Model year guide

2006 Buick LaCrosse

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Buick LaCrosse is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 103 on record.

2006 Buick LaCrosse — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Buick LaCrosse at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints299
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$4,275

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2006 Buick LaCrosse recalls 4

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #15V519000 · 14/08/2015

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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V355000 · 23/06/2014

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, 200…

Fix: 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 (Cadi…

Steering NHTSA Campaign #09E005000 · 17/02/2009

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #06V417000 · 31/10/2006

CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.

Fix: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2006 Buick LaCrosse common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 299 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2006 Buick LaCrosse MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,025

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2006 Buick LaCrosse worth?

Low
$2,200
Typical price
$4,275
High
$6,600

From 100 comparable 2006 Buick LaCrosse listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 Buick LaCrosse costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,125
Fuel only$15,125
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2006 Buick LaCrosse trims & engines on record

Trims
CX · CXL · CXS · Custom
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl · 3.1L 6-cyl

2006 Buick LaCrosse vehicles on record

Other Buick LaCrosse model years

2006 Buick LaCrosse — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Buick LaCrosse have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2006 Buick LaCrosse. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Buick LaCrosse?

Based on 299 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are exterior lighting, air bags, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Buick LaCrosse get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2006 Buick LaCrosse at about 21 mpg combined (17 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2006 Buick LaCrosse worth?

Comparable 2006 Buick LaCrosse listings run roughly $2,200–$6,600, typically around $4,275 (from 100 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.