2005 Buick Lacrosse: loss of power steering

Filed Aug 27, 2014 · Steering · 64,000 miles · AK

Pulled into parking lot and lost power steering. Lots of clunking and grinding just prior. Mechanic says power steering hoses, rack and pinion and tie rods. Yet another problem with this vehicle. Gm was aware enough of the problem that they put a supervisor on the line but said that it is out of warranty now, so it's not their problem. Going to try to work with local guys to get out of it. Not sinking another penny into this car. If this had happened on the highway, I'd be dead.

Filed May 29, 2013 · Steering · 67,800 miles · AR

Son was driving to pick up his mother from work. Steering became hard to turn (2nd time in one month). Vehicle was repaired for rack and pinion problems not one month ago. Problem has recurred. Gm is aware that there is a problem with this platform (shared with buick lucerne) and chooses not to fix or address the problem until there is loss of life. The federal safety agency is aware that there is a problem also.

Filed May 2, 2013 · Steering · 67,549 miles · AR

My wife and son have complained for last couple of months that the power steering is becoming more and more difficult to turn, makes funny noises, bumping/thumping sound, when turning, a low sounding screeching no power steering fluid. My son was driving to football practice the power steering went out on while turning a corner, impossible to turn. A classmate with him, and together they had to turn the car (almost wrecking the vehicle). I went to get the car and checked the fluid level, there was none in the pump. I put some in and checked under the car. Power steering fluid was pouring out under the driver's side. After filling it again, they power steering worked for only a moment or so, screeching at the same time and shortly thereafter, it no longer worked. I thought it was a busted power steering hose. My wife took it to the shop, they put it upon the rack and we were told it was the rack and pinion that went out. That it would cost around $700 to repair it. The car is in the shop for repairs as I am typing this - mileage is around 67,500 - problem initially began (per my wife and son) a couple of months or so ago. I do not drive that vehicle, otherwise I probably would have noticed the problem much sooner. There are several buick vehicles built on the same type of platform as our 2005 buick lacrosse that have recalls. Why is there not a recall on this vehicle since the problems appears to be across the board? Almost all the complaints I researched about this problem with buick lacrosse is a repeat of what others have complained about. Buick (general motors) should assume all responsibility for this defect - yes I said defect." it is more cost effective to ignore the problem and wait until they are forced to address it. My boy almost had wreck behind it and general motors/buick won't fix it until someone gets seriously injured or killed. Enough said.

Filed May 13, 2011 · Steering · 94,496 miles · IA

On or about may 8, 2011 at approximately 3 pm my son and his friend were driving in the buick. My son tried to turn the car at an intersection and the power steering was gone. Between the two of them they were able to get the car turned. They drove the car to my house a few blocks away. I went out and saw a large puddle of fluid underneath the car. I discovered that it was power steering fluid. I did have this car towed to my mechanic. My mechanic informed me that the house fitting on the power steering failed. He stated this is a re-engineered gm part only available via gm. He stated that the re-engineered design did not allow for a replacement of the hose since the pump would also need to be replaced according to gm. He quoted me $650 parts and labor. I did call gm on or about may 10 2011 and spoke with brionna. She asked me to have the car taken to a gm dealer at my expense and I would have to pay a diagnostic fee. I did pay to have this car towed a 2nd time to community motors. She stated they would communicate to see if there was any assistance they could offer. I spoke with dennis from community on may 11 2011 and I was told there was a p/s steering failure and the hose and pump would need replaced. "around $900." was what I was quoted. I again spoke with brionna on may 11 and she told me that she would have a district rep in contact with me once he completed his investigation. I spoke with larry on may 11 who asked some questions and told me that he would be in contact with me. The entire time the car sat at the gm dealer I received 2 calls a day asking me to authorize the repair. I stated that gm was investigating this issue and they should be in contact with them. Dennis said no one from gm has told us they will fix the car. As such on 5/12/2011 I did go pick this car up. Please note I was able to drive this car away. The failure is not a completed failure.

Filed Apr 2, 2009 · Steering · 47,120 miles · WI

Power steering went out completely, no warning just out. Had a very hard time steering car. Lucky know one was hurt.