2008 Buick Lucerne

High concern

Owners filed 218 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Buick Lucerne years to avoid. Which Buick Lucerne years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
66,900 milesMedian miles at failure

158 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Buick Lucerne problems

110 of the 218 complaints (50%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System97
1171
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system18
020
Engine15
020
Air Bags · airbags10
703
Structure › Body · body and frame9
100
Service Brakes · brakes5
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control5
100
Steering4
101
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel4
000
Wheels3
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition14V355000
Filed Jun 23, 20143,141,731 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

Electrical System10V240000
Filed Jun 4, 20101,365,070 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.

Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Electrical System08V441000
Filed Aug 28, 2008857,735 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.

Risk. THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM, GMC AT 1-866-996-9436; OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 13, 2026NJ

Yes, as I was driving down the highway doing the current speed limit my hood had a complete failure where the adhesive for the hood separated completely in the top layer flew off, obstructed my driving for more than 10 seconds then flew off and almost hit multiple cars behind me. Thank goodness this caused me to pull over off the road, but the safety of others and I were at very harms way due to a malfunction in the vehicles quality of built in the glue separation.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 30, 2025138,500 milesOH

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.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 21, 2025CA

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
Filed Apr 28, 2025153,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel pump relay and fuse had melted, and the fuse box located underneath the rear seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 10, 2024TX

Fuse box (rear) 2008 Buick Lucerne CXL. FUEL PUMP Relay burns fuses out quickly. The fuse box located under the back seat has been having issues of burning where the fuel pump relay is located. It then in turn shorts out the fuse box which keeps needing to be replaced. This is a safety issue as it catches fire under the back seat. Fuse box has been replaced before and continues to have issues and melts, causing the vehicle to die in mid traffic, does at stop lights or even just parked and running it dies out and smells like burning plastic. The fuse box has caught fire several times. The issue has been confirmed by several mechanics and dealerships. Also there is a history of electrical problems with the rear fuse box in carfax. There was no warning, and now the check engine light is illuminated. We bought the vehicle last year in June of 2024. There seem to be no problems at the time until shortly after we had bought the vehicle. Turns out there's a long history of electrical problems involving the rear fuse box with this vehicle. I have uploaded screenshots of the car report on this vehicle. There are more complaints.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 8, 2024120,000 milesOH

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.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jun 27, 2024MO

Electrical Relay/Fuse box in the back under the driver's side passenger seat. we thought at first it was the battery. We replaced the battery the connections. The car sometimes starts sometimes doesn't. We've messed with the relays pulling them out and back in and it trys to turn over clicks and doesn't but has full power to the car there is also signs of extreme heat maybe fire from the battery to the metal frame of the back seat insert

Electrical System
Filed Jun 6, 202478,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that immediately after his wife had started the vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently lost power and was unable to be restarted. After a visual inspection of the battery compartment, the contact observed that the fuse relay showed signs of an electrical fire. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 78,000. The VIN was not available.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 5, 2024KY

Vehicle shuts off due to fuel pump relay connection problem which is due to the back seat rubbing against the fuse box

Electrical System
Filed Mar 18, 2024AZ

Our Buick Lucerne would crank but wouldn't turn over when trying to start after trying to pick up take out. 1) It was suggested to me by a passerby that it sounds like a fuel pump relay. 2)I started to smell something burning. The passerby who happens to be familiar with Buick Lucerne tried to help. He lifted the back seat and showed me the fuel pump relay which was burned. Then he switched the electrick window relay which is the exact same relay switch and the car started. Went immediately to an autozone and bought spare fuel pump relay. Thought that solve the problem, but every 2 to 3 days I'd smell that burning smell. 3) The mechanic I've been going to for 10 years confirmed the issue 4)Have not taken to dealer or insurance rep 5)Absolutely no visual warning on dashboard. the warning happens when I start smelling the burning odor. Started one and a half months ago....

