This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Buick LaCrosse steering problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 22 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Buick LaCrosse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Steering system complaints on the 2007 LaCrosse cluster around intermittent noise and functional failures. The most common issue is a clunk or pop from the steering column and shaft assembly during turns or bumps. Buick issued a Technical Service Bulletin for 2005-2007 model years and upgraded parts in 2008, but owners say the parts were never recalled or covered free—dealers quote around $250 for replacement, and the noise recurs on some vehicles.
Power steering failures are another major concern. Owners report hose leaks caused by poorly crimped fittings and O-ring blowouts, leading to fluid loss and complete loss of power assistance at low speeds. Multiple owners had pump failures, one within 3,000 miles of warranty expiration. One owner's high-pressure fitting failed twice in six months. At least two cars suffered sudden steering wheel seizure, including one that stalled simultaneously with the steering lock-up.
Control arm bushings wear prematurely, allowing the arm to grind the aluminum sub-frame, with the potential to cause complete suspension and brake failure. Sway bar ends have cracked and broken during normal driving. Owners consistently report dealerships either cannot or will not duplicate the issues, and several note that NHTSA recalls (09E005000 for steering, 14V355000 for electrical, 15V519000 for lighting) have parts unavailable for repair.
Same Buick LaCrosse steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Column Clunk / Noise
Clunking, popping, rubbing, or crackling noise from steering column or wheel assembly when turning or hitting bumps. Multiple owners report a known Buick TSB for 2005-2007 model years, with upgraded parts issued in 2008 but not recalled.
When: Throughout ownership; one case at 27,367 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise when steering wheel turned left or right; Rubbing sound from steering column area; Crackling noise while turning corners; Popping noise from steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Intermediate steering shaft replacement; dealer quoted $250 for parts; replacements repeated with recurrence of same noise
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Buick TSB exists for 2005-2007 model years; parts upgraded in 2008; no recall issued; dealer stated TSB repair not covered free
Power Steering Pump and Hose Failure
Power steering hoses leak and fail prematurely due to incorrectly crimped fittings and O-ring failures. Hose leaks lead to fluid loss, pump damage, and complete loss of power steering function. Multiple owners report high-pressure fitting failure within months.
When: 85,000 miles first occurrence; another case at 3,000 miles out of warranty; another within 6 months of initial replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid leak; Loss of power steering function while turning; Steering becomes almost impossible to turn at slow speed or idle; O-ring blowout in hose
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump replacement (part GM88861206 high-pressure fitting failed twice in 6 months); rack and pinion replacement; pump and reservoir replacement due to fluid loss
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls mentioned for this failure
Steering Intermediate Shaft Looseness / Roughness
Intermediate steering shaft becomes loose or rough during operation, compromising steering feel and control. Failure documented at very low mileage.
When: 27,367 miles; also reported at 400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Roughness in steering shaft; Steering wheel loose; Vehicle pulls to right requiring correction
Repairs/costs cited: Intermediate steering shaft replacement; dealer noted no front-end alignment performed after replacement on first visit, found toe out by 0.18 degrees on alignment check
Steering Wheel Seizure / Inability to Turn
Steering wheel suddenly seizes or becomes unable to turn, rendering vehicle difficult or impossible to steer. One case included simultaneous stalling and key stuck in ignition.
When: 145,000 miles; 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seized without warning; Grinding noise when attempting to turn steering wheel; Vehicle stalled simultaneously; Key stuck in ignition switch
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion repair needed (one case also required transmission replacement)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 09E005000 (Steering); NHTSA recall 14V355000 (Electrical System); parts not available for repair in both cases
Control Arm Bushing Failure
Control arm bushing deteriorates, allowing control arm to grind into aluminum sub-frame. Damage occurs rapidly and silently, with no warning. Failure risks complete sub-frame collapse, potentially losing steering, suspension, and brake function.
When: No specific mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Control arm grinding into sub-frame; Aluminum sub-frame damage; No warning indication prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Failure only discovered during routine service inspection
Sway Bar End Cracking and Breakage
Sway bar ends crack and fracture during normal driving. One case involved complete severance of right sway bar end during a right-hand turn, causing harsh dipping and compromised steering control.
When: No specific mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Pop noise during turn; Harsh dip in vehicle handling; Compromised steering control; Sway bar ends cracked and fractured on both sides
Loose or Defective Steering Gear
Steering gear becomes loose or defective, causing steering to feel rough or uncontrolled. In one case, dealer replaced steering gear, but same noise recurred within two years.
When: Recurring issue within two years of original replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hopping or walking instead of rolling, most prominent at startup; Continues up to 50 MPH and beyond; Steering gear noise
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear replaced once; recurrence of same sound after approximately two years; tires replaced repeatedly without resolving hopping sensation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Regional refused to authorize repairs beyond diagnostic fee
Power Steering Loss at Low Speed
Power steering fails intermittently at low speeds, making vehicle difficult to steer. In one case, failure occurred at 5 mph during turns and recurred.
When: 400-437 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering failure during right turn at 5 mph; Vehicle makes wide turn; Failure recurred during left turn; No warning indicator lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate failure
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I got this vhicule and work only for 22 days. Were I got it this place should be check
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Buick lacrosse. While driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the key was stuck in the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be repaired and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Buick lacrosse. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel and the vehicle made a grinding noise while attempting to turn. The contact also stated that the headlights failed to illuminate while driving. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 09e005000 (steering) and NHTSA campaign…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Buick lacrosse. While driving various speeds, there was a clunking noise in the steering wheel when it was turned left or right. In addition, the ABS indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes were replaced several times and, when making a right turn, the brakes squealed. Kempthorn Mazda in canton, ohio was made aware of the failures, but the vehicle was…
Had steering trouble with your 2007 Buick LaCrosse?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2007 Buick LaCrosse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 47,000 and 96,500 miles, with the median around 64,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 47,000; a quarter make it past 96,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Buick/LaCrosse.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.