BUICK LACROSSE · model year

2006 BUICK LACROSSE

383 NHTSA complaints, 28 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006BUICKLACROSSE carries 383 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 28 crashes, 11 fires, 26 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2006 LACROSSE is exterior lighting with 146 filings, followed by electrical system (78) and air bags (28). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2006 LACROSSE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

383
Complaints
28
Crashes
11
Fires
26
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

383 filings

Crashes Reported

28 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
EXTERIOR LIGHTING146
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM78
AIR BAGS28
STEERING23
SUSPENSION9
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS9
ENGINE8
SERVICE BRAKES7
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL6
POWER TRAIN5
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
STRUCTURE:BODY4
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES3
WHEELS3

Recalls (4)

06V41700031/10/2006

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 SYST

14V35500023/06/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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 certai

09E00500017/02/2009

STEERING

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" 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

15V51900014/08/2015

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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 headlam

Recent Complaints

20260120CrashAIR BAGS

Vehicle rear-ended at high rate of speed. Impact included rollover. Driver was buckled but seatbelt and/or seat failure and no air bag deployment for either occupant. Serious bodily injury occurred. Vehicle on hold pending further police investigation and scene reconstruction by multiple agencies.

20260120CrashSEAT BELTS

Vehicle rear-ended at high rate of speed. Impact included rollover. Driver was buckled but seatbelt and/or seat failure and no air bag deployment for either occupant. Serious bodily injury occurred. Vehicle on hold pending further police investigation and scene reconstruction by multiple agencies.

20260120CrashSEATS

Vehicle rear-ended at high rate of speed. Impact included rollover. Driver was buckled but seatbelt and/or seat failure and no air bag deployment for either occupant. Serious bodily injury occurred. Vehicle on hold pending further police investigation and scene reconstruction by multiple agencies.

20231127ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

So many issues with the Buick. Made of glass. First I had no coolant line and I took it to be inspected before at, Baumen Ford and they said everything was fine with it. Turns out needed new coolant line, head gasket, timing cover, and switch. 5 new tires, rebuilt transmission, epc solenoid, transmission lines, rear pivot, left front wheel barring, formed band, and many many more. Currently with everything replaced and more that I haven’t listed/can’t state because don’t know the term. Already Has costed me 10k. And still have issues, with the APP, code P1125, P2120, P2138, & C0240. Need to inspect these car Models from 2003-2009 as they all have similar issues and nothing has been done.

20231127VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

So many issues with the Buick. Made of glass. First I had no coolant line and I took it to be inspected before at, Baumen Ford and they said everything was fine with it. Turns out needed new coolant line, head gasket, timing cover, and switch. 5 new tires, rebuilt transmission, epc solenoid, transmission lines, rear pivot, left front wheel barring, formed band, and many many more. Currently with everything replaced and more that I haven’t listed/can’t state because don’t know the term. Already Has costed me 10k. And still have issues, with the APP, code P1125, P2120, P2138, & C0240. Need to inspect these car Models from 2003-2009 as they all have similar issues and nothing has been done.

20231127FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

So many issues with the Buick. Made of glass. First I had no coolant line and I took it to be inspected before at, Baumen Ford and they said everything was fine with it. Turns out needed new coolant line, head gasket, timing cover, and switch. 5 new tires, rebuilt transmission, epc solenoid, transmission lines, rear pivot, left front wheel barring, formed band, and many many more. Currently with everything replaced and more that I haven’t listed/can’t state because don’t know the term. Already Has costed me 10k. And still have issues, with the APP, code P1125, P2120, P2138, & C0240. Need to inspect these car Models from 2003-2009 as they all have similar issues and nothing has been done.

20230901EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2006 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the headlights activated, the front driver’s and passenger’s side low-beam headlights intermittently failed to remain illuminated, making it difficult to see the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the HDM headlamp driver module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Mileage: 119,000

20220913EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

The contact owns a 2006 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlamps failed to properly illuminate the roadway. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lightning) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

20220822AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

20211117SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and vibrate and the felt like that the front passenger’s side tire was about to detach from the vehicle. The contact slowed down and drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the tie rod and wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the repairs had not been performed by the first independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Mileage: 113,000

20211117STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and vibrate and the felt like that the front passenger’s side tire was about to detach from the vehicle. The contact slowed down and drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the tie rod and wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the repairs had not been performed by the first independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Mileage: 113,000

20210922EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving the headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

20210920STEERING

In spite of multiple wheel alignments, where all of the wheels are in alignment with each other, this car still pulls sharply to the right. It is noted amongst internet discussion groups that General Motors/Buick has a common problem with a steering sensor/computer interface that causes this steering problem. I have contacted dealerships, along with Buick's California "response team" with no solution. Everybody I've spoken to so far appears to be clueless about this problem which I suspect is not a truthful response from them. The pulling has been going on for approximately 10 years, but my father (the original owner of this car) was already elderly at the time and had difficulty talking with people on the phone because of hearing loss. He let this fester. This is a serious issue because of the consistent pulling that could lead to lane drifting and cause an accident.

20210727EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Low beam headlights intermittently go out. Work ok one minute, then go dark. Very dangerous. Known issue under GM recall # 14291. The national highway traffic safety administration campaign ID number 15V-519. Problem has been confirmed by West-Herr Dodge in Rochester NY. Per info I have found this does not appear to have been permanently fixed by GM. As such the repair should be done at no charge going forward.

20200914AIR BAGS

AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AT DIFFERENT TIMES. WAS WORKED ON BY DEALERSHIP FOR PROBABLY A YEAR IN ? 2013 AND 2014.

20200803SUSPENSION

THE STABILIZER BAR BROKE AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL HAD 2 LUG BOLTS BREAK AND ALL THE LOTHERS LUG NUTS SPUN OFF. THANK THE LORD THAT THE WHEEL DID NOT COME OFF. I CALLED THE BUICK DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT $259.00 FOR THE STABILIZER BAR THAT'S IF I DIY THE STABILIZER BAR. WHY IF YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. HAVE YOU NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? THIS DIFFERENTLY A SAFETY ISSUE,

Mileage: 130,675

20200803WHEELS

THE STABILIZER BAR BROKE AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL HAD 2 LUG BOLTS BREAK AND ALL THE LOTHERS LUG NUTS SPUN OFF. THANK THE LORD THAT THE WHEEL DID NOT COME OFF. I CALLED THE BUICK DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT $259.00 FOR THE STABILIZER BAR THAT'S IF I DIY THE STABILIZER BAR. WHY IF YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. HAVE YOU NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? THIS DIFFERENTLY A SAFETY ISSUE,

Mileage: 130,675

20200410EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS INOPERABLE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OPERATED AS INTENDED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE HEADLAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLAMPS WERE USED TO SAFELY OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V519000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN HENDRICK CHEVROLET BUICK GMC SOUTHPOINT LOCATED AT (127 KENTINGTON DR, DURHAM, NC 27713), WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Mileage: 112,000

20200123STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLES DOOR LOCKS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE HEADLIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF SIMULTANEOUSLY WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED OR BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

20200123EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLES DOOR LOCKS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE HEADLIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF SIMULTANEOUSLY WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED OR BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

Compare 2006BUICKLACROSSE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 BUICK LACROSSE have?
The 2006 BUICK LACROSSE has 383 NHTSA complaints, 28 crashes, 11 fires, 26 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 BUICK LACROSSE?
Yes, the 2006 BUICK LACROSSE has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 BUICK LACROSSE?
The most-complained component for the 2006 BUICK LACROSSE is EXTERIOR LIGHTING with 146 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2006 BUICK LACROSSE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.