2008 Buick Lacrosse
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Lacrosse › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Buick Lacrosse. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2008 Buick Lacrosse. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
251 complaints12 involved a crash6 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
High beam headlights stopped working and the ignition control module connector with a burnt power supply.
- Air bags
Air bag light comes on is also intermitt some times stays on and someimes on only for a minute or two
- Exterior lighting
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. Later, we found out there was a "Safety Recall" (#14291),but it expired one year before our car developed…
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. Later, we found out there was a "Safety Recall" (#14291),but it expired one year before our car developed the problem. We have contacted the dealership and Buick, neither one will help us. They expect us to pay for the replacement of the defective part (Headlamp Driver Module).
- Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
My vehicle has been parked for the better of about two years due to head lamp failure and engine shutting off without warning at any particular time. Steps were made to fix the issue but the problem continues still to this day.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
The contact owns a 2008 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the headlamps had failed. The headlamps were replaced and the failure was remedied however, the failure…
The contact owns a 2008 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the headlamps had failed. The headlamps were replaced and the failure was remedied however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 41,000.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2008 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
- Electrical system
Door locks somtimes would lock or unlock and other times not work at all. Made it a issue when parking or entering the car. I had to replace the lock mechanism in the doors. The car has 99135 miles on it but should not have a problem especally the back doors since they are not used very often.
- Air bags
The vehicle only has 30196 miles on it.the passenger side airbag stays on all the time. I noticed there are a lot of complaints about this model buick lacrosse.why hasn't a recall been issued on these vehicles.
- Unknown or other
Doors will not lock with either the fob or the interior lock button on either doors. I'm reading on line of similar issues with this model where doors will not unlock!
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
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 the right.
- Exterior lighting
The drivers side low beam headlight keeps going out. I did look up any recalls, which there was for this, but it shows that it was fixed. we didn't have an issues for the first 9 months and have now replaced the bulb several times. I am concerned that it IS happening while my daughter IS driving this at night in a rural area with a lot of deer and other animals running into the roads.
- Exterior lighting
The hdm failed leaving me with only high beams, have bee told they are not under recall. Shamrock service center, spent 1 and 1/2 hrs diagnosing and found no recall. Many other models have been recalled for this dangerous problem. I am retired and cannot afford this repair. What can you do for…
The hdm failed leaving me with only high beams, have bee told they are not under recall. Shamrock service center, spent 1 and 1/2 hrs diagnosing and found no recall. Many other models have been recalled for this dangerous problem. I am retired and cannot afford this repair. What can you do for me. When I turned on the lights to go home last week, there were no lights but high beams. I thought it was just bulbs, so I took it to my local repair shop. They diagnosed the problem and I am waiting for the part to come in. I know this will be expensive as I think its around $100.00 per hr. it was in a parking lot where I discovered it. Had to drive home with the high beams.
- Vehicle speed control
Once in a while it acts up where it states that it's got low oil pressure even tho it's got plenty of oil,also it has misfired during when this happens. It's like this: I'm driving. Everything IS fine until all of the sudden I notice engine light IS on also the t/c light comes on and it also states…
Once in a while it acts up where it states that it's got low oil pressure even tho it's got plenty of oil,also it has misfired during when this happens. It's like this: I'm driving. Everything IS fine until all of the sudden I notice engine light IS on also the t/c light comes on and it also states the low oil pressure and the acceleration pedal it acts up. For example, I'm giving gas and it isn't accelerating as much as it should be and it totally fluctuates. I've also had the car misfire and shut off during one of these episodes as well. These episodes of what I had just described comes and goes and actually it stayed gone for a good while now until just a few minutes ago. The guy who sold me this car told me that there'sa recall on whatever issue I'm having with the accelerator pedal (i plugged in fixd tool which tells me what IS wrong with my car and gives me two codes the codes being: p: 2138 and codes p: 1125.
- Exterior lighting
I just bought this car used and the headlights didn't work when I got it. The hi beams and yellow marker lights do work. just not the lo beams. I bought the car on 9/28/20, it had 124,000 miles on it when I bought it
- Air bags
Red air bag light comes on intermittently. Many owners of these cars have complained. It IS a poor design and should be recalled. When the air bag light IS on, there IS no air bags that work. The problem IS in the wiring and in the passenger presence system which costs nearly 1K for a new seat…
Red air bag light comes on intermittently. Many owners of these cars have complained. It IS a poor design and should be recalled. When the air bag light IS on, there IS no air bags that work. The problem IS in the wiring and in the passenger presence system which costs nearly 1K for a new seat bladder which may or may not fix the problem. Many owners of these models are having issues with the air bag systems in these vehicles. Why hasn't gm been ordered to repair all of these obviously defective systems? Never had an air bag problem with any other vehicle. light IS on steady now and all air bags are disabled due to this one problem. Not a great design and as a safety issue, it should be a mandatory repair by gm. None of my other brands-ford, nissan, or hondas have ever had an air bag problem. This IS another ignition key design type lawsuit waiting to happen. Why hasn't a recall been ordered? Over 70 complaints right here for same issues. When IS something going to be done before deaths occur due to non deployment?
