The 2007 LaCrosse is a decent mid-size sedan, but the 3.6L V6 models suffer from severe engine failures due to valve spring/piston ring issues, while the 3.8L is far more reliable. Transmission cooler line corrosion is common on both.
3.6L V6 Catastrophic Engine Failure (Piston Ring Collapse & Valve Spring Breakage)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1000 mi or worse), Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Loss of power under load, Check engine light with misfire codes, Metallic rattling from engine bay before failure
Fix: GM's early 3.6L V6 (LY7 engine code) has weak valve springs that break and drop debris into cylinders, destroying pistons and rings. Also suffers low-tension piston rings that carbon up and collapse. Requires complete engine replacement or rebuild. Labor: 18-25 hours for used engine swap, 30+ for full rebuild. Many owners discover this when engine seizes or throws a rod.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion & Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle (front-center), Pink or red fluid dripping from radiator area, Transmission slipping or erratic shifting if fluid level drops, Milky transmission fluid if cooler fails internally (mixing coolant)
Fix: Steel cooler lines running to the radiator corrode from road salt and moisture, especially at the crimped fittings. Replace both lines preventatively when one fails. If internal cooler fails and mixes fluids, transmission AND radiator both need service/flush. Labor: 2-3 hours for lines, 8-12+ if transmission damaged.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Transmission Mount Failure (Severe Clunking)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Heavy clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration through floorboard at idle, Clunking over bumps (sounds like suspension but isn't), Visible torn rubber or fluid leaking from mount
Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount collapses internally, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Very noticeable on the 3.8L V6 due to engine torque. Replace the mount—straightforward job but requires supporting the transmission. Labor: 1.5-2 hours.
Estimated cost: $250-400
Power Steering Pressure Hose Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Power steering fluid dripping from front of engine bay, Groaning or whining when turning at low speed, Heavy steering effort when fluid gets low, Burnt smell from fluid hitting hot exhaust
Fix: High-pressure hose from pump to rack develops leaks at crimped fittings or splits from age and heat cycling. Replace hose and top off fluid. Labor: 1-1.5 hours. Check for leaks at the rack itself while you're in there.
Estimated cost: $200-350
Ignition Lock Cylinder Failure (Won't Turn or Key Stuck)
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Key won't turn in ignition, Key stuck in ignition after shutting off, Shifter won't move out of Park even with brake pressed, Steering wheel locked and won't release
Fix: The ignition lock cylinder wears internally, especially on vehicles with heavy keychains. Related to NHTSA recall for ignition switch. Lock cylinder replacement requires disassembly of steering column shroud. Labor: 1.5-2 hours. Make sure it's not just the shift interlock solenoid first (cheaper fix).
Estimated cost: $250-450
Fuel Filler Neck & Evap System Leaks
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Gas smell around filler area when fueling, Check engine light with EVAP codes (P0442, P0455), Fuel gauge reading erratically, Difficulty filling tank (pump keeps clicking off)
Fix: Fuel filler neck corrodes at the tank connection, especially in rust-belt states. Also related to NHTSA fuel storage recall. Evap canister vent valve on top of tank can also fail. Filler neck replacement requires dropping exhaust and possibly tank. Labor: 2-3 hours for neck, 3-4 if tank needs to come down for canister work.
Estimated cost: $400-750
Owner tips
If buying a 3.6L V6 model, get a pre-purchase compression and leak-down test—walk away if compression is uneven or oil consumption is reported
The 3.8L V6 is a GM workhorse and far more reliable; seek this engine if possible
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually in salt states—replace at first sign of surface rust
Change transmission fluid every 50k miles to extend life; GM says 'lifetime' but it's not
Keep a light keychain—heavy keys accelerate ignition cylinder wear
Buy only with the 3.8L V6 and clean records; avoid any 3.6L unless you're gambling on a full engine rebuild.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Side post terminals standard on GM vehicles; battery located under hood
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Every control module on the 2005-2007 Buick LaCrosse — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Seat position relearn required; controls driver seat and mirrors
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · 14V355000
2014-06-23
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
STEERING · 09E005000
2009-02-17
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Consequence: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE · 06V419000
2006-10-31
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK IS MISSING THE ADHESIVE LAYER THAT BONDS THE BARRIER LAYER TO THE OUTER SHELL OF THE FUEL TANK.
Consequence: WITH THIS CONDITION, FUEL AND/OR FUEL VAPORS COULD SEEP OUT BETWEEN THE LAYERS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SERIAL NUMBER ON THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE THE FUEL TANK IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
17mpg
Highway
25mpg
Combined
20mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Wiper blades
First generation (2005-2009). Sedan body style has no rear wiper.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2007 Buick LaCrosse 3.6L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.