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Buick · Known Issues

2009 Buick LaCrosse Problems: 4 Known Issues

2009 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Buick LaCrosse has 4 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 $150 to $900. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • LaCrosse Electrical2
  • LaCrosse Cooling1
  • LaCrosse HVAC1
  • Recalls13
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical2
  • Cooling1
  • HVAC1
  • Recalls13
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS2017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005

On the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 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 reduce how well the driver can see the road ahead and how easily oncoming traffic can see the LaCrosse, raising the risk of a crash. The campaign as a whole covers roughly 429,170 vehicles across several GM, Isuzu and Saab models — that figure is campaign-wide and is not a count of LaCrosse sedans.

Common Symptoms

  • Headlamps do not illuminate
  • Daytime running lights do not illuminate
  • Loss of forward lighting at night

How to Fix

The repair is free. GM notified owners and dealers replace the headlamp driver module at no charge; the recall repair began May 17, 2016. Buick customer service can be reached at 1-800-521-7300, and GM's internal recall number is 14291. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your LaCrosse is included and whether the HDM replacement was ever performed.

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 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 owners is to strip the key ring down to nothing but the ignition key and to take the key fob off the ring as well until the recall work is done. The campaign is large - 3,141,731 vehicles across all makes and models included in it - and the LaCrosse is one of six GM vehicles named.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving
  • Ignition key moves out of the run position
  • Loss of power steering assist after the engine stops
  • Loss of power brake assist after the engine stops

How to Fix

The remedy is free at any Buick dealer. The dealer installs two key rings and either an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on every ignition key for the vehicle, so the key hangs in a way that does not let weight tug the switch out of run. Owner notification began September 23, 2014. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your LaCrosse still has this open, or call Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. In the meantime, drive with the ignition key alone on the ring.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 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 a cylinder and hydro-lock the engine. This is a well-documented age/heat-related failure on this engine family.

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant smell and slow coolant loss
  • Visible coolant leak near intake / water pump
  • Overheating
  • Low coolant warning
  • White exhaust smoke or hydro-lock in severe cases

How to Fix

Replace the lower intake manifold gaskets with GM's revised gasket (higher-temp rubber with metal coolant-passage inserts) and swap the plastic coolant elbows for metal Dorman replacements. Pressure-test the cooling system and inspect for oil/coolant intermixing during the repair.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $900

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2008-2014 Buick LaCrosse, across LaCrosse generations the HVAC blower motor (and on some 3800-era cars the blower resistor) commonly fails as the car ages, causing intermittent or no airflow. Additionally, a software fault in the electronic climate control (ECC) module can disable the ability to adjust HVAC settings entirely, leaving the driver unable to control heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Common Symptoms

  • No air from vents or only on certain fan speeds
  • Blower works intermittently
  • Cannot adjust temperature or fan settings
  • Climate control display unresponsive
  • AC not cooling

How to Fix

Replace the failed blower motor (and resistor module on older cars) as a common wear repair. For frozen climate controls, update or replace the ECC/HVAC control module per GM software updates; inspect connectors for corrosion.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $500

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
NHTSA Recalls13 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Campaign #17V43700010/07/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

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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 2009 Buick LaCrosse has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 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 2009 Buick LaCrosse has 4 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 $150 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.

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.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #16V65100008/09/2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick LaCrosse vehicles manufactured April 30, 2013, to September 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a wiring splice in the driver's door may corrode and break, resulting in the absence of an audible chime to notify the driver if the door is opened while the key is in the ignition. Additionally, the Retained Accessory Power (RAP) module may stay active for ten minutes allowing the operation of the passenger windows, rear windows, and sunroof. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention," and 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."

Campaign #14V31700012/06/2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Lacrosse vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 31, 2014 and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured February 7, 2014, through March 31, 2014, and equipped with 17 inch front brake rotors. The affected vehicles may have had brake rotors intended for the rear of the car accidentally installed on the front. The rear rotors, while the same diameter, are thinner and may result in a front brake pad detaching from the caliper.

Campaign #14V24000008/05/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Campaign #14V09200021/02/2014

+ 8 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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.

What is the 2008-2014 Buick LaCrosse HVAC Blower Motor and Climate Control Module Failures?

Across LaCrosse generations the HVAC blower motor (and on some 3800-era cars the blower resistor) commonly fails as the car ages, causing intermittent or no airflow. Additionally, a software fault in the electronic climate control (ECC) module can disable the ability to adjust HV… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.