2006 Buick Allure
The 2006 Buick Allure, also known as the Buick LaCrosse in the North American market, is a comfortable and generally reliable mid-size sedan. Engine options for the 2006 model year include a 3.8L Series III V6 (L36) producing approximately 200 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6L DOHC V6 (LY7) producing approximately 240 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. A 3.8L V6 SFI supercharged engine producing 240 horsepower was available only for the Grand Prix model. All models came equipped with the 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Allure for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and comfortable seats. Common complaints include issues with certain electrical components, some transmission quirks, and occasional suspension problems related to age and wear.
Engine
3.8L Series III V6 (L36)
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, often externally near the front or rear of the engine. May also cause engine overheating and coolant smell.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
- Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Poor idling, stalling, reduced fuel economy, check engine light illuminated.
- Solution: Replace the mass air flow sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
3.6L DOHC V6 (LY7)
- Timing Chain Wear/Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup. Check engine light with codes related to timing correlation (e.g., P0008, P0016, P0017). Can lead to engine damage if left unaddressed.
- Solution: Replace the timing chains, guides, and tensioners.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Cover Gasket Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leak, burning oil smell, possible smoke from the engine bay.
- Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4T65-E (Both Engine Options)
- Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Failure/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, especially at highway speeds when the TCC is supposed to lock up. Can cause shuddering or surging. Check engine light may illuminate with TCC-related codes (e.g., P0741).
- Solution: Replace or rebuild the torque converter, and flush the transmission fluid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Pressure Control Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, failure to shift, check engine light illumination.
- Solution: Replace the pressure control solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut Mount Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Excessive body roll in corners.
- Solution: Replace the strut mounts. Often done with new struts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per pair
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Coil Spring Sag/Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting lower in the rear, especially when loaded. Clunking noise if a spring breaks.
- Solution: Replace the rear coil springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Window Regulator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Window moving slowly or not at all, grinding noises when operating the window.
- Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window
- Recalls: None Found
- Turn Signal Switch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Turn signals not functioning correctly, or not functioning at all.
- Solution: Replace the turn signal switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
- Recalls: None Found
- Headlight Bulb Socket Melting
- Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, flickering headlights, melting or burning smell from the headlight area. Common with the low beam headlights.
- Solution: Replace the headlight bulb socket, and possibly the headlight assembly if damaged. Using a higher-quality bulb can prevent recurrence.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per headlight
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Rocker Panels and Rear Quarter Panels
- Description/Symptoms: Visible rust bubbles or holes forming on the lower rocker panels and rear quarter panels, especially in areas with road salt exposure.
- Solution: Cut out the rusted metal and weld in new panels, then repaint.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ depending on severity
- Recalls: None Found
- Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight output due to clouding or yellowing of the plastic headlight lenses.
- Solution: Polish and restore the headlight lenses, or replace the headlight assemblies.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 for polishing, $200 - $500+ for replacement
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Climate Control Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Inability to control the temperature or airflow direction properly. Clicking noises behind the dashboard. Often affects the driver’s side temperature control.
- Solution: Replace the faulty climate control actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof sticking, failing to open or close, leaking.
- Solution: Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks, or replace the sunroof motor or assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2006 Buick Allure, while generally reliable, does have some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The 3.6L engine can suffer from timing chain problems, which can be a costly repair. Transmission issues, particularly with the torque converter, are also fairly common. Electrical problems, such as power window and climate control malfunctions, can also occur. Suspension issues are also fairly common. Addressing these issues proactively can extend the life of the vehicle, but potential buyers should factor these possible repairs into their purchasing decision. Overall, the severity of the issues ranges from moderate to significant, with repair costs varying accordingly. Careful inspection and a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic are recommended.