IllustrationREPLACED POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION 2 TIMES,REPLACED FRAME BUSHING,REPLACED STABILIZER SHAFT LINK,REPLACED WORN FRONT SWAY BAR END LINKS,REPLACED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT,REPLACED LEFT FRONT STRUT,RETORQUED SUSPENSION BOLTS AND LUBRICATED BUSHINGS. *TR
2008 Buick Lacrosse
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2008 Buick Lacrosse do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 129.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Lacrosse years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
310–25K
5725–50K
5650–75K
3675–100K
16100–150K
4150K+
200 reports with mileage · 50 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 77 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
12 crash reports6 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
250 reportsWHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH I RAN OVER A ROAD BUMP AND MY 2008 BUICK LACROSSE SUPER SHUT OFF(STALLED). I COASTED TO THE BURM, HIT BRAKES TO A STOP. THE CAR STARTED ON THE FIRST TRY. CONTINUED MY TRIP WITH NO INCIDENCES. TOOK TO DEALER AND NO CODES SHOWED IN THEIR COMPUTER. CALLED GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER.…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH I RAN OVER A ROAD BUMP AND MY 2008 BUICK LACROSSE SUPER SHUT OFF(STALLED). I COASTED TO THE BURM, HIT BRAKES TO A STOP. THE CAR STARTED ON THE FIRST TRY. CONTINUED MY TRIP WITH NO INCIDENCES. TOOK TO DEALER AND NO CODES SHOWED IN THEIR COMPUTER. CALLED GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER. NO BULLETINS. SCARY TO DRIVE. TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT THIS TIME BUT MAY NOT BE THE NEXT TIME. *TR
2008 BUICK LACROSSE HAS A BAD ODOR AND CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE IS GETTING SICK FROM THE ODOR IN HER CAR. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO RUN THE AC ALL THE TIME, BUT THE ODOR WAS STILL PRESENT. *JB
I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN AT LEAST TWICE AT THIS TIME, AND I AM TAKING IT AGAIN TODAY FOR THE DASH LIGHTS DIMMING. AT NIGHT IT IS NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO READ THEM. YESTERDAY, IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL SET ITSELF AUTOMATICALLY, WITHOUT THE DRIVER TOUCHING A BUTTON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IN WHITE FOR SLIPP…
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I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN AT LEAST TWICE AT THIS TIME, AND I AM TAKING IT AGAIN TODAY FOR THE DASH LIGHTS DIMMING. AT NIGHT IT IS NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO READ THEM. YESTERDAY, IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL SET ITSELF AUTOMATICALLY, WITHOUT THE DRIVER TOUCHING A BUTTON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IN WHITE FOR SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE DASH LIGHT PROBLEM IS A "NORM". I DON'T THINK SO, EITHER YOU FIX THE PROBLEM, OR GIVE ME A NEW CAR. *TR
ON 3 OCCASIONS WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD HERE IN SACRAMENTO CA , EARLY MORNING HOURS , I DEPRESSED MY BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP FOR A STOP SIGN AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP JUST KEPT GOING , IT HAS DONE THIS 3 TIMES WHILE THE WEATHER WAS REALLY DAMP AND COLD , I TOOK IT TO A DEALER HERE IN SACRAMENTO AND THEY COULD NOT GET IT TO DUPLICAT…
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ON 3 OCCASIONS WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD HERE IN SACRAMENTO CA , EARLY MORNING HOURS , I DEPRESSED MY BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP FOR A STOP SIGN AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP JUST KEPT GOING , IT HAS DONE THIS 3 TIMES WHILE THE WEATHER WAS REALLY DAMP AND COLD , I TOOK IT TO A DEALER HERE IN SACRAMENTO AND THEY COULD NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE , BUT THEY ARE WRONG , THEY TESTED THE CAR AT MID AFTERNOON WHEN IS WAS WARM OUTSIDE , LIKE I SAID IT ONLY DOES IT WHEN ITS REALLY COLD I HAVE 4 WHEEL DISC BRAKES AND IT'S LIKE THE BRAKES GRAB BUT DON'T STOP. *TR
2008 BUICK LACROSSE DASHBOARD IS MALFUNCTIONING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALERSHIP CAN NOT DO ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO READ THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHILE DRIVING DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING EXTREME DIFFICULTY WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SYSTEM SENSOR. HE HAS A HEALTH CONDITION THAT HAS AFFECTED HIS HEIGHT AND USES A SEAT CUSHION IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE IN THE DRIVER SEAT, THE CUSHION IS FINE BUT WHEN HE RIDES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, H…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING EXTREME DIFFICULTY WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SYSTEM SENSOR. HE HAS A HEALTH CONDITION THAT HAS AFFECTED HIS HEIGHT AND USES A SEAT CUSHION IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE IN THE DRIVER SEAT, THE CUSHION IS FINE BUT WHEN HE RIDES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, HE IS UNABLE TO USE THE CUSHION BECAUSE IT SETS OFF THE SENSOR AND DEACTIVATES THE AIR BAG. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE HE IS UNABLE TO RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF HIS VEHICLE WITH A WORKING AIR BAG. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. AS OF MAY 16, 2008, THE SENSOR HAS NOT BEEN DEACTIVATED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 200. UPDATED 06/16/08 *BF
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. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LACROSSE. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 10 MPH TO STOP THE VEHICLE, IT DID NOT RESPOND AND DRIFTED INTO AN INTERSECTION, CAUSING A SEVERE CRASH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LACROSSE. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 10 MPH TO STOP THE VEHICLE, IT DID NOT RESPOND AND DRIFTED INTO AN INTERSECTION, CAUSING A SEVERE CRASH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT, WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, THE VEHICLE WOULD BE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 2,700. UPDATED 03-11-08 *BF
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. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGERS ARE NOT HEAVY ENOUGH AND SHOULD WEIGH AT LEAST 80 LBS. THE CONTACT S…
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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. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGERS ARE NOT HEAVY ENOUGH AND SHOULD WEIGH AT LEAST 80 LBS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE WEIGHS MORE THAN 80 LBS. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,500. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF UPDATED 02/19/08 *TR
Official recalls
215V519000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights
Aug 14, 2015
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 & remedy
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.
14V355000 · Electrical System:ignition
Jun 23, 2014
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 & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1RQ17002 · Loss Of Headlights
Opened Apr 24, 2017 · Closed Mar 29, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.