2009 Buick LaCrosse Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2009 Buick LaCrosse Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

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On the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, first-generation LaCrosse models with the GM 3.8L (Series III) V6 commonly develop lower intake manifold gasket leaks, and the plastic coolant elbow at the water pump deforms from heat and leaks. Coolant loss can lead to overheating; in severe upper-intake cases coolant can enter a cylinder and hydro-lock the engine. This is a well-documented age/heat-related failure on this engine family.

Common Symptoms

Coolant smell and slow coolant loss
Visible coolant leak near intake / water pump
Overheating
Low coolant warning
White exhaust smoke or hydro-lock in severe cases

How to Fix

Replace the lower intake manifold gaskets with GM's revised gasket (higher-temp rubber with metal coolant-passage inserts) and swap the plastic coolant elbows for metal Dorman replacements. Pressure-test the cooling system and inspect for oil/coolant intermixing during the repair.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $900

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2008-2014 Buick LaCrosse, across LaCrosse generations the HVAC blower motor (and on some 3800-era cars the blower resistor) commonly fails as the car ages, causing intermittent or no airflow. Additionally, a software fault in the electronic climate control (ECC) module can disable the ability to adjust HVAC settings entirely, leaving the driver unable to control heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Common Symptoms

No air from vents or only on certain fan speeds
Blower works intermittently
Cannot adjust temperature or fan settings
Climate control display unresponsive
AC not cooling

How to Fix

Replace the failed blower motor (and resistor module on older cars) as a common wear repair. For frozen climate controls, update or replace the ECC/HVAC control module per GM software updates; inspect connectors for corrosion.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $500

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0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls13 recalls

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick LaCrosse vehicles, manufactured between April 25, 2012, through March 6, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured between May 29, 2012, through February 18, 2013 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." A software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode removing any transmission-related engine braking effect.

Campaign #13V09700015/03/2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

Campaign #13V17300006/05/2013

SUSPENSION:REAR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.

Campaign #20V76400021/12/2020

SUSPENSION:REAR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

Campaign #21V63300012/08/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

Campaign #21V00F00022/12/2021

+ 8 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick LaCrosse problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009-2009 Buick LaCrosse has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks, HVAC Blower Motor and Climate Control Module Failures. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick LaCrosse reliable?

The 2009-2009 Buick LaCrosse has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Buick LaCrosse problems?

Repair costs for known Buick LaCrosse issues range from $150 to $900, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks, typically costs $300-$900 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks?

First-generation LaCrosse models with the GM 3.8L (Series III) V6 commonly develop lower intake manifold gasket leaks, and the plastic coolant elbow at the water pump deforms from heat and leaks. Coolant loss can lead to overheating; in severe upper-intake cases coolant can enter… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2014 Buick LaCrosse HVAC Blower Motor and Climate Control Module Failures?

Across LaCrosse generations the HVAC blower motor (and on some 3800-era cars the blower resistor) commonly fails as the car ages, causing intermittent or no airflow. Additionally, a software fault in the electronic climate control (ECC) module can disable the ability to adjust HV… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.

2009 Buick LaCrosse Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse: 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2008-2014 Buick LaCrosse: HVAC Blower Motor and Climate Control Module Failures#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

Other Buick Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick LaCrosse problems?

Is the Buick LaCrosse reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Buick LaCrosse problems?

What is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks?

What is the 2008-2014 Buick LaCrosse HVAC Blower Motor and Climate Control Module Failures?