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 reports
48,822 miles · Jan 26, 2015
SeatsCrash
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED FOR TRAFFIC AND REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE OCCUPIED AND FAILED. FRONT OF BOTH SEAT CUSHIONS WAS RAISED AND SEAT BACKS CONTACTED REAR SEAT. POWER SEAT MECHANISMS WERE INOPERATIVE AFTER INCIDENT AND SEATS COULD NOT BE MOVED. LUCKY NO O…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED FOR TRAFFIC AND REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE OCCUPIED AND FAILED. FRONT OF BOTH SEAT CUSHIONS WAS RAISED AND SEAT BACKS CONTACTED REAR SEAT. POWER SEAT MECHANISMS WERE INOPERATIVE AFTER INCIDENT AND SEATS COULD NOT BE MOVED. LUCKY NO ONE WAS IN REAR SEAT AS KNEE/LEG INJURIES MAY HAVE OCCURRED. PICTURES OF SEATS AVAILABLE IF REQUESTED. DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE UNINJURED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10679061
Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2015
Electrical SystemFire
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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE…
Read full complaint
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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10677049
Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2015
Electrical System
2008 BUICK LACROSSE. KEYS GOT STUCK IN IGNITION AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICES, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10661744
23,885 miles · Jan 5, 2015
Air Bags
WHILE DRIVING THE AIR BAG SYMBOL CAME ON THE DASH. STAYED ON FOR A BIT AND WENT OFF. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF AFTER A BIT. IT DONE THAT SEVERAL TIMES ON THIS TRIP. IT HAS DONE IT SOME SINCE ALSO / *TR
NHTSA ODI #10670124
Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2014
Air Bags
2008 BUICK LACROSSE. AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON CONSTANTLY AND HAS BEEN COMING ON SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. *TA
NHTSA ODI #10660603
94,000 miles · Dec 11, 2014
SteeringVehicle Speed ControlWheels
THE VEHICLE START MAKING A FUNNY NOISE AND IT KEPT GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT CUTS OFF. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER I SAT FOR A WHILE BUT IT IS STILL MAKING A FUNNY NOISE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A MECHANIC TODAY THAT IT IS THE POWER STEERING. THAT WILL HAVE TO BE FIXED. I AM SURE THAT IT WILL…
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE START MAKING A FUNNY NOISE AND IT KEPT GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT CUTS OFF. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER I SAT FOR A WHILE BUT IT IS STILL MAKING A FUNNY NOISE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A MECHANIC TODAY THAT IT IS THE POWER STEERING. THAT WILL HAVE TO BE FIXED. I AM SURE THAT IT WILL COST A LOT OF MONEY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10663660
114,000 miles · Dec 5, 2014
Electrical System
OUR DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WITH A FOUR YEAR OLD IN BACK SEAT WHEN VEHICLE JUST DIED WITH NO WARNING. SHE HAD JUST TURNED THE CORNER TRAVELING 20 MPH OR LESS AND HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING VEHICLE TO CURBSIDE. SHE STATED SHE COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING AND WHEN MY HUSBAND INSPECTED VEHICLE HE FOUND MELTED IGNITION COIL ON CY…
Read full complaint
OUR DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WITH A FOUR YEAR OLD IN BACK SEAT WHEN VEHICLE JUST DIED WITH NO WARNING. SHE HAD JUST TURNED THE CORNER TRAVELING 20 MPH OR LESS AND HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING VEHICLE TO CURBSIDE. SHE STATED SHE COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING AND WHEN MY HUSBAND INSPECTED VEHICLE HE FOUND MELTED IGNITION COIL ON CYLINDERS 2 & 5, A BLOWN FUSE, AND WHEN TAKEN TO MECHANIC BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT FIRE A BAD IGNITION CONTROL MODULE. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10662302
23,450 miles · Nov 29, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED APPROX. 55MPH THE ORANGE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND SAYS THE AIR BAG IS DISABLED. IT WILL FLUCTUATE BETWEEN BEING DISABLED AND NOT BEING DISABLED. THE RED WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATES ALSO. THIS ONLY SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SID…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED APPROX. 55MPH THE ORANGE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND SAYS THE AIR BAG IS DISABLED. IT WILL FLUCTUATE BETWEEN BEING DISABLED AND NOT BEING DISABLED. THE RED WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATES ALSO. THIS ONLY SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT. THE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT ARE ALL OVER 125LBS.WHEN IT HAS HAPPENED. IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR. THE PASSENGERS ALL HAVE THEIR SEAT BELTS ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10661237
60,000 miles · Nov 18, 2014
Steering
THERE IS A NHTSA SERVICE BULLETIN ID # 10024713 RELATED TO A POWER STEERING LEAK CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE PART OR DESIGN. THE BULLETIN RECOMMENDS A TIE DOWN STRAP TO PREVENT HOSE WEAR AND RESULTING LEAKAGE OF FLUID. LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE POWER STEERING UNIT CAN RESULT FROM THIS LEAK. I BELIEVE BUICK HAS BEEN…
Read full complaint
THERE IS A NHTSA SERVICE BULLETIN ID # 10024713 RELATED TO A POWER STEERING LEAK CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE PART OR DESIGN. THE BULLETIN RECOMMENDS A TIE DOWN STRAP TO PREVENT HOSE WEAR AND RESULTING LEAKAGE OF FLUID. LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE POWER STEERING UNIT CAN RESULT FROM THIS LEAK. I BELIEVE BUICK HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME. I QUESTION WHY GM DID NOT RECALL ALL VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM TO REPLACE THE WORN HOSE AND ATTACH A TIE DOWN STRAP BEFORE LEAKAGE WAS FOUND. LOSS OF POWER STEERING CAN BE A SAFETY ISSUE, AS SEEN WITH THE CURRENT IGNITION RECALLS. GM IS NOT PROVIDING ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10658782
140,000 miles · Nov 12, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING REPAIRS PERFORMED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHI…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING REPAIRS PERFORMED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 140,000.
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.
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
1
RQ17002 · 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.
2008 Buick Lacrosse Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year