2008 Buick Lacrosse

◆ Worse than typical
2008 Buick Lacrosse
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Buick Lacrosse Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 2005: 314 complaints 2005 2006: 299 complaints 2007: 249 complaints 2007 2008: 250 complaints 2008 2009: 106 complaints 2009 2010: 189 complaints 2011: 168 complaints 2011 2012: 201 complaints 2013: 127 complaints 2013 2014: 62 complaints 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 46 complaints 2017: 34 complaints 2017 2018: 12 complaints 2019: 6 complaints 2019
2008: 250 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2005314
2006299
2007249
2008250
2009106
2010189
2011168
2012201
2013127
201462
201544
201646
201734
201812
20196

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 30%

30% of complaints: electrical system — 76 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

UNDERHOOD FUSE BLOCK CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE HEADLAMP DRIVER MODULE MICRO-RELAY #35 MELTING DOWN. HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF AND THE BATTERY STARTED DRAINING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130422

AIR BAGS 30%

30% of complaints: air bags — 75 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AT ROUGHLY 30 MILES AN HOUR AND THE FRONT AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200419

Air bag light comes on is also intermitt some times stays on and someimes on only for a minute or two

NHTSA ODI report, 20240930

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 23%

23% of complaints: exterior lighting — 58 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

UNDERHOOD FUSE BLOCK CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE HEADLAMP DRIVER MODULE MICRO-RELAY #35 MELTING DOWN. HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF AND THE BATTERY STARTED DRAINING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130422

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240416

ENGINE 7%

7% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 6%

6% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 14 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

2008 — complaint volume: 250
R 20140923 — electrical system

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.

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.

Campaign 14V355000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20160517 — exterior lighting

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...

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.

Campaign 15V519000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20170424 — RQ (closed 20210329)

Loss of Headlights

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Buick Lacrosse — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (76 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (75 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (58 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V519000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ▲ 2015 ▲ 2016

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2006 ◆ 2007

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Buick Lacrosse reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Buick Lacrosse is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Buick Lacrosse?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Buick Lacrosse have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.