2009 Buick Lacrosse Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 Buick Lacrosse.

20082010
Complaints
146
Crashes
5
Fires
8
Injuries
3
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2009 Buick Lacrosse Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#145 complaints

Headlight/Taillight Failures

Avg mileage:67,631 mi
Fires:2
#229 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:67,696 mi
Fires:2
#327 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:48,202 mi
Crash-related:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2009 Buick Lacrosse.

Headlight/Taillight Failures
45
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
67,631
Electrical Faults
29
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
67,696
Airbags
27
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
48,202
Unintended Acceleration
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
66,476
Engine Problems
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
87,730
Fuel System
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
85,046
Electronic Stability Control
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Instrument Cluster
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wiring & Fuses
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches / Locks
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Door
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Traction Control System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Buick Lacrosse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2009 Buick Lacrosse

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~3,570,901 vehicles.

15V519000Exterior Lighting:headlights
~429,170 affected

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.

14V355000Electrical System:ignition
~3,141,731 affected

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.

Other Buick Lacrosse Years

2009 Buick Lacrosse — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2009 Buick Lacrosse reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2009 Buick Lacrosse has 146 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Headlight/Taillight Failures with 45 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2009 Buick Lacrosse?
Top reported problems: Headlight/Taillight Failures (45 complaints, avg 67,631 mi); Electrical Faults (29 complaints, avg 67,696 mi); Airbags (27 complaints, avg 48,202 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Buick Lacrosse?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 64,752 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2009 Buick Lacrosse?
NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Buick Lacrosse include 5 crash-related reports, 8 fire reports, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2009 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 3,570,901 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2009 Buick Lacrosse?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Buick Lacrosse reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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