Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The defrosters never worked properly. It seems moisture is being brought in from outside and fogging up the windshield. The vehicles poor defrosters became a safety issue when driving thru the last snow storm. Visibility was extremely poor. I had to lean over and peak thru the bottom of the windshield near the bottom to get minimal sight. Like I said, it was always an issue, but when you really need defrosters, you don't have any.
Was at a stop light getting ready to pull off car lost all power including radio, was almost rear ended. I was on a city street. Also no matter what type of windshield wiper I have put on this car. They don't seem to keep the windshield clear.
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while attempting to use the defroster, the HVAC system was not working properly, and paper towels were used to wipe the inside and outside windshield. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH or while slowing down to come to a stop, there was an abnormal creaking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to have the HVAC system reprogrammed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the HVAC system could not be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or mechanic to have the abnormal sound coming from the rear end diagnosed. …
When driving in rain and high humidity, the windshield and front windows will often completely fog up with moisture on the inside of the car. It can make seeing outside while driving impossible and risks an accident. In three years we have found no settings on the climate control system that will avoid this problem. We have had the heater core replaced in a futile attempt to remedy the situation. We have been told by Buick that there is no fix or recall.
The contact owns a 2010 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH with the A/C activated, there was a loud shattering sound coming from the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected, and the contact became aware that the sunroof had exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
While driving city streets in a snow storm, I was unable to defrost the rear window and melt the snow off of the heated side view mirrors. I literally couldn't see anything behind or next to me. When I press the defroster button the light indicates that it's on but nothing happens. There were no warning indicators illuminated. I took the vehicle into the dealership twice for this problem and they said that both the rear window defogger and heated mirrors work off the same button and needed to be reprogrammed - but it never seems to work when I truly need it.
Low beam headlights randomly turn off while driving at night and day. Causing not to be able to see the roadway at all. Very dangerous!!! They give no warning at all. Only the low beams do this. Bright lights are not affected. There was a recall for this issue but they said my car was not affected. But it is 100% affected by this recall. Ot seems like the Headlamp driver module is overheating. It gets extremely hot. This issue almost caused a very serious accident .
the glass to the sunroof blew off while driving and broken into pieces. broken glass at risk. no, the problem has not been confirmed by dealer or service center. no inspections. no warning lamps messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The sunroof glass just blew off the car while driving.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Lacrosse years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (18), 2010 (10), 2007 (8), 2005 (6) and 2006 (5) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Buick Lacrosse window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for any Buick Lacrosse model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Lacrosse window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield (4 mentions), followed by the sun/moon roof assembly (4).
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.