Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. While backing out of the driveway and turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormal noise that came from the steering column without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the knuckle at the bottom of the steering column was not equipped with a grease fitting and was the cause of the abnormal noise. The entire steering column would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
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 steering seems to be loose way to much play I've tightened a bolt on bottom of steering arm thing twice still is coming loose difficult to steer also seems to be missing rubber or defective prices .will crash can't control car .stability control issues over and over also tc. And air bags are faulty.in motion major steering prob.
While driving the car down the road it will "randomly" shut off. Giving no indication other then dimming lights. Neither the dealership or the garage I went to can explain it. The power steering doesnt work and has almost caused me to crash on the highway and town roads.
My vehicle was experiencing clunking whenever I turned the steering wheel while driving with less than 35,000 miles on it. It had become progressively worse over the past few months. The steering also felt a bit loose. I contacted GM for vehicle recalls and there was one on the steering column but not for my vehicle or the intermediate shaft which as it turns out was the defective part and the shaft was loose internally. GM insisted I go to a GM dealer for service to see if I "might" be eligible for replacement assistance. I told them I had a certified mechanic who was closer and less expensive. I offered to send them the defective part and they were not interested. GM stated when I filed my complaint with them that they will not review any vehicle issues unless serviced by a GM dealer. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that there was a TSB regarding a clunking noise (service bulletin number 4105, NHTSA campaign id number 10020049 (steering:column)). The failure occurs whenever the steering wheel is turned. The TSB stated that the failure can be resolved by greasing the wheel and was due to insufficient lubrication of the intermediate steering shaft. The failure began at 41,000 miles in 2007 while driving 15 MPH. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they repaired the vehicle according to the TSB; however, the mechanic stated that the failure would occur again. Currently, at 66,000 miles, the failure is recurring. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was corrected the first time and they would not repair it again since it was out of warranty. The contact believes a recall should be issued since it is a manufacturer defect. …
I own a 2005 Buick Lacrosse with 27,000 miles. Another owner with same car warned me to watch out for steering problems. I paid little attention and within one month my car's steering was making a grinding noise when turning in either direction. I took my car to a local repair shop and they quickly diagnosed the problem as a defect in the intermediate shaft in the steering column. They stated there was a tsa bulletin on this issue with the Buick Lacrosse. About two weeks later while casually discussing this with a neighbor she described the same problem in her Buick Lacrosse repaired by local Buick dealer. From my perspective, hearing of this problem from three sources in one month I believe the problem is pervasive and has yet to result in a tragedy because the owners took preventive measures. …
Steering complaints in other Lacrosse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Buick Lacrosse?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Buick Lacrosse, 16% of the model year's 315 complaints. The component named most often is column (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Buick Lacrosse steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2005 Buick Lacrosse, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Buick Lacrosse steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to steering 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.