2005 BUICK LACROSSE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

411

Owner Complaints

13 Crashes 8 Fires

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

10

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2005 BUICK LACROSSE

The 2005 BUICK LACROSSE has received a total of 411 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, STEERING. 10 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Exterior Lighting (73 complaints), Electrical System (68 complaints), and Steering (48 complaints).

Recalls for the 2005 BUICK LACROSSE

NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2005 BUICK LACROSSE, potentially affecting up to 3,634,268 vehicles.

Recall 15V519000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 429,170 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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...

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Recall 14V355000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 3,141,731 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

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Recall 09E005000 — STEERING

| 979 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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

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.

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Recall 06V417000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 794 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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...

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Recall 05V156000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

| 61,594 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2005 BUICK LACROSSE

411 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 73 3 Fires
Electrical System
Complaints: 68 2 Crashes 4 Fires
Steering
Complaints: 48 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 27 4 Crashes 2 Injuries
Service Brakes
Complaints: 13 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Power Train
Complaints: 12
Suspension
Complaints: 11
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 8
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 7
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 7
Structure
Complaints: 7
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 1 Fire
Engine
Complaints: 6
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 6
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 6 1 Crash
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 5
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 4
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 4
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 4
Seats
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 4
Structurebody
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 3
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 3
Tires
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 2
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 2
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Controlautomatic Asc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Air
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11537698 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 89,000 miles
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.
#11471401 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL | | 90,000 miles
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.
#11395565 | STEERING | | 24,000 miles
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.
#11365531 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | | 138,000 miles
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.
#11353640 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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

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Safety Rating for the 2005 BUICK LACROSSE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2005 BUICK LACROSSE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2005 BUICK LACROSSE

General Motors, LLC has issued 10 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

060232011 — STEERING

REVISED POWER STEERING TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS. *KB

050601035 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

L26,L32, L67 EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION (REPLACE EXHAUST VALVE STEM SEALS). *AK

050849022 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) FUEL ECONOMY READING IS ERRATIC. *TT

050139003 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INTERMITTENT CJ2 AUTOMATIC HVAC CONTROLS INOPERATIVE. *TT

050604037 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CERTAIN INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES GO TO ZERO AND/OR INTERMITTENT ENGINE STALL. *TT

050864005 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

DOOR HANDLE STICKS WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW 0 DEGREES C (32 DEGREES F). *TT

3203 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BCM PROGRAMMING PROCEDURE. *EH

3411A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HVAC HEAD AND HARNESS. THIS INCUDES 2005 BUICK ALLURE. *EH

3276 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK

TRUNK RELEASE ACTUATOR INOPERATIVE. *TT

3360 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES STICKING IN THE OUTWARD POSITION AFTER VEHICLE EXPOSURE TO A CAR WASH, HEAVY RAIN OR SNOW AND BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2005 BUICK LACROSSE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the BUICK LACROSSE

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Other BUICK Models

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