2005 Buick Lacrosse recalls and problems

The 2005 Buick Lacrosse has 4 safety recalls and 315 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buick dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
315
Crashes / fires
7 / 6
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Buick Lacrosse vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Buick Lacrosse recalls

Recall 15V-519: Exterior Lighting

Reported Aug 14, 2015 · 429,170 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 14V-355: Electrical System

Reported Jun 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 06V-417: Air Bags

Reported Oct 31, 2006 · 794 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-156: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Apr 20, 2005 · 61,594 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Pushing on the pedal will not apply the brakes and a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.

Fix: 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.

2005 Buick Lacrosse problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System84
Exterior Lighting82
Steering51
Air Bags34
Service Brakes, Hydraulic23
Power Train19
Structure16
Suspension13
Service Brakes13
Vehicle Speed Control11
Engine and Engine Cooling11
Unknown or Other7

Most reported parts

  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 8
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 7
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages — 6
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 6
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 5
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 4
  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Buick Lacrosse complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Tires · reported Aug 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 · at 89,000 miles · reported Aug 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…
Electrical System · at 90,000 miles · reported Jun 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.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 138,000 miles · reported Oct 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.
Air Bags · at 90,000 miles · reported Jun 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.

Other Buick Lacrosse years

Compare all Buick Lacrosse years · All Buick models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2005 Buick Lacrosse: 15V-519 (exterior lighting), 14V-355 (electrical system), 06V-417 (air bags), 05V-156 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Buick Lacrosse?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (84 reports), followed by exterior lighting (82). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 miles.

Are Buick recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buick dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.