Front Seat Head Restraint Problems of Buick Lacrosse

I recently bought a used 2011 Buick Lacrosse cxl. I like the car a lot but after a few trips I noticed that my neck and head position was constantly being pushed forward making me more and more uncomfortable. I also noticed that the headrest is so large that it is difficult to see behind me especially to the left for oncoming traffic or obstacles. I understand that the manufacturers were required by NHTSA to make the headrests too far forward and too large for "safety" reasons. If so, you have succeeded in making my time behind the wheel both uncomfortable and less safe because my neck is constantly being pushed forward and I can't see behind me very well. I doubt that you will respond or, more unlikely, make changes to improve this problem but I have to do something to express my outrage at what you have done.

See all problems of the 2011 Buick Lacrosse 🔎.

I have had two issues involving the need to replace what I understand to be the passenger presence airbag sensor. This item consists of a complete assembly, the actual seat passenger sensor/scale assemble and the associated computer. At about 18,500 while driving, the passenger air bag light would come on and then go off. There was a passenger setting on the seat in excess of 125 pounds wearing a seat belt. After several complaints and tests ,at 24,008 miles the Buick dealer replaced an item listed on the work order as the “inflatable restraint passenger seat suppression module 19124100 module kit”. At about 42,600 miles a similar problem developed in that the airbag readiness icon light, on the instrument panel came on, indicating a complete airbag system malfunction. I soon discovered that pounding on the seat would make the light go out until another malfunction occurred, usually when the passenger got out of the car. Again after repeated complaints and tests at 46,713 miles the Buick dealer installed an item listed on the work order as the a “pps module 19258127 remanufactured module kit”. By whatever name this the second time a complete passenger presence airbag sensor assembly had to be replaced in the passenger seat. I consider this to be a safety issue. In the first instance when the malfunction occurred there was no air bad protection for the passenger. In the latter case there was a complete airbag system failure. The first replacement was covered under warrantee but the second replacement I had to pay for myself. Internet searches have disclosed that there are other 2008 Buick Lacrosse owners with similar complaints about the airbag module failure and cost of replacement. If Buick uses parts subject to repeated failure their replacement should be paid for by Buick.

See all problems of the 2008 Buick Lacrosse 🔎.

The "blind spots" on this vehicle are outrageous. The front seat head restraint are so big it is not possible to look out the drivers side rear window when backing up. I would remove the headrests to make the car safer for others ( the ones you can't see), but they cannot be removed. The deck lid is so high that the rear view mirror shows only one half of the outside - the rest of the mirror shows the interior of the car. The pillar between the rear side windows and the back window is so wide this also obscures the view when backing up. The vehicle is great when going forward, it is a marvel of technology. This is all spoilt when designers take preference over common sense.

See all problems of the 2012 Buick Lacrosse 🔎.

Headrests are angled too dramatically and impair visibility, driver comfort and also seem to be a safety risk. The angle is not adjustable, and the discomfort provided renders them unusable, forcing the driver to lean forward perpetually. They are not removable, and can only go up/down, which actually makes it even more uncomfortable.

2011 Buick Lacrosse. Consumer writes in regards to head rest lock in vehicle the consumer stated the head rest can not be moved due to the added lock feature. The consumer stated the driver and passenger are forced to look down at the floor in order to be comfortable. The consumer stated there was no support from the seat or the head rest, which causes a stiff neck and shoulders.

The contact owns a 2010 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the head rest on the front passenger seat was too big and when he looked to his right it would block his vision. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor was it repaired. The dealer was aware of the failure and advised him that they could not change it. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,045. Updated 07/08/lj updated 07/20/11.

See all problems of the 2010 Buick Lacrosse 🔎.