VehicleVerdict

2008 Buick LaCrosse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 343 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median LaCrosse year — the 2008 model ranks #3 of 15 LaCrosse years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 88 reports (26% of the total).

343

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other LaCrosse years?

LaCrosse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted414 complaints2005: 414 complaints2006: 383 complaints2007: 326 complaints2008: 343 complaints2009: 146 complaints2010: 278 complaints2011: 243 complaints2012: 301 complaints2013: 198 complaints2014: 89 complaints2015: 54 complaints2016: 60 complaints2017: 42 complaints2018: 19 complaints2019: 8 complaints
LaCrosse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LaCrosse years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Buick LaCrosse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System8826%
Airbags7722%
Lighting6218%
Other175%
Engine175%
Latches & Locks154%
Steering144%
Brakes134%
Speed Control103%
Seats62%
Suspension51%
Transmission51%
Body & Structure41%
Seat Belts31%
Fuel System31%
Tires & Wheels21%
Visibility & Wipers21%

Does the 2008 Buick LaCrosse have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V519000LightingAugust 14, 2015 · 429,170 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

14V355000Electrical SystemJune 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUSE BOX CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE FLAMES EXTINGUISHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RELAY SHORTAGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 7, 2015 · fire

“MY FATHER AND MOTHER HAD JUST LEFT CHURCH TO HAVE SUNDAY LUNCH WITH THE CHURCH MEMBERS AND THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD HITTING AN OAK TREE ON THE TRUCK AND TURNING IT SIDEWAYS INTO MY FATHER'S SIDE. THE AIRBAG BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE WINDOW AND ROOF FAILED TO DEPLOY RESULTING IN HIS DEATH. MOM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 14, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 2, 2015 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 13, 2020

“WHILE TRAVELING UP A GRADUAL HILL ON A LOCAL STREET MY CAR STOPPED RUNNING. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME AND I WAS ABLE TO ROLL OVER TO THE SIDE. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. HE FOUND THE IGNITION COIL BURNT AND A FUSE BLOWN. HE REPLACED THE COIL AND FOUND THAT THE IGNITION MODULE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 30, 2014

2008 Buick LaCrosse — common questions

Is the 2008 Buick LaCrosse reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 343 complaints put the 2008 model at #3 of 15 LaCrosse years. It is one of the LaCrosse years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 LaCrosse problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (88 complaints), airbags (77 complaints), lighting (62 complaints).

Does the 2008 Buick LaCrosse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Buick LaCrosse. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Buick LaCrosse under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Buick LaCrosse years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LaCrosse years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2008, 2007, 2012. The cleanest record among LaCrosse years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.