Model year guide

2009 Buick LaCrosse

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Buick LaCrosse is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 36 on record.

2009 Buick LaCrosse — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2009 Buick LaCrosse at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints106
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$7,334

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

2009 Buick LaCrosse recalls 2

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…

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.

2009 Buick LaCrosse common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2009 Buick LaCrosse MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,100

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

What's a 2009 Buick LaCrosse worth?

Low
$3,995
Typical price
$7,334
High
$10,200

From 36 comparable 2009 Buick LaCrosse listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2009 Buick LaCrosse costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$3,900
Total$19,400
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($7,334) with the same model 4 model-years older ($4,210), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2009 Buick LaCrosse trims & engines on record

Trims
CXL · CX
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl

2009 Buick LaCrosse vehicles on record

Other Buick LaCrosse model years

2009 Buick LaCrosse — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Buick LaCrosse have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2009 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 2009 Buick LaCrosse?

Based on 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, electrical system, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Buick LaCrosse get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2009 Buick LaCrosse at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2009 Buick LaCrosse worth?

Comparable 2009 Buick LaCrosse listings run roughly $3,995–$10,200, typically around $7,334 (from 36 vehicles).

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