Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Audio system: Radio reception may be poor or have static because the rear window defogger may have invisible cracks in the grid lines. (2005)

Brake noise: The front brakes may get noisy in stop-and-go traffic because a film develops on the brake rotor. Redesigned brake pads eliminate the problem by continually scraping the film away. (2005)

Electrical problem: The PCM was being replaced for a defective chip under a voluntary emissions recall because it affected the fuel pump and EGR system. (2005)

Electrical problem: If the OnStar system quits or won't come on (no power), but comes back to life if the fuse is removed for five minutes, the vehicle communications interface module must be replaced or else the problem will recur. (2005-06)

Fuel gauge: The engine may not start or may stall because the tank is empty yet the gauge shows fuel remaining, or the fuel gauge will not show full after refilling due to sulfur corrosion of the fuel level sender and, if after treating with Fuel System Cleaner PLUS the problem remains, the sender may need to be replaced. (2004-06)

Rear axle noise: Noises from the rear of the car, when there is about a quarter-tank or less of gas, are due to the fuel pump pulling in air. There is a redesigned pump to fix this. (2005)

Water leak: Water may leak from the A-pillar (between windshield and door) due to a seam that was not properly sealed or onto the floor from the fresh air intake grille or the water deflector under the cowl needs to be replaced with an improved component. (2005)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

2005 LaCrosse: Clip that secures brake pushrod to pedal arm could be bent; if it comes off, pushing on pedal will not apply the brakes.

2005 LaCrosse: Some vehicles may have a bent brake pedal arm pin, causing the brakes not to apply when the pedal is pushed. Dealer will install a new brake pedal pushrod bushing and retaining clip.

2005-06 Lacrosse w/aftermarket leather seats: Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction. If the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side may be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. GM will purchase these vehicles for the full price paid for it (not exceeding the fair market value at the time it was bought), including taxes and fees, if the vehicle is returned to GM's possession by January 31, 2007. Through January 31, 2007, GM will also pay for the removal of any aftermarket accessories that may have been installed and return them to the customer.

2007: The fuel tank is missing the adhesive layer that bonds the barrier layer to the outer shell of the fuel tank. With this condition, fuel and/or fuel vapors could seep out between the layers, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will inspect the serial number on the fuel tank and replace the fuel tank if necessary.