2008 Buick Lucerne

◆ Worse than typical
2008 Buick Lucerne
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.

Complaints
218
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

57% of complaints

Complaints per year

2006: 330 complaints 2006 2007: 164 complaints 2007 2008: 218 complaints 2008 218 2009: 128 complaints 2009 2010: 54 complaints 2010 2011: 49 complaints 2011
2006: 330 complaints 2006 2007: 164 complaints 2007 2008: 218 complaints 2008 218 2009: 128 complaints 2009 2010: 54 complaints 2010 2011: 49 complaints 2011
2006: 330 complaints 2006 2007: 164 complaints 2007 2008: 218 complaints 2008 218 2009: 128 complaints 2009 2010: 54 complaints 2010 2011: 49 complaints 2011

2008: 218 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2006330
2007164
2008218
2009128
201054
201149

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

57% · 124 reports

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

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The transmission started not shifting as I was driving down the road and the relay fuse box caught on fire and I think it’s where the back seat lays on top of the fuse box which rubs the fuses.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-04

Also filed under Power train

The heated windshield washer recall 10153 is not sufficient. They are not offering a repair but to disable it. I and many others who have this option are not going to get the recall done because we want this feature to work.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-08-02

Also filed under Visibility

Fuel/propulsion system

23% · 50 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-30

Also filed under Engine

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact started the ignition and a few moments later the engine stalled. The contact was a certified mechanic, who replaced the burned fuel pump relay switch.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-27

When my wife was parking the car in a shopping center parking lot, the engine roared (Even though she had her foot on the brake) and the vehicle jumped over the curb and struck small bushes and trees in the median between the stein mart and home...

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-06

Also filed under Structure

Engine

11% · 24 reports
FIRE

Structure

6% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing body and door.

CRASH

Fuel system, gasoline

6% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump.

FIRE

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2008Complaint volume 218 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2008-06-12Engineering analysisClosed 2008-09-08 Non-crash engine compartment fires
  3. R
    2008-09-12Electrical system08V441000 GM is recalling 857,735 my 2006-2008 Buick Lucerne; Cadillac dts; hummer H2; my 2007-2008 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC acadia…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2008. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or…

  4. R
    2010-06-11Electrical system10V240000 GM is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Buick, Lucerne; Cadillac dts; hummer H2; model year 2008-2009 Buick enclave; Cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade…

    Remedy: Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has…

  5. 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.

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Buick Lucerne — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 124 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 50 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 24 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 08V441000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 10V240000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 14V355000 · Electrical system

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Buick Lucerne reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Buick Lucerne is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Buick Lucerne?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Buick Lucerne have?
3 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.