- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2008 Buick Lucerne Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 218 complaints about the 2008 Buick Lucerne with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (121) and the fuel system (62). Those complaints describe 13 crashes, 26 fires and 6 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in June 2014 for the ignition. For comparison, the 2007 has 164 and the 2009 has 128.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Lucerne year, for its age
#67 most complained-about 2008 vehicle
- Complaints
- 218
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 13
- Fires
- 26
- Injuries
- 6
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2008 Buick Lucerne problems
Share of all 218 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2008 Buick Lucerne recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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 implemented in 2008 to add a fuse to the control circuit harness to address the potential consequences of a printed circuit board (pcb) electrical short. However, there have been new reports of thermal incidents on hwfs modules after this improvement was installed. These incidents resulted from a new failure mode attributed to the device's thermal protection feature. The significance varies from minor distortion to considerable melting of the plastic around the hwfs fluid chamber.
- The risk
- It is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur.
- The fix
- 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 vehicle. The safety recall began on june 11, 2010. Owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, saturn at 1-800-972-8876, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and hummer at 1-800-732-5493 or at the owner center at www.Gmownercenter.Com.
- The problem
- 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 may overheat the control-circuit ground wire.
- The risk
- This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke increasing the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- 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 at 1-866-996-9436; or hummer at 1-800-732-5493; or through their website at <a href=http://www.Gmownercenter.Com>http://www.Gmownercenter.Com</a> .
What owners say
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218 complaints about the 2008 Buick Lucerne
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.
Yes, as I was driving down the highway doing the current speed limit my hood had a complete failure where the adhesive for the hood separated completely in the top layer flew off, obstructed my driving for more than 10 seconds then flew off and almost hit multiple cars behind me. Thank goodness this caused me to pull over off the road, but the safety of others and I were at very harms way due to a malfunction in the vehicles quality of built in the glue separation.
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...
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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.
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...
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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
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.
Fuse box (rear) 2008 Buick Lucerne CXL. FUEL PUMP Relay burns fuses out quickly. The fuse box located under the back seat has been having issues of burning where the fuel pump relay is located. It then in turn shorts out the fuse box which keeps needing to be replaced. This is a safety issue as it catches fire under the back seat. Fuse box has been replaced before and continues to have issues and melts, causing the vehicle to die in mid traffic, does at stop lights or even just parked and running it dies out and...
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smells like burning plastic. The fuse box has caught fire several times. The issue has been confirmed by several mechanics and dealerships. Also there is a history of electrical problems with the rear fuse box in carfax. There was no warning, and now the check engine light is illuminated. We bought the vehicle last year in June of 2024. There seem to be no problems at the time until shortly after we had bought the vehicle. Turns out there's a long history of electrical problems involving the rear fuse box with this vehicle. I have uploaded screenshots of the car report on this vehicle. There are more complaints.
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V355000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed the vehicle lost motive power with the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical Relay/Fuse box in the back under the driver's side passenger seat. we thought at first it was the battery. We replaced the battery the connections. The car sometimes starts sometimes doesn't. We've messed with the relays pulling them out and back in and it trys to turn over clicks and doesn't but has full power to the car there is also signs of extreme heat maybe fire from the battery to the metal frame of the back seat insert
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that immediately after his wife had started the vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently lost power and was unable to be restarted. After a visual inspection of the battery compartment, the contact observed that the fuse relay showed signs of an electrical fire. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 78,000. The VIN was not available.
Vehicle shuts off due to fuel pump relay connection problem which is due to the back seat rubbing against the fuse box
Our Buick Lucerne would crank but wouldn't turn over when trying to start after trying to pick up take out. 1) It was suggested to me by a passerby that it sounds like a fuel pump relay. 2)I started to smell something burning. The passerby who happens to be familiar with Buick Lucerne tried to help. He lifted the back seat and showed me the fuel pump relay which was burned. Then he switched the electrick window relay which is the exact same relay switch and the car started. Went immediately to an autozone and...
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bought spare fuel pump relay. Thought that solve the problem, but every 2 to 3 days I'd smell that burning smell. 3) The mechanic I've been going to for 10 years confirmed the issue 4)Have not taken to dealer or insurance rep 5)Absolutely no visual warning on dashboard. the warning happens when I start smelling the burning odor. Started one and a half months ago....
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact referred to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V441000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The transmission started not shifting as I was driving down the road and the relay fuse box caught on fire and I think it's where the back seat lays on top of the fuse box which rubs the fuses. Which is dangerous bc it catches on fire and could blow the car up while driving
Vehicle refused to start. No warning light illuminated on dash. Checked Fuel Pump Relay and it was burned. Replaced and it keeps burning and getting extremely hot. Relay has been replaced x4. Fuse Box is starting to melt. Wiring to Fuel Pump is free of any corrosion on wiring/prongs. Interior starts to smell of heavy smoke increasing the risk of a FIRE in the rear seats.
Bought my car Sept. 2022.Within the first couple of months I started having intermittent problems that seemed fuel related.After some research I found out my car had a TSB that has been out since 2016. With this knowledge I took the back seat out of my car and the problems all stopped.June of 2023 started having some problems that were sort of similar to what I was experiencing before with some power loss, had vehicle taken to mechanic who diagnosed an interlock system problem.I thought maybe that would fix all my...
