Own a Buick Lacrosse in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Buick Lacrosse for model years 2005 to 2019. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Lacrosse owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 2,124 owner complaints on file for the Lacrosse and 25 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (591), exterior lighting (493), air bags (253).
Most-Reported Buick Lacrosse Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Lacrosse (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 591 | 27% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 493 | 23% | |
| Air Bags | 253 | 11% | |
| Steering | 228 | 10% | |
| Engine | 216 | 10% | |
| Suspension | 143 | 6% | |
| Power Train | 141 | 6% | |
| Service Brakes | 107 | 5% |
Electrical System
591 of the 2,124 complaints (27%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Exterior Lighting
493 of the 2,124 complaints (23%) mention lighting and visibility. Lights, wipers and visibility items are quick to fix and are on every rideshare inspection checklist. We check them as part of our inspection prep. See our rideshare inspection prep page.
Air Bags
253 of the 2,124 complaints (11%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Buick Lacrosse Complaints by Model Year
The Lacrosse model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 315 | |
| 2006 | 299 | |
| 2007 | 250 | |
| 2008 | 250 | |
| 2009 | 106 | |
| 2010 | 189 | |
| 2011 | 169 | |
| 2012 | 206 | |
| 2013 | 130 | |
| 2014 | 63 | |
| 2015 | 44 | |
| 2016 | 48 | |
| 2017 | 36 | |
| 2018 | 12 | |
| 2019 | 7 |
Most Common Buick Lacrosse Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Lacrosse. The most-cited is P2138 (throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation), mentioned in 5 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P2138 | Throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation Failing accelerator pedal sensor or throttle sensor; can cause reduced power. | 5 |
| P1125 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 4 |
| P2120 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| B0092 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Buick Lacrosse Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 25 recall campaigns for the Lacrosse in these model years, most often involving air bags, suspension, electrical system. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2021 recall, Suspension (campaign 21V00F000): 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,...
- 2021 recall, Suspension (campaign 21V633000): 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,...
- 2020 recall, Suspension (campaign 20V764000): 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,...
- 2020 recall, Power Train (campaign 20V668000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4,...
- 2018 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 18V576000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet...
- 2018 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 18V358000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Lacrosse, 99 involved a crash, 61 involved a fire, 71 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Buick Lacrosse Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Buick will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Lacrosse that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Lacrosse owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Buick Lacrosse, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Buick Lacrosse Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Buick Lacrosse repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Rideshare Inspection Prep
Get approved for Uber, Lyft and more.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Buick Lacrosse FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Buick Lacrosse?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Buick Lacrosse are electrical system (591), exterior lighting (493), air bags (253). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Lacrosse model years have the most complaints?
The Lacrosse model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Buick Lacrosse?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Buick Lacrosse, the codes cited most often are P2138 (throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation), P1125 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code), P2120 (powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Buick Lacrosse have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 25 recall campaigns for the Buick Lacrosse across model years 2005 to 2019. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Buick Lacrosse in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Buick vehicles including the Lacrosse, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Buick Lacrosse?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Buick Lacrosse in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Buick Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.