Wrench.Pro

2005 Buick LaCrosse Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2005 Buick LaCrosse has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power steering rack and pinion failure.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2005 Buick LaCrosse.

Reported to NHTSA

Power steering rack and pinion failure

STEERING

22 NHTSA complaints · 2012-10 → 2021-02

“THIS IS THE FIFTH (5TH) TIME THE RACK AND PINION HAS GONE OUT ON THIS VEHICLE IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS - MAY 2013 THROUGH JULY 2013”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10526105
“SON WAS DRIVING TO PICK UP HIS MOTHER FROM WORK. STEERING BECAME HARD TO TURN (2ND TIME IN ONE MONTH). VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR RACK AND PINION PROBLEMS NOT ONE MONTH AGO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10514045
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11395565

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door lock and handle mechanism failure

STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2020-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11353640
“FROM APPROX. 60,000 MILES DRIVERS DOOR WOULD STICK IN THE LOCKED POSITION REGARDLESS OF LOCK SOLENOID ACTUATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10604347
“BOTH OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON LEFT DRIVER SIDE AND BACK PASSENGER SIDE HAVE FALLEN APART WHEN OPENED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10641520

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission failure

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2018-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTED ABNORMALLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11129113
“"TAKATA RECALL" WE BOUGHT A USED 2005 BUICK LACROSSE FOR OUR SON IN APRIL 2016; AT FIRST IT RAN PERFECT AND THEN WE NOTICED A THUMP WHEN CHANGING GEARS (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10875899
“WHILE SITTING AT RED LIGHT WOULD NOT MOVE ON GREEN, HAD CHECKED COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10818588

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlamp driver module failure disabling low beams

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

77 NHTSA complaints · 2012-03 → 2018-10

“THE 2005 BUICK LACROSSE EXHIBITS EXACTLY THE SAME HDM RELAY FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000. THE HDM MODULE CAN OVERHEAT AND FAIL WHICH CAUSES THE HEADLIGHTS OR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS TO FAIL TO LIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10701231
“LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE OUT, ALSO NO DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. THEY GO OUT AT RANDOM, WITHOUT WARNING. REPLACED HDM MODULE, DID NO HELP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10937729
“THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT NIGHT WHEN SUDDENLY THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LEAVE THE ROAD AS HE WAS GOING THRU A TURN AT THE TIME. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THE CAR ONLY SUFFERED MINOR DAMAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10743487

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition switch failure causing loss of motive power

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

43 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2023-08

“The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and the contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11537698
“GM SENT OUT A RECALL FOR THE BUICK LACROSSE 2005. THE RECALL WAS TO FIX AN ISSUE THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO SWITCH OFF AT RANDOM WHILE RUNNING CAUSING FOR POTENTIAL CRASH AND LACK OF AIRBAGS TO WORK AND OTHER POSSIBLE HAZARDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10681060
“WHILE RUNNING VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH WENT OFF AND CAR WAS LEFT WITHOUT POWER STEERING AND NO MOTOR POWER. I HAVE TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP IN ORDER TO START THE CAR AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10731903

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light illumination and sensor failure

AIR BAGS

18 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2020-06

“THE AIR BAG MODULE IN MY LACROSSE IS BEING REPLACED FOR THE FOURTH TIME. IT FAILED THE FIRST TIME AROUND 40,000 MILES AND WAS REPLACED UNDER THE WARRANTY. IT FAILED AGAIN AROUND 80,000 AND I PAID TO HAVE IT REPLACED AROUND $900.00”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10621737
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF HER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10662062
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE PRESENCE SYSTEM MODULE FAILED CAUSING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10668010

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS activation and brake pedal failure

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2017-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10617331
“THE ABS ACTIVATES EARLY WHEN TRYING TO STOP AT LOW SPEEDS, THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF BREAKING FORCE WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT LOW SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10651282
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND ENGAGING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND HESITATED TO STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10658893

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

173 crashes 1990–2024

How the 173 occupant deaths break down

135

driver deaths

37

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

173

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2005 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

6

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2005 Buick LaCrosse reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →