2008 BUICK LUCERNE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

POWER TRAIN

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 stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a rough idle and was undrivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,500.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a rough idle and was undrivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,500.

SEATS

I purchased the vehicle a week before the incident. There were no warning lights or messages and nothing to indicate there was a problem. I was driving in a crowded parking lot so I was going very slow. When I turned my car suddenly died. My husband was passenger and my daughter and 2 sons were in the back. Smoke started coming from the seat and we all rushed out of the car while the seat was on fire. my husband pulled the seat out and put the fire out. I was not aware the battery is located under the back seat. I had the car towed and inspected by a mechanic. I was told the battery does not have a cover so the metal from the seat was touching the battery causing the fire. The battery is a top post battery that is recommended for this vehicle. I can find no information about a battery cover. The vehicle is available for inspection. I have photos and the report from the mechanic but I'm having trouble uploading them

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I purchased the vehicle a week before the incident. There were no warning lights or messages and nothing to indicate there was a problem. I was driving in a crowded parking lot so I was going very slow. When I turned my car suddenly died. My husband was passenger and my daughter and 2 sons were in the back. Smoke started coming from the seat and we all rushed out of the car while the seat was on fire. my husband pulled the seat out and put the fire out. I was not aware the battery is located under the back seat. I had the car towed and inspected by a mechanic. I was told the battery does not have a cover so the metal from the seat was touching the battery causing the fire. The battery is a top post battery that is recommended for this vehicle. I can find no information about a battery cover. The vehicle is available for inspection. I have photos and the report from the mechanic but I'm having trouble uploading them