2006 Buick Lacrosse

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.

Vehicle rear-ended at high rate of speed. Impact included rollover. Driver was buckled but seatbelt and/or seat failure and no air bag deployment for either occupant. Serious bodily injury occurred. Vehicle on hold pending further police investigation and scene reconstruction by multiple agencies.

NHTSA ID

11712184

Incident

Jan 10, 2026

So many issues with the Buick. Made of glass. First I had no coolant line and I took it to be inspected before at, Baumen Ford and they said everything was fine with it. Turns out needed new coolant line, head gasket, timing cover, and switch. 5 new tires, rebuilt transmission, epc solenoid, transmission lines, rear pivot, left front wheel barring, formed band, and many many more. Currently with everything replaced and more that I haven’t listed/can’t state because don’t know the term. Already Has costed me 10k. And still have issues, with the APP, code P1125, P2120, P2138, & C0240. Need to inspect these car Models from 2003-2009 as they all have similar issues and nothing has been done.

NHTSA ID

11557083

Incident

Feb 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the headlights activated, the front driver’s and passenger’s side low-beam headlights intermittently failed to remain illuminated, making it difficult to see the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the HDM headlamp driver module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ID

11542059

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Mileage

119,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlamps failed to properly illuminate the roadway. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lightning) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11484192

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

Mileage

65,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11480585

Incident

Aug 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and vibrate and the felt like that the front passenger’s side tire was about to detach from the vehicle. The contact slowed down and drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the tie rod and wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the repairs had not been performed by the first independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ID

11440800

Incident

Mar 2, 2021

Mileage

113,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving the headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11433970

Incident

Aug 1, 2021

Mileage

130,000 mi

In spite of multiple wheel alignments, where all of the wheels are in alignment with each other, this car still pulls sharply to the right. It is noted amongst internet discussion groups that General Motors/Buick has a common problem with a steering sensor/computer interface that causes this steering problem. I have contacted dealerships, along with Buick's California "response team" with no solution. Everybody I've spoken to so far appears to be clueless about this problem which I suspect is not a truthful response from them. The pulling has been going on for approximately 10 years, but my father (the original owner of this car) was already elderly at the time and had difficulty talking with people on the phone because of hearing loss. He let this fester. This is a serious issue because of the consistent pulling that could lead to lane drifting and cause an accident.

NHTSA ID

11433711

Incident

Sep 20, 2021

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.