2009 Buick Lacrosse: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 106 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is exterior lighting (41% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The air bag light on the dashboard is on all the time.It is available for inspection at any time. I do not know if the bag will go off at any time or does it mean that it won't go off on impact. I am nervous about having someone for a passenger. I have informed the dealership of the problem and they did confirmed the problem, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer or others. The light came on the day after I bought the car from the dealership and it has been on every cents.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2023
“Reduced power/traction control light came on suddenly and reduced car power immediately. This made for a very dangerous situation while passing a truck and entering the highway. The car dropped speed very quickly making for a potentially deadly situation. This problem comes and goes with no warning until it happens. Research shows this is a big problem for gm vehicles especially the 2009 buick lacross models. It's a disaster waiting to happen if it hasn't happened already. This needs to be recalled asap.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick lacrosse. When the contact started the vehicle, the check engine and service trac system warning indicators illuminated. Also, the vehicle would not exceed 15 to 20 mph when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the accelerator pedal was replaced, but the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and started an investigation. The manufacturer informed the contact to call NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 99,000.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Was driving down road got to my destination parked it and when I came out it would not start found a burnt fuel pump relay changed it and drove it home. 20 min later I drove it again and made it 2 miles same thing happened to relay only when I was driving it.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick lacrosse. While driving approximately 40 mph, the throttle began to fail. There were no warning indicators illuminated before or after the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,648.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2018
“At 80xxx miles the drivers front door lock actuator became inoperative. At 90xxx miles the passenger front door lock actuator became inoperative. At 96xxx miles the passenger rear door lock actuator became inoperative. Each runs $250-300 to repair. Not repairing leaves the door unlocked (while driving) or unlocked (while parked and vehicle becomes accessible to anyone) or the door remains locked when trying to exit or enter. In an emergency, this may cause problems. Searching the internet, there are many complaints about this on the lacrosse.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2017
“The air bag malfunction warning light blinks and then remains on when the ignition is turned on and when driving regardless of speed. This condition has resulted in the replacing of the relevant part twice since I purchased this vehicle in 2009 once under warranty and once out of warranty. This recurring problem compromises the operation of the air bags in the event of an accident. The air bags in this vehicle have never been deployed since it has been accident free since purchased new.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2017
“Original purchaser of vehicle with under 120,000 miles and have a "reduced power / accelerator pedal position sensor" problem as recalled by gm for some make and models as same, but not mine as it did not manufactured at same plant as others (as I was told)? I'm finding it coincidental that I would have the same problem?”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2016
“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..”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2016
“While entering interstate off ramp I started slowing down and vehicle accelerated to a very high speed. With extreme brake pedal pressure was not able to slow vehicle down for approximately 100 yards. I had to change 3 lanes to avoid collions with vehicles in front.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Lacrosse by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Buick Lacrosse reliable?
NHTSA has 106 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Buick Lacrosse. The most complained-about area is exterior lighting (41% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Buick Lacrosse problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 55,006 miles or less.
Does the 2009 Buick Lacrosse have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.