Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Buick Lacrosse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. While making a right turn at low speeds, the contact heard a grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized and the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. On August 24, 2014, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the power steering and brakes failed. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a concrete divider. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact suffered back, knee, and neck pain that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a wreckage yard by a private tow company. The contact received a recall notification after the crash occurred for NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was unknown.
My vehicle started flashing, chiming, giving service ABS, service tc, service brakes messages, air bag indicator lit up,and turn signals started having longer and longer pauses between clicks at random times during a two week period. I took the vehicle for a computer diagnostic. I was notified everything indicated the instrument panel is the problem: the computer is not connecting to the various parts of the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. While making a left turn at an unknown speed, the vehicle lost power and the brakes failed. The contact crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contact's residence. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 10 MPH toward an intersection on normal road conditions, the vehicle started shaking when brakes were applied. No warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the rotors must be machined. After a visual inspection the contact noticed that all four tires were of a different brand; the dealership informed there was no concern about the different tire brands. Also, the vehicle had an oil leak. The dealership determined the leak was from the oil filter and corrected it. After a few miles driven, the vehicle presented problems with the fuel pump and the dealership had to replace it. Also, an exterior lighting problem was noticed which was detected due to wiring corrosion located in the trunk. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. While driving between 20-30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The speed would increase after driving 3-4 miles. When the vehicle was started after being parked for hours, it idled roughly and the "traction control" and "engine power reduced" warning indicator lights illuminated. The dealer reprogrammed the PCM, but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to another dealer and they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000 and current mileage was 15,800. Updated 3/19/08 the consumer stated the vehicle runs rough and would not go over 40mph. The dealer performed brake pedal recall. The consumer stated there was a clunking noise in the steering column. Updated 03/19/08
Tl contact owns a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. While driving between 55-60 MPH on normal road conditions, a low power response occurred when the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the brakes were not performing properly and the stopping distance increased. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure occurred each time the vehicle is in use. The vehicle was taken to the authorized dealer for diagnostic testing and the front brake pads were replaced. On a separate occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for identical failures and the tie rod and wheel hub were replaced, and the brake drums were resurfaced. However, the failures still persist. The failure mileage was 52,000. The VIN and current mileage were unknown.
2005 Buick Lacrosse with defective brakes under recall. Customer stated that her vehicle had defective brakes and the pedal was pressed the brakes would not be applied. She was told two weeks before repairs could be made. The consumer also stated the lights on the driver's information center were dim most of the time and sometimes disappeared altogether. The dealer informed the consumer it was a normal occurrence for interior illumination to dim/brighten due to voltage demand and/or ambient light conditions. The consumer believed there was a short circuit in the electrical system, a problem with a computer chip or the battery voltage. The power steering pressure hose leaked due to poor manufacturing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the ABS warning indicator illuminated and there was an abnormal sound when the brakes were depressed. The contact also stated that she had to pump the brake pedal several times before the vehicle would come to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who could not duplicate the failure however, the mechanic replaced the two front wheel bearing sensors on the front and the back for a total of six times. The remedy repair failed and the ABS light was still illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000. Updated 10/02/14 updated 3/10/2015
Dt: the contact stated that his brakes were defective. The first time it occurred at 3,535 miles. They looked at them and tightened something. The second time it happened at 5567 miles, they replaced the brake pads. The third time it occurred at 5,947 miles. GM said that there was a flaw in the brakes. The pads were crystallizing. The contact noticed a problem with the brakes at 3,500 miles. GM told the dealer not to do anything else to the brakes on 6-30-05. The contact said that there were no lights that came on prior to the brake problems. The engine light had come on due to poor fuel, and acceleration felt as if it were going to stall.
Related recalls
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.
Brake complaints in other Lacrosse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2005 Buick Lacrosse?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Buick Lacrosse, 11% of the model year's 315 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Buick Lacrosse brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-156 (pedals and linkages, Apr 20, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Buick Lacrosse brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 28,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.