This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Buick LaCrosse airbags problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
When does it fail?
Of the 21 airbags complaints filed for the 2009 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
Airbags accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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 airbags 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 technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS: DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT RESTRAINTS, AIR BAG (SIR) INDICATOR/LAMP ON WITH DTC(S) B0012, B0013, B0016, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 OR B0044 SET. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A LOOSE, MISSING, OR BROKEN CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE (CPA) RETAINER AT THE AIR BAG FOR THE SET DTC. INCLUDES TRAILBLAZER EXT. UPDATED 8/16/10. UPDATED 3/12/12.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Buick LaCrosse exhibits a persistent passenger-side airbag sensor defect centered on the passenger presence (PPS) module or sensor. Owners report the airbag warning light blinking or staying on continuously, and the system frequently shows the passenger airbag as "off" even when a passenger is seated and buckled. The failure occurs early—some cases appear at 6,000 miles—and continues throughout the vehicle's lifespan, with one owner documenting recurrence at 96,956 miles.
Replacement costs run $500 to $1,500 per failure, and dealers often replace the entire PPS module, cushion assembly, or both. Critically, owners report the same failure recurring even after replacement, suggesting a design flaw rather than simple wear. One owner replaced the module three times in as many years. When the light stays on, the airbags are inoperative, leaving passengers unprotected. One owner documented the failure happening about 50 percent of the time with an occupant present, regardless of driving conditions.
A few owners mention aftermarket leather seat covers triggering the issue, citing prior GM recalls for the same problem. Another owner found that activating the seat heater while driving triggered the warning light. Multiple owners state they found no recall for this issue despite discovering online that it affects many 2008–2009 Buicks. Dealers have struggled to diagnose the root cause in some cases, with one owner facing a $1,500+ quote for a "complete tear down" of the passenger seat.
Same Buick LaCrosse airbags reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS Module) Failure
The passenger presence sensor or PPS module fails intermittently or permanently, causing the airbag warning light to illuminate or blink. The sensor fails to detect an occupied passenger seat or falsely indicates the airbag is off when a passenger is present. Multiple owners report repeated failures of the same component even after replacement.
When: 6,000 to 96,956 miles; failures reported across the lifespan of the vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light blinks or remains illuminated on dashboard; Airbag indicator shows 'off' when passenger is seated; Passenger side airbag disabled without passenger present; Intermittent on/off cycling of warning light; Warning light persists continuously after recurring intermittently; Airbag light appears regardless of whether vehicle is idling or driving
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of PPS module ranges from $500 to $1,500 depending on dealer. One owner replaced the module three times. Some owners report the issue recurs even after sensor replacement, suggesting a design defect rather than component wear. Seat cushion assembly replacement also performed at 48,072 miles on one vehicle.
Passenger Seat Airbag Disabled Despite Occupancy
The front passenger airbag remains disabled or off even when a passenger is seated and buckled. The system fails to enable the airbag when needed, preventing deployment in a collision. This occurs with full-size adults and passengers weighing 135 pounds or more.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; one documented case at 48,072 miles with recurrence at 62,481 miles and again at 96,956 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag off indicator illuminates when seat is occupied; Airbag fails to enable with passenger present approximately 50% of the time; No airbag deployment capability for front passenger seat; Condition occurs regardless of driving speed, road type, or whether vehicle is moving or stopped
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer removed and reinstalled seat, replaced PPS module, and replaced cushion assembly. System was also rezeroed and rechecked; however, failures recurred repeatedly over 48 months.
Aftermarket Seat Cover Interference with Airbag Sensor
One owner attributes repeated PPS module failures to aftermarket leather seat covers installed at purchase. The owner states GM recalls have previously addressed this issue but GM declined to replace the covers.
When: At 23,129 miles, 34,000 miles, and by April 2014
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger side airbag light blinks from off to on; Passenger side airbag icon displayed on driver's side dash
Repairs/costs cited: PPS module replaced three times. Owner requested GM purchase back the aftermarket seat covers but reported being ignored.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls previously issued for this problem per owner allegation; current request for seat cover replacement denied.
Intermittent Module Internal Failure
The passenger air module experiences intermittent internal electrical failure, causing the airbag warning light to illuminate unpredictably while driving at highway speeds.
When: 38,975 miles; failure occurred while driving 55 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger side airbag light illuminates without warning during driving; Intermittent nature of failure makes diagnosis difficult
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was diagnosed; manufacturer notified.
Airbag Light Activation by Seat Heater Use
The airbag warning light illuminates when the seat heater is activated while driving at highway speed, suggesting an electrical interference or sensor incompatibility.
When: 47,000 miles; occurred while driving at 55 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates when seat heater is activated; Failure recurred numerous times
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not determine root cause. Manufacturer notified.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Consumer front seat passenger airbag indicator does not display when passenger is sitting the in seat.*ta the air bag sensor was replaced. However, the problem continued. The consumer was informed by a local garage mechanic, the passenger presence system would need to be replaced, at a cost of $500. *jb
Car was towed to auto repair shop where the airbag light and check engine lights were illuminated. Have had four diagnostics performed and problem not found. Advised a complete tear down of passenger seat would need to be done to locate issue which is costing me an exuberant amount of money for something that should be fixed on a recall. *tr
2009 Buick lacrosse. Consumer states problems with vehicle air bags. Consumer states it would show air bags off about once a week or so for a short time and keeps getting worse more often.*tgw
The sensor for the passenger airbag associated with the front passenger seat works erratically, and generally does not enable the front passenger airbag when a passenger is in the seat. This occurs with a full size adult in the seat. This condition seems to occur regardless of idling or driving conditions. It generally reports through indicators that the front passenger airbag is turned off and…
My 2009 lacrosse will intermittently display the air bag indicator. I noticed this while driving the car around town and there is no passenger in the front seat. It will either stay on for a couple of days and then disappear or will just be on for short periods of time. When I took it to the dealer they stated it was a sensor module and would be approximately $1300 to replace. As of this…
Had airbags trouble with your 2009 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 airbags problem on the 2009 Buick LaCrosse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 38,975 and 51,000 miles, with the median around 47,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,975; a quarter make it past 51,000. 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 $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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/2009/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.