Most common 2005 Buick Lacrosse problems
Share of the 315 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Buick Lacrosse complaints by model year
Best Lacrosse years: 2019, 2018, 2017. Years to avoid: 2007, 2008. Compare all years →
2005 Buick Lacrosse recalls (4)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
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.
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.
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
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.
Air bags › Frontal
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.
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…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
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.
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.
What 2005 Buick Lacrosse owners say
Lights all 86 →
Tla* the contact owns a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. While driving at various speeds, the low beam headlamps failed and the high beam headlamps were engaged in order to view the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the headlamp driver module was melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in the NHTSA campaign number: 14V755000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 290,000. Updated 11/04/15 consumer replaced hdm twice, failed again after receiving recall. Sold car updated 05/15/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor emitting from the vents. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that a wire was burning and was related to NHTSA campaign number: 14V755000 (exterior lighting). The remedy was unavailable to perform the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000. VIN tool confirmed parts not available.
Electrical system all 80 →
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.
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 all 51 →
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. A car was coming over into my lane from the left lane cut me short, I tried not to hit the car turn my car to the right but the car hit my car and made my car go out of control went to the left and hit the center concrete barrier with the left front portion of my car, then I veered across both lanes and struck the east rock embankment before my car coming to rest in the left lane of travel facing north. The crash occurred northbound on l-476 pa turnpike at 0850 hours. My daughter and I was hurt in that crash. We went to the hospital we had to do therapy and as of September 25 2014 I am still going to therapy. The car that I was in the crash with was my Buick Lacrosse 2005. …
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, [phone]) 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.
2005 Buick Lacrosse engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Buick Lacrosse a good car?
Based on 315 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Lacrosse rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Lacrosse at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Buick Lacrosse?
The lights — 86 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about headlights. Next are the electrical system (80) and steering (51).
How many recalls does the 2005 Buick Lacrosse have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2005 Buick Lacrosse, the most recent from August 14, 2015 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Buick Lacrosse?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2018 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007 and 2008. See the full Buick Lacrosse years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Buick Lacrosse problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 40% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.