MYRModel Year Report

2008 Buick Lacrosse

◆ Worse than typical
2008 Buick Lacrosse
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
250
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

34% of complaints

Complaints per year

2005: 315 complaints 2005 2006: 299 complaints 2007: 250 complaints 2008: 250 complaints 2008 250 2009: 106 complaints 2010: 189 complaints 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 206 complaints 2013: 129 complaints 2013 2014: 63 complaints 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 48 complaints 2017: 36 complaints 2017 2018: 12 complaints 2019: 6 complaints 2019
2005: 315 complaints 2005 2006: 299 complaints 2006 2007: 250 complaints 2007 2008: 250 complaints 2008 250 2009: 106 complaints 2009 2010: 189 complaints 2010 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 206 complaints 2012 2013: 129 complaints 2013 2014: 63 complaints 2014 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 48 complaints 2016 2017: 36 complaints 2017 2018: 12 complaints 2018 2019: 6 complaints 2019
2005: 315 complaints 2005 2006: 299 complaints 2006 2007: 250 complaints 2007 2008: 250 complaints 2008 250 2009: 106 complaints 2009 2010: 189 complaints 2010 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 206 complaints 2012 2013: 129 complaints 2013 2014: 63 complaints 2014 2015: 44 complaints 2015 2016: 48 complaints 2016 2017: 36 complaints 2017 2018: 12 complaints 2018 2019: 6 complaints 2019

2008: 250 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2005315
2006299
2007250
2008250
2009106
2010189
2011169
2012206
2013129
201463
201544
201648
201736
201812
20196

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

34% · 85 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and fuses and circuit breakers.

CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2013-04-22

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Instrument panel will not light up when turned on. Cannot read speed and other gauges during daytime. This is the third Buick of mine so afflicted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-03-06

Air bags

31% · 77 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

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, 2020-04-19

Also filed under Structure

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

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-30

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Buick Lacrosse. The passenger side air bag has an indicator light that is either off or on when a passenger is seated in the seat. The light illuminates when an occupant is seated in the seat.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-02-04

Exterior lighting

25% · 62 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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, 2024-04-16

Engine

7% · 17 reports

Latches/locks/linkages

6% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing latch.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2008Complaint volume 250 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2014-09-23Electrical system14V355000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2016-05-17Exterior lighting15V519000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2017-04-24Recall queryClosed 2021-03-29 Loss of Headlights

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Buick Lacrosse — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 85 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 77 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 62 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V355000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 15V519000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Buick Lacrosse have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.