2005 Buick Lacrosse: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Buick Lacrosse: 4 recalls, 315 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #05V156000 · 2005 · 61,594 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Pushing on the pedal will not apply the brakes and a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #06V417000 · 2006 · 794 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side May be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. In either case, in the event of a crash that requires air bag deployment, a front passenger's level of injury May be increased.
The fix: 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 owners. The recall began on November 6, 2006. Owners should contact gm at…
Electrical Vehicle recall #14V355000 · 2014 · 3,141,731 vehicles
What's wrong: 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. General motors LLC (gm) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick lacrosse, 2006-2011 Buick lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac deville, 2006-2011 Cadillac dts,…
Why it matters: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags May not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #15V519000 · 2015 · 429,170 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (hdm) May overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
Why it matters: Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hdm, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #09E005000 · 2009 · 979 vehicles
What's wrong: 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutionstm" brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. A potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area.
Why it matters: A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on February 23, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Exterior lights (82): the most common themes are warning light on (8), electrical failure (8), stalls / loses power (5).
- Electrical (80): the most common themes are electrical failure (44), stalls / loses power (18), warning light on (9).
- Steering (51): the most common themes are steering problems (47), noise or vibration (27), warning light on (4).
- Airbags (34): the most common themes are warning light on (12), fails to deploy (4).
The 2005 Buick Lacrosse has 315 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 15 Lacrosse model years for complaints (2.2× the average Lacrosse year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (61 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 64,511 miles. Neighboring years: 2006 (299 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Buick Lacrosse.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2005 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Buick Lacrosse, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Buick Lacrosse problems?
Owners have filed 315 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (82), electrical (80), steering (51).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Buick Lacrosse get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 Buick Lacrosse repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.