2009 Buick LaCrosse Problems: 4 Known Issues
2009 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 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.
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls13 recalls
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick LaCrosse vehicles, manufactured between April 25, 2012, through March 6, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured between May 29, 2012, through February 18, 2013 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." A software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode removing any transmission-related engine braking effect.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
SUSPENSION:REAR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
SUSPENSION:REAR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
SUSPENSION:REAR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
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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. 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 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.
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, on certain 2011 LaCrosse models a software fault in the electronic climate control (ECC) module can… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.
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.