2005 Buick Lacrosse
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 250 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 189 |
| 2011 | 169 |
| 2012 | 205 |
| 2013 | 129 |
| 2014 | 63 |
| 2015 | 44 |
| 2016 | 48 |
| 2017 | 34 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
27% of complaints: electrical system — 84 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Gas. Leaking car smoking and cutting off
NHTSA ODI report, 20260506
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA ODI report, 20171219
I SMELL SOMETHING LIKE BURNING WIRES. THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT IS ON. AUTOMATIC SHIFTING JERKS. I AM AFRAID OF BEING STRANDED SOMEWHERE. I AM 70 YEARS OLD AND NEED MY CAR TO BE RELIABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171126
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
26% of complaints: exterior lighting — 82 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.
FIRE16% of complaints: steering — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and hose, piping, and connections.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS ON MY WAY BACK HOME WHICH IS ROCHESTER, NY. I WAS COMING FROM PORSMOUTH, VA. FROM BURYING MY MOTHER WHICH SHE PASS ON JUNE 3, 2014. I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT ON JUNE 22, 2014.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140925
Also filed under STRUCTURE
12% of complaints: service brakes — 38 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: air bags — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS CROSSING HWY 90 IN LAKE CITY, FL. I CHECKED BOTH WAYS AND NO TRAFFIC WAS COMING. AS I WAS GOING INTO THE MALL A CAR CAME OUT OF NO WHERE AND HIT ME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE I DID NOT SEE HER HIT ME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140818
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 PUSH
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
Campaign 05V156000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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 I
Campaign 06V417000 — check if this car was fixed
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 REPLACEM
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 D
Campaign 09E005000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V355000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 15V519000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Buick Lacrosse — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (84 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (82 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V156000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V417000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E005000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V519000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Buick Lacrosse reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Buick Lacrosse is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Buick Lacrosse?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Buick Lacrosse have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.