The Lemon Index
2007
20101st generation
26 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2008 Toyota Avalon 2872008 Chevrolet Impala 702008 Nissan Maxima 43
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2008 Buick LaCrosse
- Headlights42 complaintsmostly at 49,000–90,000 miles (79,000–145,000 km)
- Airbag light / sensor15 complaintsmostly at 47,000–79,000 miles (75,000–127,000 km)
- Engine stalling13 complaintsmostly at 27,000–90,000 miles (43,000–145,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 251 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Buick LaCrosse (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 500 and 47,000 miles (804–76,000 km) (the middle half of the 23 complaints, of all 26 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 15V519000 (lights) and 14V355000 (electrical) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Buick sent dealers 949 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Intermittent rough runing with various body electrical concerns at the same time”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 26 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 47K miles (1K to 76K km) on the car (23 of all 26 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
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.
2008 Buick LaCrosse owner · NHTSA complaint 10220311
More owner reports
2008 Buick LaCrosse dashboard is malfunctioning. Consumer states that the dealership can not do anything to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint 10248151
Air bag passenger seat light shows off even with a passenger seated. Passenger is well above 80lbs. Indicator light on dic shows seat belt not being worn even when a passenger has one on.
NHTSA complaint 10356384
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 949 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Intermittent rough runing with various body electrical concerns at the same time
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Lights · recall issued 2015
In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
- Electrical · recall issued 2014
In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may caus.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedLoss of headlights2017–2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★☆☆ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$3,950 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl.
Every Buick LaCrosse year. 2008 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2008 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-lacrosse/?y=2008" title="Buick LaCrosse reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="491" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-lacrosse/2008/">Lemon Index</a> (2008 Buick LaCrosse reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2008 Buick LaCrosse reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 71; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick LaCrosse year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2015.
What are the most common 2008 Buick LaCrosse problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (42%), airbags (19%) and suspension (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2008 Buick LaCrosse have?
2 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Buick LaCrosse get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2008 Buick LaCrosse problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 500 and 47,000 miles (804–76,000 km) (the middle half of the 23 complaints, of all 26 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2008 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2008 Buick LaCrosse have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2008 Buick LaCrosse cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $3,950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2008 Buick LaCrosse have?
3.6L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl.
What Buick LaCrosse year is better than the 2008?
Nearby, the 2006 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about half as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2015 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works