2008 Buick Lacrosse Headlight Problems

Which parts fail

• Headlights
  4

Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  12%
• 25k–50k
  1023%
• 50k–75k
  1943%
• 75k–100k
  920%
• 100k–150k
  49%
• 150k+
  12%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Buick Lacrosse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2008 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the headlamps had failed. The headlamps were replaced and the failure was remedied however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 41,000.

On three occasions, when driving at night, both headlights suddenly went out. The next day the headlights were working normally. The dealer's service department could not find anything wrong. Later, we found out there was a "Safety Recall" (#14291),but it expired one year before our car developed the problem. We have contacted the dealership and Buick, neither one will help us. They expect us to pay for the replacement of the defective part (Headlamp Driver Module).

My vehicle has been parked for the better of about two years due to head lamp failure and engine shutting off without warning at any particular time. Steps were made to fix the issue but the problem continues still to this day.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Buick Lacrosse. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the low beam headlights suddenly shut off causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a ditch. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V755000 (exterior lighting), although the contact experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 49,000.

In January of 2015 we received a recall notice from GM concerning the headlight driver module (GM safety recall 14291). We called the dealer several times to be told they were waiting for parts. We began experiencing a "headlights recommended" signal several times in broad daylight, but lived with it. When I was in the hospital in October recovering from cancer surgery my wife experienced a headlight failure when driving home alone at night. A neighbor took the car to the Buick dealer and they installed a relay, part #15016745. We then noticed that the left front headlight and the right rear tailight were not lit. As soon as I was cleared to drive I took it back and they insisted that it could not have been their fault, that it was just a coincidence that it happened at that time. I paid the $68.93 for new bulbs. …

On dec. 18th my wife and I were driving at night going to a christmas party when the low beam headlights went out without warning.I switched to the high beams as they were still functioning. We went the last mile to our destination on the high beams. I turned off the car to see if that would re;set the lights, it did not. We went to the party and came back to the car apx. 3 hours later. I started the car and the low beams came on..after about 1/2 mile they went out again..so I pulled over and shut off the car to see if they would come on upon re-start,they did not,so we continued on with high beams. After about 10 minutes the low beams came on for the rest of our trip home. …

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the head lights failed as the head lights recommended light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlamp relay failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired using a temporary head light relay however, the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V755000 (exterior lighting). However, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,351. Parts distribution disconnect.

Tl contact owns a 2008 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the low beams failed to work with no warning. The contact mentioned that as the failure progressed, the contact had to apply the high beams as an interim fix due to the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14V755000 (exterior lighting) and stated that the part was not available and was still under development. The dealer did not provide a specific date for when the parts would become available. The manufacturer was contacted and could not provide an estimated date for when the vehicle would receive the recall repairs. The contact continued to experience the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Buick Lacrosse. While reversing out of the driveway, the contact noticed that the instrument panel lighting was not illuminated. The contact was unsure if the headlamps were operable. The contact stated that the headlights failed approximately one year ago when the vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 15V519000 (exterior lighting) at kendall Chevrolet of eugene (846 goodpasture island rd, eugene, or 9740[phone]). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 89,900.

The hdm failed leaving me with only high beams, have bee told they are not under recall. Shamrock service center, spent 1 and 1/2 hrs diagnosing and found no recall. Many other models have been recalled for this dangerous problem. I am retired and cannot afford this repair. What can you do for me. When I turned on the lights to go home last week, there were no lights but high beams. I thought it was just bulbs, so I took it to my local repair shop. They diagnosed the problem and I am waiting for the part to come in. I know this will be expensive as I think its around $100.00 per hr. It was in a parking lot where I discovered it. Had to drive home with the high beams.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Headlight complaints in other Lacrosse years