2008 Buick LaCrosse Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2008 Buick LaCrosse Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 3 Known Issues

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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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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

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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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

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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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls13 recalls

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.

Campaign #20V76400021/12/2020

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

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Campaign #14V44700023/07/2014

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

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Campaign #17V43700010/07/2017

+ 8 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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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 2008-2008 Buick LaCrosse has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks, Intermittent Low-Beam Headlight Failure, HVAC Blower Motor and Climate Control Module Failures. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick LaCrosse reliable?

The 2008-2008 Buick LaCrosse has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 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. The most critical issue, 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks, typically costs $300-$900 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

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.

2008 Buick LaCrosse Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse: 3.8L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Plastic Coolant Elbow Leaks#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2005-2008 Buick LaCrosse: Intermittent Low-Beam Headlight Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2008-2014 Buick LaCrosse: HVAC Blower Motor and Climate Control Module Failures#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

Other Buick Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick LaCrosse problems?

Is the Buick LaCrosse reliable?

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

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

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

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