2008 Buick Lucerne Problems
Shopping for a used 2008 Buick Lucerne? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 217 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2008 Buick Lucerne has 217 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2008 Buick Lucerne Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2008 Buick Lucerne trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2008 Buick Lucerne Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Buick Lucerne has 217 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Lucerne
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 217
- Crash-related complaints
- 13
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 22
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2008 Buick Lucerne problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Fuel/Propulsion System
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Fuel/Propulsion System, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2008 Buick Lucerne?
The 2008 Buick Lucerne shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2008 Buick Lucerne
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including wiring and battery, for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel/propulsion system and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including wiring and battery, for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel/propulsion system and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Buick Lucerne, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 217 NHTSA complaints for the 2008 Buick Lucerne, the data suggests that electrical faults are the most frequently reported issue, followed by fuel/propulsion system problems. There are also notable complaints about engine problems and structural issues. However, with low confidence, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints among the 2008 model year.
- Fuel/propulsion system complaints are the second most common category.
- There are 13 crash-related complaints out of the total 217.
- Electrical Faults
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Engine Problems
Full breakdown
All 2008 Buick Lucerne complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Buick Lucerne. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 121 | 3 | 20 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 50 | 1 | 9 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 28 | — | 5 | — | |
| Fuel System | 14 | — | 3 | — | |
| Gasoline | 13 | — | 3 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 13 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 8 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 8 | — | 3 | — | |
| Visibility | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | 2 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Buick Lucerne. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 mechani…
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 …
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. Th…
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 …
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 …
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…
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 s…
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 L…
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 diag…
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/pro…
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 st…
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. Th…
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 vehicl…
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 rela…
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…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Buick Lucerne.
Safety recalls
2008 Buick Lucerne recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Buick Lucerne. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2008 Buick Lucerne buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Buick Lucerne reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 217 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2008 Buick Lucerne shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Buick Lucerne?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (121 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (50 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (28 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Buick Lucerne?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Buick Lucerne?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Buick Lucerne, NHTSA complaints include 13 crash-related reports and 26 fire reports out of 217 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Buick Lucerne have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Buick Lucerne. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Buick Lucerne?▾
The 2008 Buick Lucerne shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Lucerne reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2008 Buick Lucerne based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.