What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2005–2009) LaCrosse?

LaCrosse owners have made 169 complaints about the 2005–2009 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 17th out of 22 Buick generations in overall reliability, with real lights and interior concerns.

Compare With Other LaCrosse Generations

Common 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation LaCrosse owners have to deal with.

  1. Sudden Low Beam Headlight Failure

    The 1st generation Lacrosse and Rainier have low beam headlights can suddenly shut off even though the lights themselves are perfectly fine. The issue is a a defective headlamp driver module which is responsible for distributing power to th…

    Continue reading article "Sudden Low Beam Headlight Failure" An open fuse block with the bad module circled in red

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2005–2009) LaCrosse Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 169 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 17th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 22 eligible generations.

Recent 1st Generation (2005–2009) LaCrosse News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. The 2014 Buick LaCrosse is acting a bit possessed these days. Not the "360-degree-head-spinning, better-call-an-exorcist" variety of possessed, but more along the lines of a b-rated horror flick.

    That's because the windows can continue to work long after the car has been turned off ... spooky! In some cases, the windows will even open and close themselves ... SPOOKIER! Then there's the fact that the chime might not sound when the driver’s door is opened with the key still in the ignition ... SPOO ... ok, that's not as spooky.…

    keep reading article "The LaCrosse's Possessed Window is Being recalled"

  2. Hey, it's the weekend and you know what that means! Another massive recall from GM for ignition switch problems.

    Cue the sad trombone. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know.