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Buick · Known Issues

2008 Buick LaCrosse Problems: 5 Known Issues

2008 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008 Buick LaCrosse has 5 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000), Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000), 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks ($300-$900 repair) and Intermittent Low-Beam Headlight Failure. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $900. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • LaCrosse Electrical3
  • LaCrosse Cooling1
  • LaCrosse HVAC1
  • Recalls13
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical3
  • Cooling1
  • HVAC1
  • Recalls13
  • FAQ

All 5 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS2017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005

On the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, gM recalled the Buick LaCrosse under NHTSA campaign 15V519000 (GM number 14291) because the headlamp driver module (HDM) can overheat and fail. When the module fails, the headlamps and the daytime running lights stop illuminating. NHTSA notes that headlamps which do not come on reduce how well the driver can see the road ahead and how easily oncoming traffic can see the LaCrosse, raising the risk of a crash. The campaign as a whole covers roughly 429,170 vehicles across several GM, Isuzu and Saab models — that figure is campaign-wide and is not a count of LaCrosse sedans.

Common Symptoms

  • Headlamps do not illuminate
  • Daytime running lights do not illuminate
  • Loss of forward lighting at night

How to Fix

The repair is free. GM notified owners and dealers replace the headlamp driver module at no charge; the recall repair began May 17, 2016. Buick customer service can be reached at 1-800-521-7300, and GM's internal recall number is 14291. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your LaCrosse is included and whether the HDM replacement was ever performed.

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On the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, nHTSA recall 14V355000 covers 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse sedans. On these cars the weight hanging on the key ring, combined with road conditions or some other jarring event, can move the ignition switch out of the run position while you are driving. GM's own guidance to LaCrosse owners is to strip the key ring down to nothing but the ignition key and to take the key fob off the ring as well until the recall work is done. The campaign is large - 3,141,731 vehicles across all makes and models included in it - and the LaCrosse is one of six GM vehicles named.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving
  • Ignition key moves out of the run position
  • Loss of power steering assist after the engine stops
  • Loss of power brake assist after the engine stops

How to Fix

The remedy is free at any Buick dealer. The dealer installs two key rings and either an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on every ignition key for the vehicle, so the key hangs in a way that does not let weight tug the switch out of run. Owner notification began September 23, 2014. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your LaCrosse still has this open, or call Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. In the meantime, drive with the ignition key alone on the ring.

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On the 2005-2008 Buick LaCrosse, first-generation LaCrosse/Allure owners filed a large number of NHTSA complaints about the low-beam headlights cutting off intermittently while driving, then sometimes coming back on. This is one of the single most-reported problems for the 2006 model year and a recognized safety concern because of sudden loss of forward lighting at night.

Common Symptoms

  • Low-beam headlights turn off intermittently while driving
  • Headlights flicker
  • One or both headlights cut out then return
  • Loss of forward lighting at night

How to Fix

Diagnose the headlight wiring, the underhood bussed electrical center/relays, and the headlamp switch/connectors for heat damage and loose terminals; repair or replace affected harness connectors and relays. Some owners resolve it by replacing corroded headlamp socket connectors.

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On the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, first-generation LaCrosse models with the GM 3.8L (Series III) V6 commonly develop lower intake manifold gasket leaks, and the plastic coolant elbow at the water pump deforms from heat and leaks. Coolant loss can lead to overheating; in severe upper-intake cases coolant can enter a cylinder and hydro-lock the engine. This is a well-documented age/heat-related failure on this engine family.

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant smell and slow coolant loss
  • Visible coolant leak near intake / water pump
  • Overheating
  • Low coolant warning
  • White exhaust smoke or hydro-lock in severe cases

How to Fix

Replace the lower intake manifold gaskets with GM's revised gasket (higher-temp rubber with metal coolant-passage inserts) and swap the plastic coolant elbows for metal Dorman replacements. Pressure-test the cooling system and inspect for oil/coolant intermixing during the repair.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $900

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On the 2008-2014 Buick LaCrosse, across LaCrosse generations the HVAC blower motor (and on some 3800-era cars the blower resistor) commonly fails as the car ages, causing intermittent or no airflow. Additionally, a software fault in the electronic climate control (ECC) module can disable the ability to adjust HVAC settings entirely, leaving the driver unable to control heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Common Symptoms

  • No air from vents or only on certain fan speeds
  • Blower works intermittently
  • Cannot adjust temperature or fan settings
  • Climate control display unresponsive
  • AC not cooling

How to Fix

Replace the failed blower motor (and resistor module on older cars) as a common wear repair. For frozen climate controls, update or replace the ECC/HVAC control module per GM software updates; inspect connectors for corrosion.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $500

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NHTSA Recalls13 recalls

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick LaCrosse vehicles, manufactured between April 25, 2012, through March 6, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles, manufactured between May 29, 2012, through February 18, 2013 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." A software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode removing any transmission-related engine braking effect.

Campaign #13V09700015/03/2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

Campaign #13V17300006/05/2013

SUSPENSION:REAR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick LaCrosse problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008 Buick LaCrosse has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000), Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000), 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick LaCrosse reliable?

The 2008 Buick LaCrosse has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000) and Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000) and 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks and Intermittent Low-Beam Headlight Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Buick LaCrosse problems?

Repair costs for known Buick LaCrosse issues range from $150 to $900, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse Headlamp Driver Module Overheats and Kills Headlights (Recall 15V519000)?

GM recalled the Buick LaCrosse under NHTSA campaign 15V519000 (GM number 14291) because the headlamp driver module (HDM) can overheat and fail. When the module fails, the headlamps and the daytime running lights stop illuminating. NHTSA notes that headlamps which do not come on r… Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse Ignition Switch Can Rotate Out of Run With a Loaded Key Ring (Recall 14V355000)?

NHTSA recall 14V355000 covers 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse sedans. On these cars the weight hanging on the key ring, combined with road conditions or some other jarring event, can move the ignition switch out of the run position while you are driving. GM's own guidance to LaCrosse ow… Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #20V76400021/12/2020

SUSPENSION:REAR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

Campaign #21V63300012/08/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

Campaign #21V00F00022/12/2021

+ 8 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks?

First-generation LaCrosse models with the GM 3.8L (Series III) V6 commonly develop lower intake manifold gasket leaks, and the plastic coolant elbow at the water pump deforms from heat and leaks. Coolant loss can lead to overheating; in severe upper-intake cases coolant can enter… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2008 Buick LaCrosse Intermittent Low-Beam Headlight Failure?

First-generation LaCrosse/Allure owners filed a large number of NHTSA complaints about the low-beam headlights cutting off intermittently while driving, then sometimes coming back on. This is one of the single most-reported problems for the 2006 model year and a recognized safety… Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2014 Buick LaCrosse HVAC Blower Motor and Climate Control Module Failures?

Across LaCrosse generations the HVAC blower motor (and on some 3800-era cars the blower resistor) commonly fails as the car ages, causing intermittent or no airflow. Additionally, a software fault in the electronic climate control (ECC) module can disable the ability to adjust HV… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.