Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Buick Lucerne owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred immediately. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately a week later. The vehicle was then towed to the same independent mechanic, where it was determined that the coil pack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. …
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 a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed the vehicle lost motive power with the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic and diagnosed with needing the fuel pump relay to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,479.
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. They told me it was not available only through the dealership. My concern was that where the relay was located at there was a possibility of a fire given how badly the relay and board was burned. I replaced the relay and purchased an extra incase this might happen again. To my surprise it happen just days later while I was driving on the expressway. I had to get off the road immediately. Engine died, no power steering. I checked the relay, it was smoking hot. I will have to have the problem resolved. There is no way a relay should ever get hot, let alone that hot. The fuel pump fuse was not effected. …
Engine coolant leak at engine timing belt cover per repair service. Not available for inspection , already had repaired (see attached invoice). Had to pull over on busy major roadway due to high temperature warning on temperature gauge. Problem confirmed by service center.
1. Fuse box was replaced, yes. 4th repair shop replaced. I say only time will tell for sure. i don't drive every day 2. driving I-95 from VA to MD at speeds of 30+ to 75+ cars driving close behind could have ran into rear causing my car, their car, and multiple other cars to be in major accident with possible multiple deaths. 3. reproduced, no. independent service center, no 4. No. Other - the 4th repair shop inspected vehicle component. 5. No warning lamps. No messages or symptoms, car just stalled and would not start/move and w hen I tried to start car again car would not start, but had all kinds of warnings lamps lit up. The first time the engine stalled was driving (moving) into entrance of toll booth in Richmond, VA, July 27, 2021 approx. 2:15 pm. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning. The vehicle was unable to restart and towed to a truck stop. The contact stated that upon investigating the failure, discovered that the fuel pump relay was melted and burnt. The contact stated that prior to the discovery no smoke or fire was noticed under the rear seat where the fuel pump relay was located in the fuse box. The contact stated he purchased and replaced the part himself. The vehicle was able to start and the vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 211,000.
On July 26, 2016, while driving on cleveland drive, lots of smoke started coming out from under the hood of the car then all of a sudden fire started to shoot out as well. There were no issues previously with the car as it was in perfect condition inside and out. I contacted Buick to see if the car was ever recalled but it was not, however, it probably should have been. Now I am without a car because it was deemed a total loss. I attached pictures but did need to upload the fire dept report.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Buick Lucerne. After starting the vehicle, an electrical surge occurred and the driver noticed smoke under the hood. After opening the hood, flames appeared from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact researched the failure online and found complaints relating to the fuel pump relay being burnt. The contact removed the fuel pump relay and noticed that it was burnt. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Engine complaints in other Lucerne years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Buick Lucerne?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Buick Lucerne, 13% of the model year's 218 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Buick Lucerne engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Buick Lucerne, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Buick Lucerne engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.