Buick Lucerne problems
217 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
- 18 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
- Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Power streering pump went bad had to replace at 79,000 miles also underseat fuse block burned out fuel pump relay stopped working this happened in my driveway. *js
Driving down highway and vehicle stalled for no reason. Engine light did not come on. Attempted to start, but nothing happened...no click, no crank, nothing. Had to wait 10 min. Until key start attempt did anything and then ran fine. Have been driving in town ~35mph as well…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Buick lucerne. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle made a loud abnormal noise and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart but the contact was unable to drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but the vehicle…
Car wouldn't start kept trying to start it and it would make a clicking noise and then all of a sudden a small electrical fire staffed in the fuse box in the rear seat of car
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Buick Lucerne reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Buick Lucerne is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2008 Buick Lucerne?
On the NHTSA data, the 2008 Buick Lucerne is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 18 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Buick Lucerne?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 106 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 82,884 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 82,884 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Buick Lucerne has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Buick Lucerne?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 217 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.