I've had plenty of Buick in the bay over the years, and the lighting complaints on these don't surprise me. 576 on the NHTSA record across 29 model-year entries (2005–2023) is not a fluke. The 2006 Buick LaCrosse leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 9 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Across the 347 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 79,097 miles. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin BUICK / LIGHTING
29 model-year entries · 2005–2023
Buick lighting problems
576 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Buick vehicles for lighting issues. 2 active recall campaigns. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
576
Recalls
2
Year-models
29
Avg fix
$250
7crashes
9fires
4injuries
Worst-affected Buick model-years for lighting Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2006 Buick LaCrosse
126 complaints · ~$250 severe
2007 Buick LaCrosse
94 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Buick LaCrosse
73 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2008 Buick LaCrosse
50 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2009 Buick LaCrosse
39 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2012 Buick Regal
28 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2013 Buick Regal
27 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2011 Buick Regal
27 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Buick Rainier
12 complaints · ~$250 severe
2005 Buick Rainier
11 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Buick Lucerne
10 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2017 Buick Envision
7 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 Buick Regal
7 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2007 Buick Lucerne
7 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 Buick Regal
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 Buick LaCrosse
5 complaints · ~$250 severe
2023 Buick Enclave
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 Buick Verano
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 Buick LaCrosse
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 Buick Encore
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2013 Buick Enclave
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2010 Buick LaCrosse
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2008 Buick Lucerne
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2007 Buick Rainier
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Buick Century
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Active recalls — Buick lighting 2 on file
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.
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick regal vehicles manufactured from february 22, 2011, through february 22, 2012 for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no
Inadequate lighting could reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the potential for a crash.
Fix: General motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module free of charge. The safety recall began on march 29, 2012. Owners may contact gm at 1-800-521-7300.
Common questions
How many Buick lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
576 complaints across 29 model-year entries from 2005 to 2023. 2 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the Buick lineup.
Which Buick model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2006 Buick LaCrosse leads with 126 complaints in this category. Next: 2007 LaCrosse (94) and 2005 LaCrosse (73).
What does it cost to fix Buick lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting repairs across the Buick lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Buick lighting recalls?
Yes — 2 active recall campaigns cover lighting on Buick vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Buick.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.