- Air bags · Structure › Body · Suspension
I was involved in a head on collision at roughly 30 miles an hour and the front air bags never deployed.
- Air bags · Engine · Power train
While driving the car completely shuts off and I've had close calls. I was driving on the highway and side street when this happened.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Unknown or other
The air bag light comes on frequently, but mainly during hot summer days and has came on several times since we purchased the vehicle march of 2019. The light comes on when we are stationary and while driving. When doing research, this seems to be a common problem with other consumers vehicles. I…
The air bag light comes on frequently, but mainly during hot summer days and has came on several times since we purchased the vehicle march of 2019. The light comes on when we are stationary and while driving. When doing research, this seems to be a common problem with other consumers vehicles. I had read it was an electrical issue and in my opinion this IS very dangerous and should be a recall. Another issue we have that I also seen was a common issue with lacrosse owners, IS the power locks. None of my lock work properly, all of them have to be manually locked and unlocked. Today, december 10, 2019, we noticed that when I tried getting out of the car the door would not open. Door was unlocked and had been unlocked. My boyfriend tried opening the door from the outside and it would not open. I tried to lock it and unlock it again, I tried pushing the door really hard to see if it would pop open and no luck. I think there should be a lot more recalls on this vehicle as I've had this issues as well as many others.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
I just purchased this car last week and I noticed when I hit the lock on the fob, my alarm would sound, but my door looks wouldn't close. So I tried it in my car as well with the locks on the door and nothing. the unlock works perfect by the way (fob & door locks). I manually lock my doors at…
I just purchased this car last week and I noticed when I hit the lock on the fob, my alarm would sound, but my door looks wouldn't close. So I tried it in my car as well with the locks on the door and nothing. the unlock works perfect by the way (fob & door locks). I manually lock my doors at night and in the morning, the locks will work a few times, and then stop again. Also the doors do not lock when you take the care out of park.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Unknown or other
First issue car will shut off driving down the freeway doing 60 70 miles an hour it will just shut off and I have to coast to the side and wait and wait till it starts again very dangerous. Next issue IS the airbag light flashes on and off I'm assuming do I do to a pressure sensor in the passenger…
First issue car will shut off driving down the freeway doing 60 70 miles an hour it will just shut off and I have to coast to the side and wait and wait till it starts again very dangerous. Next issue IS the airbag light flashes on and off I'm assuming do I do to a pressure sensor in the passenger seat which I have a daughter that sits in the passenger seat and I don't know if the airbag IS working or not. Next problem are the door locks they lock they don't lock the left rear does not work I have to manually pull it up and push it down if I want it locked the key fob warning IS always on my dash saying key fob battery IS low I replaced it I replace the key fob itself it just works when it wants to. Next problem the check engine light comes on goes off comes on goes off and therefore I cannot use my remote start if the check engine light IS on it has been checked there's nothing wrong with the car nothing shows up if you check the gauges I don't know what to do I paid a lot of money for my remote start cannot use it and I'm in minnesota. I need my car fixed it's reliable it's a good car it's what I drive it's my car I have a daughter's life at stake in my car I expect it to be trusted in the car that I bought after reading all the complaints on the site regarding the same issues that my car IS having I am hoping literally hoping that your company IS willing to fix these issues in my car and all the other people that are waiting in line cuz this IS ridiculous
- Service brakes
Sometimes when brakes are applied, the car does not come to a smooth stop, but rather jerks ahead and takes a very long distance to stop. This occurs often on snow covered roads but also occurs on dry roads. My daughter was in a small accident because the car did not stop in time. The message to…
Sometimes when brakes are applied, the car does not come to a smooth stop, but rather jerks ahead and takes a very long distance to stop. This occurs often on snow covered roads but also occurs on dry roads. My daughter was in a small accident because the car did not stop in time. The message to check the ABS often shows. I have just had a new brake job with new routers but still get the message to check automatic braking system. This problem has been going on for years and it seems that nothing will fix it. Even though the car IS a 2008, it only has a little over 80,000 miles. The problem has occurred both on city streets and highways. (Since the problem IS on-going, some of the following questions do not apply. However since the fields are required, I will have to put something down.)
- Electrical system
The power door locks do not work properly even when using the interior switches. Most of the time, doors must be locked or unlocked manually ! Our 2008 buick lacrosse cxl has less than 51,000 miles and should not have this problem. This IS a very serious safety issue because I've read that people were trapped/ unable to get out of their lacrosse when trip was done.
- Unknown or other
Car keeps stalling. Loses power steering hard to navigate. Happens quite often. City streets highway, parking lots. Etc.
- Exterior lighting
All of a sudden my low beam and daytime running lights quit working on the driver's side. I noticed this when I started the car in the morning at my home.
- Exterior lighting
All of a sudden my low beam headlight quit working. Then a few days later the high beam quit too. This IS on the drivers side.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Loss of 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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001325This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000160This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 11000119This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10254240Information on COAX Repair Kit Availability.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10253632Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250505This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
Every Buick Lacrosse model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.