2009 Buick Lacrosse: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Buick Lacrosse: 2 recalls, 106 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Exterior lights (47): the most common themes are warning light on (7), electrical failure (6), stalls / loses power (5).
- Electrical (31): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), warning light on (6), door / lock issues (5).
- Airbags (27): the most common themes are warning light on (12).
- Speed control / throttle (9): the most common themes are warning light on (5).
The 2009 Buick Lacrosse has 106 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 15 Lacrosse model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 141). Complaints peaked in 2015 (44 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 55,006 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (250 complaints, 2 recalls), 2010 (189 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 28 | 21 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | 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 2009 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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2009 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Buick Lacrosse. 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 2009 Buick Lacrosse problems?
Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (47), electrical (31), airbags (27).
What gas mileage does the 2009 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 2009 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.