Most common 2006 Buick Lacrosse problems
Share of the 299 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 →
2006 Buick Lacrosse recalls (3)
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…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2006 Buick Lacrosse:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
What 2006 Buick Lacrosse owners say
Lights all 156 →
The contact owns a 2006 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the headlights activated, the front driver's and passenger's side low-beam headlights intermittently failed to remain illuminated, making it difficult to see the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the HDM headlamp driver module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlamps failed to properly illuminate the roadway. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lightning) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Electrical system all 83 →
So many issues with the Buick. Made of glass. First I had no coolant line and I took it to be inspected before at, Baumen Ford and they said everything was fine with it. Turns out needed new coolant line, head gasket, timing cover, and switch. 5 new tires, rebuilt transmission, epc solenoid, transmission lines, rear pivot, left front wheel barring, formed band, and many many more. Currently with everything replaced and more that I haven't listed/can't state because don't know the term. Already Has costed me 10k. And still have issues, with the APP, code P1125, P2120, P2138, & C0240. Need to inspect these car Models from 2003-2009 as they all have similar issues and nothing has been done.
Recall in 2014 re: ignition switch failure of more than one key on keyring in ignition. Weight would cause car to shutdown(turn off ignition) in a crash thus not allowing airbags to deploy. Recall started in 2014. Did not own the car until 2017. Was not aware of recall. Son was injured in crash of such vehicle on 2/16/19. Hit a telephone pole at approximately 60mph. Front nor side curtains did not deploy resulting in severe traumatic brain injury to brain stem. Was in coma for 6 days. 10 weeks in icu and rehab. Is impaired now effects walking , speech, adl skills, memory. Will need long term care.ws traveling g on a rural road, hit patch of black ice, o ercorrected and slid across road hitting utility pole at 60-70 MPH.. Needed to be extricated from vehicle, unconscious vicious, was wearing seatbelt. VIN not available.
Air bags all 38 →
Vehicle rear-ended at high rate of speed. Impact included rollover. Driver was buckled but seatbelt and/or seat failure and no air bag deployment for either occupant. Serious bodily injury occurred. Vehicle on hold pending further police investigation and scene reconstruction by multiple agencies.
The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
2006 Buick Lacrosse engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Buick Lacrosse a good car?
Based on 299 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Lacrosse rates average: 1.3× 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 2006 Buick Lacrosse?
The lights — 156 complaints, 52% of all complaints for this model year, most often about headlights. Next are the electrical system (83) and air bags (38).
How many recalls does the 2006 Buick Lacrosse have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2006 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 2006 Buick Lacrosse problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 19% 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.