MYRModel Year Report

2009 Buick Lacrosse

▲ Better than typical
2009 Buick Lacrosse
RENDERED 2026-11-01T18:23:44.154Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
106
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Exterior lighting

44% of complaints

Complaints per year

2005: 315 complaints 2005 2006: 299 complaints 2007: 250 complaints 2007 2008: 251 complaints 2009: 106 complaints 2009 106 2010: 189 complaints 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 206 complaints 2013: 130 complaints 2013 2014: 63 complaints 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 48 complaints 2017: 36 complaints 2017 2018: 12 complaints 2019: 7 complaints 2019
2005: 315 complaints 2005 2006: 299 complaints 2006 2007: 250 complaints 2007 2008: 251 complaints 2008 2009: 106 complaints 2009 106 2010: 189 complaints 2010 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 206 complaints 2012 2013: 130 complaints 2013 2014: 63 complaints 2014 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 48 complaints 2016 2017: 36 complaints 2017 2018: 12 complaints 2018 2019: 7 complaints 2019
2005: 315 complaints 2005 2006: 299 complaints 2006 2007: 250 complaints 2007 2008: 251 complaints 2008 2009: 106 complaints 2009 106 2010: 189 complaints 2010 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 206 complaints 2012 2013: 130 complaints 2013 2014: 63 complaints 2014 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 48 complaints 2016 2017: 36 complaints 2017 2018: 12 complaints 2018 2019: 7 complaints 2019

2009: 106 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2005315
2006299
2007250
2008251
2009106
2010189
2011169
2012206
2013130
201463
201544
201648
201736
201812
20197

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior lighting

44% · 47 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The owner had been smelling a bad odor when she arrived at her destination in a mall parking lot. The odor did not fade when the vehicle engine was turned off and subsequently opened the hood. Black smoke was seen coming from the fuse block.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-15

Also filed under Electrical system

My headlamps have been going out sporadically and until recently I was able to

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-02

Electrical system

29% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE

Air bags

25% · 27 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Left home for local restaurant about 7:am on May 8. Traveling down hwy 2 lane, must have dropped wheel off pavement and the car went crazy. I do not remember what happened.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-25

The passenger airbag light started coming on and going off intermittently. After several weeks of this, it was on every time the car is driven. Testing by an ASE certified mechanic revealed that the permanent light results in no front seat airbags.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-09

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-12-08

Vehicle speed control

8% · 9 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Buick Lacrosse. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the throttle began to fail. There were no warning indicators illuminated before or after the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-08

Also filed under Engine

Fuel/propulsion system

5% · 5 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2014-09-23Electrical system14V355000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2016-05-17Exterior lighting15V519000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Buick Lacrosse — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Exterior lighting: 47 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 31 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 27 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V355000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 15V519000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Buick Lacrosse reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Buick Lacrosse is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Buick Lacrosse?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Buick Lacrosse have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.