2006 Buick LaCrosse

Here’s a breakdown of common problems reported for the 2006 Buick LaCrosse, organized by category and engine/transmission configuration.

The 2006 Buick LaCrosse is a mid-size sedan that offers a comfortable ride and spacious interior, popular with those prioritizing a smooth driving experience. Engine options include a 3.8L Series III V6 producing 200 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6L High Feature V6 generating 240 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.8L supercharged V6. All engine options are paired with a 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission. Many owners appreciate the LaCrosse’s quiet cabin and ample trunk space. Common dislikes include the somewhat dated styling and occasionally reported electrical issues.

Engine

3.8L Series III V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor fuel economy, rough idle, stalling, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L High Feature V6

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chains, guides, and tensioners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, burning oil smell. Often from the valve cover gaskets or rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L Supercharged V6

• Supercharger Coupler Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or chirping noise from the supercharger, loss of boost, reduced power.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger coupler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Supercharger Oil Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil around the supercharger, reduced supercharger performance.
  • Solution: Reseal the supercharger or replace internal components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Hard Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, especially between 2nd and 3rd.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrating at low speeds, especially when accelerating, stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, poor handling, leaking fluid from struts/shocks.
  • Solution: Replace the struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per axle.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, clicking noise when attempting to operate the window.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly, flickering lights, complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turn Signal Bulb Socket Corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: Turn signal malfunctions, corrosion in the bulb socket.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the bulb socket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight brightness, hazy or yellowed headlight lenses.
  • Solution: Polish or replace the headlight lenses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Air Conditioning Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: A/C blowing warm air, inconsistent cooling.
  • Solution: Recharge the A/C system, repair leaks, or replace the compressor, condenser, or evaporator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+, depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heater Core Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sweet smell inside the car, fogging of the windshield, coolant loss, and overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+ due to the labor-intensive replacement process.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Buick LaCrosse can be a comfortable and reliable car, but potential buyers should be aware of some common issues. Engine problems such as intake manifold leaks (3.8L), timing chain issues (3.6L), and supercharger coupler failures (3.8L Supercharged) can range from relatively inexpensive fixes to more costly repairs. Transmission problems with the 4T65-E, such as slipping or hard shifting, can lead to major expenses. Electrical issues with the power windows and instrument cluster are also common concerns. Overall, potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle and be prepared for potential repairs, especially regarding the transmission and engine, as these tend to be the most costly.