High beam headlights stopped working and the ignition control module connector with a burnt power supply.
The worst 2008 Buick Lacrosse problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical85
- Airbags77
- Lights62
- Engine17
- Locks14
- Steering14
- Brakes13
- Acceleration10
- Seats6
- Suspension5
- Transmission5
- Body4
- Driver assistance3
- Fuel system3
- Seat belts3
- Visibility2
- Wheels2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Buick Lacrosse
Headlights 53Airbag light 52Door locks 37Check engine light 12Key fob 11Stalling 10Engine failure 7Fire or smoke 5Loss of power 5
Recalls 2
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 15V519000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 14V355000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2008 Buick Lacrosse
Defect investigations
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.
RQ17002
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Buick Lacrosse 948
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- Unknown or other
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline...
- This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or...
- Unknown or other
2008 Buick Lacrosse fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 28 | 21 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 25 | 20 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | FWD | 16 | 24 | 19 |
What 2008 Buick Lacrosse owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Air bag light comes on is also intermitt some times stays on and someimes on only for a minute or two
On three occasions, when driving at night, both headlights suddenly went out. The next day the headlights were working normally. The dealer's service department could not find anything wrong. Later, we found out there was a "Safety Recall" (#14291),but it expired one year before our car developed the problem. We have contacted the dealership and Buick, neither one will help us. They expect us to pay for the replacement of the defective part (Headlamp Driver Module).
My vehicle has been parked for the better of about two years due to head lamp failure and engine shutting off without warning at any particular time. Steps were made to fix the issue but the problem continues still to this day.
The contact owns a 2008 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the headlamps had failed. The headlamps were replaced and the failure was remedied however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 41,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Door locks somtimes would lock or unlock and other times not work at all. Made it a issue when parking or entering the car. I had to replace the lock mechanism in the doors. The car has 99135 miles on it but should not have a problem especally the back doors since they are not used very often.
The vehicle only has 30196 miles on it.the passenger side airbag stays on all the time. I noticed there are a lot of complaints about this model buick lacrosse.why hasn't a recall been issued on these vehicles.
Doors will not lock with either the fob or the interior lock button on either doors. I'm reading on line of similar issues with this model where doors will not unlock!
The front headlights and running lights just go off for no reason. When driving home on night the headlights went off for no reason. The nest day, they worked. They continue to work, but the night they went out was very disturbing. The vehicle was in motion, on state hgwy, getting ready to turn to the right.
Compare the 2008 Buick Lacrosse
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Other model years
200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Questions about the 2008 Buick Lacrosse
Is the 2008 Buick Lacrosse reliable?
Owners have filed 251 complaints about the 2008 Buick Lacrosse, 1.9 times a typical Lacrosse model year.
What is the 2008 Buick Lacrosse year score?
The 2008 Buick Lacrosse scores 51 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Buick Lacrosse: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Buick Lacrosse?
Electrical system, with 85 complaints, typically around 56,000 miles. Next is airbags (77).
How many recalls does the 2008 Buick Lacrosse have?
2 recalls, covering exterior lighting and electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Buick Lacrosse electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 14V355000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Buick Lacrosse have the most electrical problems?
The Buick Lacrosse model years with the most electrical complaints are 2008 (85 complaints), 2006 (84 complaints) and 2005 (80 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Buick Lacrosse get?
Official estimates for the 2008 Buick Lacrosse range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 28 highway.
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