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problems and put my back seat back. I travel 4 hours once a month to go see my son and only took my car once on that trip because of not being able to have a back seat.Me thinking the interlock fix was the solve all to my problems I put the back seat in and started my drive to go see my son. 3 hours in stop for gas, try to start my car, cranks won't start, not getting fuel. Called mechanic who just worked on my car, suggested to check my fuel pump fuse and fuel relay, find my fuel relay is melted. Replace fuel relay and pulled the back seat out, car fires right up no problems. Continue hour drive to see my son, picked up my son so had to put the back seat in. Drive about 7 blocks and stop at Walmart, try to start car and same problems as before. Replace Fuel relay, propped up the back seat around the fuse box trying to still make it safe enough for my son to ride back there, no more problems that trip, propped seat left leaning in the back. August-Was driving down the Highway at 65mph with the cruise on, when all of a sudden my car begins to lose power and proceeds to stall with no warning. Lost complete control of steering and had minimal control breaking, had to coast to a stop with no breaks or steering, lucky was on a straight rural hwy, can't imagine if I was in the city. Seat had fallen up against fuse box fried fuel relay again and the control module. Take to shop for repair, control module, fuel pump replaced NSB complete all at my expense.
I went to start the vehicle and it failed to start. I found the fuel pump relay to be badly burned . On the 30 pin. The board was melted at the 30 pin spot for the fuel pump relay. I purchased a new relay from NAPA. I questioned whether they had a new replacement fuel pump. They told me it was not available only through the dealership. My concern was that where the relay was located at there was a possibility of a fire given how badly the relay and board was burned. I replaced the relay and purchased an extra...
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incase this might happen again. To my surprise it happen just days later while I was driving on the expressway. I had to get off the road immediately. Engine died, no power steering. I checked the relay, it was smoking hot. I will have to have the problem resolved. There is no way a relay should ever get hot, let alone that hot. The fuel pump fuse was not effected. Why is the relay not protected from getting so hot. There is definitely a real risk of fire. No one sits in the back seat normally. But, my grandson's. This should not ever happen.
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after investigating the failure online, her husband purchased a fuse box relay from an unknown dealer and installed the part underneath the rear seats of the vehicle. The vehicle then started; however, the failure recurred approximately 5 days later. The contact's husband replaced the relay for a second time; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the fuse box relay had melted and...
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there was smoke. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V240000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 82,500.
The fuse box under the back seat has been having issues of burning for the fuel pump relay. It then in turn shorts out the fuse box which keeps needing to be replaced. This is a safety issue as it it catch fire under the back seat.
The fuse block is shorting out and melting and causing the fuel pump relay to burn.
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the pressure from the rear driver's seat caused a short in the fuel pump and the relays, and that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the independent mechanic had previously replaced six relays and the fuel pump; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Our fuze box is located under rear seat. The relay fuze for the fuel pump melted so bad it was hot and could of caused fire. Am hearing alot of people sayung they have same issue
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while parked, the interior cabin lights became illuminated, and the vehicle failed to start. When the key was turned there was a clicking sound, but no warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on one occasion, the electric seat independently moved forward while the driver was seated in the seat. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
The rear fuse box burned out the fule pump relay because of the metal hooks for the seat hit it and pop the fuse out causing it to ark and burn out. I had to have the fule pump replaced twice as that what I was told at auto shops. Going on line was the only reason I found out about the fuse box. After my car died and wouldnt start, opened the casing and sure enough the fule pump housing was completely burned. So now after replacing two fule pumps my emergency money is gone and who knows how long it will before am able to buy a 400$ fuse box with probably another couple hundred in labor to change it out. All because there was to much metal on the seat hooks.
The fuel pump relay keeps getting hot and burning, causing the car to not start or loosing power while driving. Lost power going up a hill and around curve with no place to pull over. Could have been hit when car died in blind spot in road. Looked it up and other people on line are saying it is the seat clips hitting fuse box causing short circuit in fuse box and damaging fuse box. People said they thought it was fuel pump but still had same problem after replacing fuel pump. A lot of upset people on line saying...
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there should have already been recall on this problem. Have had 2 mechanics look at it. Have bought 3 relays. Afraid to drive car if it will start, fear of loosing power in middle of road and getting killed. Not to mention could cause fire since fuse box and battery are under back seat.. Genius engineer, I'll tell you! Don't know if I can ever completely trust this buick again. Never had anything like this happen to any car I've ever owned.Something needs to be done. Recall Recall Recall !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The fuel pump relay kept burning out. And caused the fuse box terminal heat damage. Almost started on fire and started smoking. Vehicle stalled out on the freeway and the Dept of Public safety towed my vehicle off the freeway.
The crank shaft sensor went out and caused the steering and brakes to go out. It took out all communications with the car. I had had intermittent problems with it as it went out, and it didn't throw a code showing what the problem was. (I took it to AAMCO once and Goodyear twice before they could identify the problem.) (Some Buick dealers do not work on cars over 10 years, and some do not use off-market parts when GM has chosen to stop making replacement parts, such as the rack and pinion/steering gear. Their...
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goal is to sell cars, not maintain.) At 150,000+ miles, sensors go out, and I expect to replace them. What I don't expect is deliberate design that will cause the vehicle to be or cause damage(d). This is a design flaw by GM and I wonder how many mystery crashes can be related to this.
Buick Lucerne: every year compared
All Lucerne years2008 Buick Lucerne vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Buick Lucerne | 218 | 3 | D | |
| 2008 Buick Enclave | 536 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2008 Buick Lacrosse | 251 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2008 Buick Regal | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2008 Buick Lucerne
Does the 2008 Buick Lucerne have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Buick Lucerne: ignition (June 2014); electrical system (June 2010); electrical system (August 2008). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Buick Lucerne?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (121), fuel system (62), engine & cooling (28).
How many complaints has the 2008 Buick Lucerne had?
218 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 26, 2007 and the latest on June 13, 2026. Of these, 13 describe a crash and 26 a fire, and together they report 6 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2008 Buick Lucerne a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 37 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Buick Lucerne year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Lucerne years have the most complaints?
2006 (330), 2008 (218), 2007 (164). See every Buick Lucerne year compared.
What should I do if my 2008 Buick Lucerne has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data