The passenger airbag light started coming on and going off intermittently. After several weeks of this, it was on every time the car is driven. Testing by an ASE certified mechanic revealed that the permanent light results in no front seat airbags. The failed part is the seat presence sensor. The part is - and hasn't been for quite a while - manufactured by GM. Aftermarket parts are costly and the installation cost is in the hundreds of dollars. Research indicates that this is a well-known and long reported issue. Why not a recall years ago? Other than brakes and steering, could there be any more unsafe components than those affecting airbags? The only remedy other than continuously replacing the faulty part, is a bypass module. If it functions correctly, the airbag will deploy regardless of passenger weight. This puts any child or underweight rider in danger. And, of course, considering the expense, many owners will do nothing with possibly grave consequences. I think you "dropped the ball" big time on this one!
The worst 2009 Buick Lacrosse problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Lights47
- Electrical31
- Airbags27
- Acceleration9
- Engine6
- Fuel system5
- Brakes4
- Driver assistance4
- Seats3
- Transmission3
- Body2
- Locks1
- Steering1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Buick Lacrosse
Headlights 40Airbag light 20Door locks 6ABS 5Check engine light 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2009 Buick Lacrosse mention
P1125 2P2138 2
Recalls 2
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑762‑2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.
Recall number 15V519000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 (Buick), 1‑800‑458‑8006 (Cadillac), and 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
Recall number 14V355000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Buick Lacrosse 1,038
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- Unknown or other
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power...
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline...
- This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or...
2009 Buick Lacrosse fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 28 | 21 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | FWD | 16 | 24 | 19 |
What 2009 Buick Lacrosse owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My headlamps have been going out sporadically and until recently I was able to
The air bag light on the dashboard is on all the time.It is available for inspection at any time. I do not know if the bag will go off at any time or does it mean that it won't go off on impact. I am nervous about having someone for a passenger. I have informed the dealership of the problem and they did confirmed the problem, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer or others. The light came on the day after I bought the car from the dealership and it has been on every cents.
Passenger airbag intermittently turns on and off when passenger is seated.
Reduced power/traction control light came on suddenly and reduced car power immediately. This made for a very dangerous situation while passing a truck and entering the highway. The car dropped speed very quickly making for a potentially deadly situation. This problem comes and goes with no warning until it happens. Research shows this is a big problem for gm vehicles especially the 2009 buick lacross models. It's a disaster waiting to happen if it hasn't happened already. This needs to be recalled asap.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick lacrosse. When the contact started the vehicle, the check engine and service trac system warning indicators illuminated. Also, the vehicle would not exceed 15 to 20 MPH when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the accelerator pedal was replaced, but the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and started an investigation. The manufacturer informed the contact to call the federal safety agency to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 99,000.
Was driving down road got to my destination parked it and when I came out it would not start found a burnt fuel pump relay changed it and drove it home. 20 min later I drove it again and made it 2 miles same thing happened to relay only when I was driving it.
Takata recall.. All of my warning dash lights are on at times or the whole dash, radio and everything go out then comes back, the ignition has been pausing before it turns over, the front end of the car rattles, ABS, t/c and air bags warning lights are almost always on.. I have replaced 1000.00s of dollars to fix the problem and nothing changes. I have replaced the wheel hubs, ignition module, the 700.00 part for the ecbm, nothing changes, I believe its an electrical problem that no one has been to find. It doesnt matter if the car is stationary, in motion or where I am driving. I need help with my car, please. I dont have pictures , can you please help me
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick lacrosse. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the throttle began to fail. There were no warning indicators illuminated before or after the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,648.
Abou 50,xxx miles the service airbag light in the dash began to illuminate intermittently. It would occur once a month or so. The dealer wanted $1200 to replace the ab control module. For the next 46,xxx miles it has been that way until a few days ago. Now the airbag light is on continually, meaning the airbags are inoperative. Seems like a safety issue to me!
Compare the 2009 Buick Lacrosse
Lacrosse vs Ford TaurusLacrosse vs Chevrolet ImpalaLacrosse vs Nissan MaximaLacrosse vs Dodge ChargerLacrosse vs Chrysler 300Lacrosse vs Toyota Avalon
Other model years
200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Questions about the 2009 Buick Lacrosse
Is the 2009 Buick Lacrosse reliable?
Owners have filed 106 complaints about the 2009 Buick Lacrosse, fewer than a typical Lacrosse model year.
What is the 2009 Buick Lacrosse year score?
The 2009 Buick Lacrosse scores 79 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Buick Lacrosse: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Buick Lacrosse?
Lights, with 47 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles. Next is electrical (31).
How many recalls does the 2009 Buick Lacrosse have?
2 recalls, covering exterior lighting and electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Buick Lacrosse lights?
Yes, 1 recall: 15V519000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Buick Lacrosse have the most lights problems?
The Buick Lacrosse model years with the most lights complaints are 2006 (156 complaints), 2007 (125 complaints) and 2005 (86 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Buick Lacrosse get?
Official estimates for the 2009 Buick Lacrosse range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 28 highway.
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