2008 Buick Lucerne

The 2008 Buick Lucerne is a full-size sedan known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. Engine options for the 2008 model year include the 3.8L Series III V6 engine producing 197 horsepower and 227 lb-ft of torque, and the 4.6L Northstar V8 engine producing 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 4T65E 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Lucerne’s smooth ride, quiet cabin, and large trunk. Common complaints include the somewhat dated styling, less-than-sporty handling, and the 4-speed automatic transmission feeling less refined compared to more modern transmissions with more gears.

Engine

3.8L Series III V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, coolant loss, and possible overheating. This is due to the plastic intake manifold gaskets degrading over time.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets with updated aluminum-framed gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant elbows leaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak that drips in front of the right front tire, coolant loss, overheating. This is due to the plastic coolant elbows degrading over time.
  • Solution: Replace the coolant elbows with aluminum elbows.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L Northstar V8

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, and possible engine damage. The Northstar V8 is known for head gasket issues due to the aluminum block and head design.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gaskets, potentially requiring machining of the head and block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs.
  • Solution: In some cases, using a thicker oil can help. More severe cases may require piston ring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (oil change to thicker oil) to $3,000+ (piston ring replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65E 4-speed Automatic (Both Engines)

• Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears, shifts harshly, or fails to shift at all. This is often due to worn valve body components or solenoid failures.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild, solenoid replacement, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially during acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter. It is recommended to flush the transmission and replace the filter when performing this repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Worn strut mounts can also affect alignment.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 (for both sides)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Air Suspension Compressor Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sits low, the air compressor runs constantly, or the “service ride control” message appears.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor. It is also recommended to check for leaks in the air springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power windows are slow to operate, or fail to operate at all.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic electrical behavior, such as lights flickering, power locks malfunctioning, or issues with the alarm system.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight lenses.
  • Solution: Remove the headlights and dry them out, reseal the lenses, or replace the headlights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (reseal) - $300+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Driver Information Center (DIC) Pixelation
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels on the DIC display fail, making it difficult to read information.
  • Solution: Replacement of the DIC unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Buick Lucerne, while comfortable, is prone to some common issues. Engine issues, particularly head gasket failure on the Northstar V8 and intake manifold gasket issues on the V6, can be costly. Transmission problems with the 4T65E are also relatively common. Suspension and electrical issues can add to the ownership costs. Severity of these issues range from minor to major, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the problem and the engine option. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection done to check for these common problems.