Of the 39 lighting complaints filed for the 2009 Buick LaCrosse,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
1 (25%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
2 (50%)
100-125k
1 (25%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)
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
Lighting accounts for 37% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
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
Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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.
Service Bulletin02-08-42-001JJan 2024
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2009 Buick LaCrosses consistently report that low-beam headlights cut out suddenly while driving at night, forcing reliance on high beams to see the road. The failures happen without warning, occur across all speeds and mileage ranges, and recur intermittently—sometimes multiple times in a single vehicle. One owner drove 4 miles on a dark highway with no headlights after they failed at night. Another owner's 85-year-old mother couldn't see in rural areas and didn't realize the lights were off until she was already driving blind.
The problem doesn't depend on engine temperature; it happens equally on cold and hot vehicles. The automatic headlight mode frequently fails to engage in darkness. Dealers have replaced headlight relays, driver modules, headlight assemblies, and electrical switches, but these repairs often don't stick or don't address the root cause—one owner reports a relay replacement didn't fix the failure, and another experienced the same failure two hours after the recall repair was performed.
NHTSA recalls 14V755000 and 15V519000 apply to this issue. However, owners repeatedly report that manufacturers have withheld recall repair parts for months and sometimes years, with no estimated availability date. In some cases, manufacturers stated no permanent remedy had yet been developed. One temporary part was installed in 2015 that failed to solve the problem. Owners cite frustration that GM has prolonged this issue without delivering a working fix, creating an ongoing nighttime safety hazard.
Same Buick LaCrosse lighting reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Low-beam headlights fail intermittently or completely
The low-beam headlights cut out without warning while driving at various speeds, forcing owners to rely on high beams. The failure is unpredictable, recurring multiple times in some cases, and can happen on hot or cold vehicles. Owners report the automatic light setting fails to engage in darkness.
When: Occurs across mileage range 17,000–148,000 miles; no clear mileage-specific pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Low-beam lights go out suddenly while driving; Headlights fail to illuminate in darkness; Automatic headlight mode does not activate; Failure occurs intermittently and unpredictably; High beams must be used as workaround
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers and independent mechanics have replaced relays, headlight driver modules, headlight assemblies, reset buttons on headlight fuses, and internal switches. One temporary part was installed on one vehicle (7/29/15) without resolving the issue. One owner reports relay replacement did not fix the problem. One dealer installed a relay but owner could not confirm if it resolved the failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaigns 14V755000 and 15V519000 apply. Parts for recall repair were unavailable for extended periods—owners consistently report being told parts are not in stock with no estimated arrival date. One manufacturer response stated remedy was still under development and no permanent fix was available. One temporary part was installed (7/29/15) that failed to resolve the issue. One vehicle was repaired under 14V755000 but failure recurred two hours after recall repair.
Headlight control module or relay malfunction
A faulty headlight relay, reset button, or headlight driver module prevents low beams from operating. One independent mechanic identified a faulty headlight fuse reset button that required replacement. Dealers diagnosed that the head lamp driver module needed replacement but parts were unavailable.
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic replaced faulty headlight fuse reset button and remedied failure. Dealers identified need for head lamp driver module replacement but parts unavailable. One owner paid $121.69 plus tax for replacement of headlight internal switch at dealer (May 2015).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 14V755000 issued; parts not available. Remedy under development per manufacturer.
Daytime running lights and instrument panel malfunction
Front daytime running lights and instrument panel lights fail concurrently with headlight failures. One owner reports dash indicator lights do not function properly on automatic setting (cold or hot vehicle).
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Daytime running lights fail to operate; Instrument panel lights become inoperable; Dash indicator lights malfunction
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 15V519000 addresses exterior lighting. Parts unavailable for repair.
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
6 most recent
lighting
· filed 12/02/2023
My headlamps have been going out sporadically and until recently I was able to
lighting
· filed 11/16/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Buick lacrosse. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v519000 (exterior lighting); however, the part for the recall was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not…
lighting · 110,000 mi
· filed 11/16/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Buick lacrosse. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the low beam headlights were activated but failed to illuminate. The failure recurred on a separate occasion. In addition, the daylight running lights failed to operate. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v519000 (exterior lighting); however, the part needed to perform the repair was…
lighting · 49,000 mi
· filed 11/04/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Buick lacrosse. The contact stated that the headlights failed to illuminate. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 14v755000 (exterior lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…
lighting · 84,000 mi
· filed 11/04/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Buick lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the headlights went out without warning and could not be cut back on. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 84,000.
lighting · 89,500 mi
· filed 11/02/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Buick lacrosse. While driving 35 MPH, the low beam headlights failed without warning. The contact was able to use the high beams. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the head lamp driver module needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v755000 (exterior lighting); however, the part to do the repair…
Had lighting 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 lighting problem on the 2009 Buick LaCrosse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 39 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 42,000 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 53,020. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 84,000. 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 $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover lighting issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
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.