VehicleVerdict

2009 Buick LaCrosse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2009 Buick LaCrosse sits mid-pack among LaCrosse years: 146 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 197, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Lighting leads the complaint categories with 47 reports (32% of the total).

146

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other LaCrosse years?

LaCrosse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted414 complaints2005: 414 complaints2006: 383 complaints2007: 326 complaints2008: 343 complaints2009: 146 complaints2010: 278 complaints2011: 243 complaints2012: 301 complaints2013: 198 complaints2014: 89 complaints2015: 54 complaints2016: 60 complaints2017: 42 complaints2018: 19 complaints2019: 8 complaints
LaCrosse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LaCrosse years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Buick LaCrosse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting4732%
Electrical System3524%
Airbags2718%
Speed Control96%
Engine64%
Fuel System53%
Brakes43%
Transmission32%
Seats32%
Other21%
Body & Structure21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Latches & Locks11%
Steering11%

Does the 2009 Buick LaCrosse have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V519000LightingAugust 14, 2015 · 429,170 units

Defect

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. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.

Consequence

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.

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. GM's number for this recall is 14291.

14V355000Electrical SystemJune 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 units

Defect

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, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

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.

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. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT EFFECTIVE. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED UP THE PANEL WHERE THE MODULE WAS REPLACED, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE FUSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · February 12, 2015 · fire

“ABS STABILITY TRACKING LIGHTS COME ON, CAR DIES NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE DRIVING A CAR THAT IS STILL MOVING WITH NO STEERING OR BRAKES. IN THE PAST THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE HOOD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MY ELECTRIC SEATS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AND BURNT OUT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 5, 2015 · fire

“LEFT HOME FOR LOCAL RESTAURANT ABOUT 7:AM ON MAY 8. TRAVELING DOWN HWY 2 LANE, MUST HAVE DROPPED WHEEL OFF PAVEMENT AND THE CAR WENT CRAZY. I DO NOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. THE ACCIDENT REPORT SAYS VEHICLE CROSSED THE ROAD, HIT A BANK HEAD FIRST AND FLIPPED THE VEHICLE. ONE CAR ACCIDENT. AIRBAGS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 8, 2014 · crash

“WHILE ENTERING A PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT VERY HIGH RPMS AND JUMPED THE CURB HITTING A TREE, EXTREME PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE.. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME IN 2 DAYS THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED..”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 16, 2016 · crash

“ABS STABILITY TRACKING LIGHTS COME ON, CAR DIES NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE DRIVING A CAR THAT IS STILL MOVING WITH NO STEERING OR BRAKES. IN THE PAST THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE HOOD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MY ELECTRIC SEATS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AND BURNT OUT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 5, 2015 · fire

2009 Buick LaCrosse — common questions

Is the 2009 Buick LaCrosse reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 146 NHTSA complaints, below the typical LaCrosse year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 LaCrosse problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (47 complaints), electrical system (35 complaints), airbags (27 complaints).

Does the 2009 Buick LaCrosse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Buick LaCrosse. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Buick LaCrosse years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LaCrosse years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2008, 2007, 2012. The cleanest record among LaCrosse years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.