2008 Buick Lacrosse: engine failure

7 of the 251 complaints about the 2008 Buick Lacrosse describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 70,308
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 147 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2016
2
2014
2
2013
5
2012
4
2011
2
2010
2
2008
7
2007
5
2006
3
2005
2

What owners say

Filed Jun 29, 2016 · Brakes, Electrical · 90,696 miles · AZ · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 buick lacrosse. While driving approximately 30 MPH and making a left turn, the power steering and brakes seized without warning. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a concrete pole, gas meter, and tree; however, the engine continued to rev. The contact had to make several attempts to turn off the vehicle. The air bags deployed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The driver received facial and hand injuries and the passenger received stomach injuries. Medical attention was required for the passenger. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact's insurance company believed the failure was related to the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 90,696.

Filed Sep 8, 2015 · Lights · 93,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 buick lacrosse. While driving approximately 30 MPH at night, the low beam headlights seized. The vehicle was driven home utilizing the high beams. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was possible module failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.

Filed Oct 23, 2014 · Electrical · 35,000 miles · OH

The engine died without warning and would not restart. It happened shortly after I pulled out of a parking area. The mechanic said it was a cracked ignition coil that 'fried' the ignition module and corresponding wires. He also said in thirty years he has never seen anything like it. It was a very expensive repair for a vehicle with so few miles on it. Had it happened on a highway, it would have been very dangerous and the passengers in my vehicle would have been hurt or died.

Filed Oct 16, 2014 · Steering · 102,000 miles · IN · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 buick lacrosse. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the steering wheel seized. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a curb. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 39,451 miles · PA

The engine died without warning and would not restart. Fortunately, I was on a quiet street and so I could stop curbside. Lights etc. Worked but power steering, power brakes, engine were all dead. The cause was a cracked ignition coil that shorted and "fried" the ignition module. This was an original-equipment part, probably a delphi gn10123 (from my internet research; I could be wrong). Had this happened on a high-speed road, the results could have been disastrous.

Filed Jul 8, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 60,000 miles · FL

For the third time, this vehicle has died at a standstill for no apparent reason. It will be performing well until parked. After a span of time, it will not restart. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the motor will not catch or turn over, the key will freeze or lock in the ignition in the "on" position, nothing in the vehicle can be operated - gear shift, radio/player, door locks, trunk lid, etc., etc. Etc. The car is completely seized up. Inspection will disclose that battery, including brand new battery, is dead ( no voltage whatsoever). Only way to restart vehicle is to recharge battery. This has happened three times over span of 9 to 10 months. When battery is recharged, vehicle will operate for months until it is dead again. Something is draining the battery, but there no logical explanation; nothing such as radio, lights, etc., is being left on. Some auto repair people believe there is a short in the car's wiring harness; others believe the defective ignition system is at fault.

Filed Jun 23, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 70,308 miles · PA

While driving approximately 25-30 MPH the engine died, steering failed; I was able to come to a safe stop. The vehicle would not start. It had to be towed. Later found out the ignition coil was cracked (part # 10472401) , ignition control module replaced (part # 19245558) & 15a fuse were replaced. I had been experiencing a gasoline smell in the vehicle for months. I had it into a gm dealer 3 times for the issue without resolution. I was told by the repair station that they were amazed the check engine light had not come on before the failure. Apparently the vehicle was only firing on 4 cylinders.