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V355000 (Electrical System) and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and the contact was able to coast to the shoulder of…

Read all 315 complaints

Owner-reported

2005 Buick Lacrosse mileage at failure

220 of the 315 complaints on file for the 2005 Buick Lacrosse give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Exterior Lighting	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–115,000 miles	Based on 55 complaints
Electrical System	Median 105,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–130,000 miles	Based on 45 complaints
Steering	Median 35,000 miles	Middle half 25,000–70,000 miles	Based on 46 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

Headlamps may Fail

NHTSA #15V519000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported August 14, 2015 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 429,170 vehicles

Repair completion: 51.17% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14291 · Owners notified May 17, 2016 · Vehicles built May 31, 2004 – January 27, 2009 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Ignition Switch may Turn Off

NHTSA #14V355000 · Electrical System — Ignition · NHTSA notice

Reported June 23, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 3,141,731 vehicles

Repair completion: 67.7% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14299 · Owners notified September 23, 2014 · Vehicles built May 31, 2004 – June 27, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING/LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL

NHTSA #09E005000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported February 17, 2009 · DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.

Potentially affected: 979 vehicles

Owners notified February 23, 2009

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET DORMAN STEERING KNUCKLES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

LEATHER SEAT COVERS/AIR BAG SENSING SYSTEM

NHTSA #06V417000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported October 31, 2006 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 794 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 06102 · Owners notified November 6, 2006 · Vehicles built February 1, 2005 – February 28, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 06102.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER

NHTSA #05V156000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Pedals and Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported April 20, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 61,594 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05038 · Owners notified April 26, 2005 · Vehicles built May 1, 2004 – March 31, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

PUSHING ON THE PEDAL WILL NOT APPLY THE BRAKES AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 05038. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2005 Buick LaCrosse 4-DR

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 3

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

315 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Buick Lacrosse.

Tires

ODI #11756701

Incident: August 13, 2026 · Filed: August 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2005 Buick LaCrosse equipped with Venom Power Tires, Tire Line: Ragnarok GTS, Tire Size: 235/35/VR20, DOT Number:1WP2CTPWL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver’s side tire became flat. The contact exited the vehicle and became aware that the sidewall of the tire had separated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The tire dealer was not notified of the failure. The tire was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. The VIN was not available.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11736191

Incident: April 16, 2026 · Filed: May 6, 2026

Gas. Leaking car smoking and cutting off

Electrical System

ODI #11537698

Incident: July 15, 2023 · Filed: August 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2005 Buick LaCrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V355000 (Electrical System) and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and the contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the road. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a regular failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11471401

Incident: March 28, 2022 · Filed: June 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the instrument panel was inoperable. The battery was replaced several times however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the mileage control circuit had malfunctioned. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Steering

ODI #11395565

Incident: July 15, 2020 · Filed: February 10, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SMART CHEVROLET CADILLAC BUICK GMC (3 SMART DR, WHITE HALL, AR 71602, (870) 543-2200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN HAD DETACHED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09E005000 (STEERING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000.

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11365531

Incident: October 11, 2020 · Filed: October 21, 2020

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 50MPH AND THE CAR STALLED AND WENT DOWN TO 20MPH AND IT SHUT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO 20MPH ALL THE WAY HOME. MY CAR INSURANCE APP HAS ENGINE ALERTS AND IT STATED IT IS THE THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH 'D'/'E' VOLTAGE CORRELATION. THE THE ALERT STATED IT WAS URGENT BECAUSE IT DECREASES THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND THE ENGINE MAY ENTER LIMP HOME MODE. I WAS VERY LUCKY NO CARS WHERE BEHIND ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

Electrical System; Latches/Locks/Linkages

ODI #11353640

Incident: July 22, 2019 · Filed: September 8, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ALLOWED OTHER COMPONENTS TO FUNCTION INCLUDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE HEATER, AND THE DOOR LOCKS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED AND WAS CONCERNED THAT THE SYSTEM WAS HACKED. THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY FAILED TO START OR TURN OVER. THE ENGINE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT WAS ONCE LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND ALMOST SUFFERED FROM HEAT EXHAUSTION. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS DISABLED. JEFF KEY MOTORS (2889 US HIGHWAY 431, ANNISTON, AL 36206, (256) 820-0280) WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE AFTER A MONTH OF DIAGNOSING THE VEHICLE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THEIR CUSTODY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DISMISSED THE ISSUE STATING THAT THEY ONLY DEALT WITH NEWER VEHICLES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED LOCKED IN CAR AND ALMOST DIED DUE TO HEAT. *TR

Air Bags

ODI #11331016

Incident: June 6, 2017 · Filed: June 26, 2020

WITHIN THE LAST FEW YEARS I HAVE NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY, EVERY MONTH OR SO FOR A FEW HOURS TO A DAY. WHILE AT THE DEALER I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT BACK WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I START THE CAR TO MAKE A TRIP TO A STORE OR OTHER DAILY DRIVES. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING TO THE DEALER WITH IT ON. *TR

Air Bags

ODI #11257218

Incident: August 30, 2019 · Filed: September 22, 2019

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON

Air Bags

ODI #11252114

Incident: July 31, 2019 · Filed: August 28, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CONKLIN FANGMAN BUICK GMC (LOCATED AT 3200 MAIN ST, KANSAS CITY, MO 64111, (816) 759-0853), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,421.

Other Buick Lacrosse model years

Check your 2005 Buick Lacrosse VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Buick Lacrosse at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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