2006 Buick LaCrosse Problems: 3 Known Issues
2006 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 Buick LaCrosse has 3 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000), Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000) and 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks ($300-$900 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $900. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls6 recalls
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 headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
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 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.
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 THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK IS MISSING THE ADHESIVE LAYER THAT BONDS THE BARRIER LAYER TO THE OUTER SHELL OF THE FUEL TANK.
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 SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Buick LaCrosse problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 Buick LaCrosse has 3 documented issues. Documented issues include: Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000), Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000), 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick LaCrosse reliable?
The 2006 Buick LaCrosse has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000) and Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000) and 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Buick LaCrosse problems?
Repair costs for known Buick LaCrosse issues range from $300 to $900, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000)?
GM recalled the Buick LaCrosse under NHTSA campaign 15V519000 (GM number 14291) because the headlamp driver module (HDM) can overheat and fail. When the module fails, the headlamps and the daytime running lights stop illuminating. NHTSA notes that headlamps which do not come on r… Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000)?
NHTSA recall 14V355000 covers 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse sedans. On these cars the weight hanging on the key ring, combined with road conditions or some other jarring event, can move the ignition switch out of the run position while you are driving. GM's own guidance to LaCrosse ow… Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks?
First-generation LaCrosse models with the GM 3.8L (Series III) V6 commonly develop lower intake manifold gasket leaks, and the plastic coolant elbow at the water pump deforms from heat and leaks. Coolant loss can lead to overheating; in severe upper-intake cases coolant can enter… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.