2008 BUICK LUCERNE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

N/A

Safety Rating

320

Owner Complaints

19 Crashes 44 Fires

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

15

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2008 BUICK LUCERNE

The 2008 BUICK LUCERNE has received a total of 320 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 15 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (107 complaints), Fuelpropulsion System (50 complaints), and Engine (24 complaints).

Recalls for the 2008 BUICK LUCERNE

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2008 BUICK LUCERNE, potentially affecting up to 5,364,536 vehicles.

Recall 14V355000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 3,141,731 vehicles affected

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...

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...

View full details →

Recall 10V240000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

| 1,365,070 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS...

Consequence: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.

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 BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE...

View full details →

Recall 08V441000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

| 857,735 vehicles affected

Defect: 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, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER...

Consequence: THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

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 HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM, GMC...

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2008 BUICK LUCERNE

320 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 107 2 Crashes 18 Fires 1 Injury
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 50 1 Crash 9 Fires 1 Injury
Engine
Complaints: 24 5 Fires
Air Bags
Complaints: 11 8 Crashes 4 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 10 2 Crashes
Steering
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seats
Complaints: 8 3 Fires 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 7
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 6 3 Fires
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 6 2 Fires
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Service Brakes
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes
Power Train
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Visibility
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 3
Suspension
Complaints: 3
Wheels
Complaints: 3
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systempropulsion Systemfuses Relays Contacts And Shunts
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemstarter Assemblyrelay
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalnavigational Systemglobal Positioning System
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Lane Departure Assist
Complaints: 1
Lane Departure Warning
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11677193 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 138,500 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated, and the message "Add Engine Oil" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred immediately. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately a week later. The vehicle was then towed to the same independent mechanic, where it was determined that the coil pack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a rough idle and was undrivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,500.
#11677193 | POWER TRAIN | | 138,500 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated, and the message "Add Engine Oil" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred immediately. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately a week later. The vehicle was then towed to the same independent mechanic, where it was determined that the coil pack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a rough idle and was undrivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,500.
#11668301 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
I purchased the vehicle a week before the incident. There were no warning lights or messages and nothing to indicate there was a problem. I was driving in a crowded parking lot so I was going very slow. When I turned my car suddenly died. My husband was passenger and my daughter and 2 sons were in the back. Smoke started coming from the seat and we all rushed out of the car while the seat was on fire. my husband pulled the seat out and put the fire out. I was not aware the battery is located under the back seat. I had the car towed and inspected by a mechanic. I was told the battery does not have a cover so the metal from the seat was touching the battery causing the fire. The battery is a top post battery that is recommended for this vehicle. I can find no information about a battery cover. The vehicle is available for inspection. I have photos and the report from the mechanic but I'm having trouble uploading them
#11668301 | SEATS | | N/A miles Fire
I purchased the vehicle a week before the incident. There were no warning lights or messages and nothing to indicate there was a problem. I was driving in a crowded parking lot so I was going very slow. When I turned my car suddenly died. My husband was passenger and my daughter and 2 sons were in the back. Smoke started coming from the seat and we all rushed out of the car while the seat was on fire. my husband pulled the seat out and put the fire out. I was not aware the battery is located under the back seat. I had the car towed and inspected by a mechanic. I was told the battery does not have a cover so the metal from the seat was touching the battery causing the fire. The battery is a top post battery that is recommended for this vehicle. I can find no information about a battery cover. The vehicle is available for inspection. I have photos and the report from the mechanic but I'm having trouble uploading them
#11657304 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 153,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel pump relay and fuse had melted, and the fuse box located underneath the rear seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.

View all Electrical System complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2008 BUICK LUCERNE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2008 BUICK LUCERNE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2008 BUICK LUCERNE

General Motors, LLC has issued 15 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

PIP5358A — EQUIPMENT

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical...

PIP5639 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where non OEM ignition system components can cause crank no start, no crank no start and misfire issues. Advises dealers to evaluate any non OEM ignition system components installed on the vehicle for any of the aforementioned conditions.  

15-NA-051 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This technical bulletin provides a procedure to Install a low profile fuel pump relay to correct a customer concern on a no-start or stalling due to the rear seat bottom coming into contact with the rear electrical center (REC) cover.

15NA051 — SEATS

No Start Condition - Seat Bracket Contacting Rear Electrical Center (REC)

PIC4612 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

SB-06-02-35-009G — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

BUICK: POWER STEERING CLUNK/BUMP WHILE MAKING TURNS AT SLOW SPEEDS, COLUMN, INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, INTERMITTENT (REPLACE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT). *PE UPDATED ON 5/1/2012. *KB

05-09-40-002E — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING

GM: SERVICE BULLETIN EXPLAINING WHEN THE SAFETY BELTS ARE SUPPOSED TO LOCK. *RM UPDATED 12/6/11. *PE

SB-06-06-04-021A — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BUICK: MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (IL) - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, NO START, NO CRANK, LOSS OF BACKLIGHTING ON PRNDL DISPLAY, AND/OR DTCS P2761, P0712, P0713, P0716, P0717 AND/OR P0748 SET (REPAIR AN RE-REROUTE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESSES). *PE

PIC-4874A — TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

GENERAL MOTORS: VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING CONCERNS, AND ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING DTC MAY BE STORED IN VEHICLE. SERVICE STABILITRAK, SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL MAY BE DISPLAYED ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER. ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK OVER/START; INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC)...

PIC-4871A — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

GMC: SERVICE AIR BAG; SIR INDICATOR ON (DTC B0012, B0013, B0019, B0020). THE SIR INDICATOR IS ON AND THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) DISPLAYS SERVICE AIR BAG. *PE

Showing 10 of 15 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2008 BUICK LUCERNE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the BUICK LUCERNE

View all BUICK LUCERNE model years →

Other BUICK Models

View all BUICK models →

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report