Electrical System
Filed Nov 21, 2023MS

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact referred to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V441000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 4, 2023KY

The transmission started not shifting as I was driving down the road and the relay fuse box caught on fire and I think it’s where the back seat lays on top of the fuse box which rubs the fuses. Which is dangerous bc it catches on fire and could blow the car up while driving

Electrical System
Filed Oct 15, 2023CO

Vehicle refused to start. No warning light illuminated on dash. Checked Fuel Pump Relay and it was burned. Replaced and it keeps burning and getting extremely hot. Relay has been replaced x4. Fuse Box is starting to melt. Wiring to Fuel Pump is free of any corrosion on wiring/prongs. Interior starts to smell of heavy smoke increasing the risk of a FIRE in the rear seats.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 10, 2023NE

Bought my car Sept. 2022.Within the first couple of months I started having intermittent problems that seemed fuel related.After some research I found out my car had a TSB that has been out since 2016. With this knowledge I took the back seat out of my car and the problems all stopped.June of 2023 started having some problems that were sort of similar to what I was experiencing before with some power loss, had vehicle taken to mechanic who diagnosed an interlock system problem.I thought maybe that would fix all my problems and put my back seat back. I travel 4 hours once a month to go see my son and only took my car once on that trip because of not being able to have a back seat.Me thinking the interlock fix was the solve all to my problems I put the back seat in and started my drive to go see my son. 3 hours in stop for gas, try to start my car, cranks won’t start, not getting fuel. Called mechanic who just worked on my car, suggested to check my fuel pump fuse and fuel relay, find my fuel relay is melted. Replace fuel relay and pulled the back seat out, car fires right up no problems. Continue hour drive to see my son, picked up my son so had to put the back seat in. Drive about 7 blocks and stop at Walmart, try to start car and same problems as before. Replace Fuel relay, propped up the back seat around the fuse box trying to still make it safe enough for my son to ride back there, no more problems that trip, propped seat left leaning in the back. August-Was driving down t

Electrical System
Filed Sep 18, 2023MI

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. Why is the relay not protected from getting so hot. There is definitely a real risk of fire. No one sits in the back seat normally. But, my grandson's. This should not ever happen.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 7, 202382,500 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after investigating the failure online, her husband purchased a fuse box relay from an unknown dealer and installed the part underneath the rear seats of the vehicle. The vehicle then started; however, the failure recurred approximately 5 days later. The contact's husband replaced the relay for a second time; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the fuse box relay had melted and there was smoke. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V240000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 82,500.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 1, 2023PA

The fuse box under the back seat has been having issues of burning for the fuel pump relay. It then in turn shorts out the fuse box which keeps needing to be replaced. This is a safety issue as it it catch fire under the back seat.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 18, 2023TN

The fuse block is shorting out and melting and causing the fuel pump relay to burn.

Electrical System › Propulsion System › Fuses, Relays, Contacts, and Shunts
Filed Jun 16, 2023113,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the pressure from the rear driver's seat caused a short in the fuel pump and the relays, and that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the independent mechanic had previously replaced six relays and the fuel pump; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 2023MI

OUR FUZE BOX IS LOCATED UNDER REAR SEAT. THE RELAY FUZE FOR THE FUEL PUMP MELTED SO BAD IT WAS HOT AND COULD OF CAUSED FIRE. AM HEARING ALOT OF PEOPLE SAYUNG THEY HAVE SAME ISSUE

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Apr 21, 202390,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while parked, the interior cabin lights became illuminated, and the vehicle failed to start. When the key was turned there was a clicking sound, but no warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on one occasion, the electric seat independently moved forward while the driver was seated in the seat. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 22, 2023CO

The rear fuse box burned out the fule pump relay because of the metal hooks for the seat hit it and pop the fuse out causing it to ark and burn out. I had to have the fule pump replaced twice as that what I was told at auto shops. Going on line was the only reason I found out about the fuse box. After my car died and wouldnt start, opened the casing and sure enough the fule pump housing was completely burned. So now after replacing two fule pumps my emergency money is gone and who knows how long it will before am able to buy a 400$ fuse box with probably another couple hundred in labor to change it out. All because there was to much metal on the seat hooks.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 13, 2022GA

The fuel pump relay keeps getting hot and burning, causing the car to not start or loosing power while driving. Lost power going up a hill and around curve with no place to pull over. Could have been hit when car died in blind spot in road. Looked it up and other people on line are saying it is the seat clips hitting fuse box causing short circuit in fuse box and damaging fuse box. People said they thought it was fuel pump but still had same problem after replacing fuel pump. A lot of upset people on line saying there should have already been recall on this problem. Have had 2 mechanics look at it. Have bought 3 relays. Afraid to drive car if it will start, fear of loosing power in middle of road and getting killed. Not to mention could cause fire since fuse box and battery are under back seat.. Genius engineer, I'll tell you! Don't know if I can ever completely trust this buick again. Never had anything like this happen to any car I've ever owned.Something needs to be done. Recall Recall Recall !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Electrical System
Filed May 13, 2022TX

The fuel pump relay kept burning out. And caused the fuse box terminal heat damage. Almost started on fire and started smoking. Vehicle stalled out on the freeway and the Dept of Public safety towed my vehicle off the freeway.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 26, 2022GA

The crank shaft sensor went out and caused the steering and brakes to go out. It took out all communications with the car. I had had intermittent problems with it as it went out, and it didn't throw a code showing what the problem was. (I took it to AAMCO once and Goodyear twice before they could identify the problem.) (Some Buick dealers do not work on cars over 10 years, and some do not use off-market parts when GM has chosen to stop making replacement parts, such as the rack and pinion/steering gear. Their goal is to sell cars, not maintain.) At 150,000+ miles, sensors go out, and I expect to replace them. What I don't expect is deliberate design that will cause the vehicle to be or cause damage(d). This is a design flaw by GM and I wonder how many mystery crashes can be related to this.

Engine
Filed Mar 11, 2022NJ

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.

Engine
Filed Nov 9, 202172,479 milesKS

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.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 30, 2021MD

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. additional info: Four (4) times car stalled while driving in traffic without warning, car would not start again had to be towed each time to a repair shop. Three (3) repair shops did not repair the problem. First repair shop charged me approx. $350.00 +- for repairs. PLUS I had to stay over night in hotel costing me approx. $120.00+- Total $470.00 +- Car still had same problem!! Second repair shop did not charge me for repairs, but not sure if any work was done, had to get a car rental to get back to Maryland. s second shop kept car ofr 6 days before working on problem. Car rental cost me $467.27. Total $467.27 Car still had same problem!!! Third repair shop kept car for 5 days, charged me approx. $125.+-, still the car had the

Electrical System
Filed Aug 12, 2021ID

To start things off the car would crank but not start. My wife did some research and these cars have a problem with the fuel pump relay shorting out. So I replaced it and it fixed the problem for a few days. I was driving home from work and the car shut off. I could smell plastic burning. I pulled over and pulled the fuse box cover off which is located under the rear seat and I pulled the relay out and burned my fingers in the process. So something is wrong and it's causing the relay to overheat and melt. There are many people according to carcomplaints.com that have the same issue. I've seen a lot of people saying that GM says that the seat bracket touches the fuse box putting pressure on the relay causing this problem. Well after I replaced the relay I did not put the rear seat on and it still burned out. In my mind it seems to be a fire safety hazard. No check engine lights came on either.

Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Jul 27, 2021OR

-The electrical system failed, causing the fuel pump to not work properly due to design flaw in the backseat putting pressure on the fuse box which is located under the backseat. The spot where contact is made to the fuse box, is where the fuel pump relay is. Pressure from the seat bracket (with or without a passenger in the seat) causes the pump replay to not make proper contact with the terminal, therefore causing the power to arc and get so hot that the relay starts smoking, melting the relay, fuse box and surrounding fuses and leaving black scorch marks on the inside of the lid to fuse box and making the car smell like burnt plastic. In addition to now having to purchase multiple replacement relays it has also caused additional electrical issues which resulted in having to replace multiple fuses as well as purchase another battery due to theses issues putting added strain on my battery which caused it to drain and not hold a charge any more. Yes the car and parts are available for inspection. -My safety and the safety of others is at risk due to major risk of catching on fire which could happen while driving and therefore cause an accident, could cause one of my passengers, including my child or myself to be severely hurt/burnt. -Yes the issue has been reproduced by many other owners of the same year/make/model as per the hundreds of previous complaints found about the same issue. -No there were no warning lights, signals or messages before the failure. No warning at all.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 5, 2021OH

I keep fixing this car for the last 11 months , and still can not drive it after $5,000 in repairs, the car stops in the middle of the intersection , on the freeway several times. I went to different mechanics, the dealership to, they keep fixing it, charging me, but the car is still not fixed. I'm afraid to drive it because I don't wanna lose my life and to jeopardize another's people lives.The car just stops while I'm driving.

Electrical System
Filed May 1, 2021117,000 milesCO

WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR OVER A YEAR AGO THERE WERE 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THAT MY CAR WOULD NOT START SO I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THAT I BOUGHT IT FROM AND THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT IT WAS A REOCCURRING PROBLEM WITH THAT MODEL FOR THE FUEL PUMP RELAY TO GO OUT AND AFTER A COUPLE TIMES OF IT GOING OUT IT WOULD ULTIMATELY FRY THE FUSE AND RELAY BLOCK AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED SO THAT IS WHAT THEY DID AT THE DEALERSHIP AND WITHIN THEY YEAR THAT I HAVE OWNED IT I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP RELAY 3 TIMES AND DRIVING TO THE PARTS STORE LAST WEEK THE CAR JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND HAS NOT STARTED SINCE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO THE HINGE ON THE SEAT RUBBING THE SIDE OF THE FUSE AND RELAY BOX SPECIFICALLY THE FUEL PUMP RELAY THAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE FUSE AND RELAY BLOCK TO SHORT OUT

Electrical System
Filed Apr 29, 2021116,000 milesAZ

RECENTLY REPLACED FUEL PUMP. AFTER REPAIR, CAR WAS STILL A CRANK/NO START. REPLACED FUEL PUMP RELAY WHICH HAD OBVIOUS BURN/SCORCHING EVIDENCE, AS WELL AS MELTING AROUND FEMALE PORT ON THE FUSE BOX. SINCE THEN HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 OTHER NEW FUEL PUMP RELAYS DUE TO PROBLEM OF EXCESSIVE HEAT OR ELECTRICAL SURGE FRYING THE RELAY. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLED COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE TOP OF THE FUSE BOX CAUSING THE RELAY TO MOVE, CAUSING THE RELAY TO WORK HARDER TO MAINTAIN A CONNECTION, WHICH IN TURN CREATES MORE CURRENT AND THE RESULTING HEAT INCREASE MELTS THE CASING IN THE FUSE BOX AND KILLS THE RELAY. WHEN THE RELAY IS COMPROMISED IN SUCH A WAY THE FUEL PUMP STOPS OPERATING AND THE ENGINE GETS NO GAS THUS CREATING A CRANK/NO START IF THE CAR IS PARKED OR CAUSES THE CAR TO STALL OUT IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION. IN REASEARCHING THIS MATTER, IT IS CLEAR THAT GM HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS SITUATION FOR OVER 10 YEARS. THERE ARE MULTITUDES OF INDIVIDUALS EFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM WITH SOME OF THEM HAVING SMOKING OR BURNING ISSUES WITH THE RELAY. PERSONALLY, I HAVE HAD STALL OUTS WHILE GOING WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE CONTROL ISSUES SUCH AS BRAKING AND STEERING AND EXCELLERATION, GM HAD EXTENDED REPAIR PERIOD FOR THE ISSUE BUT FAILED TO NOTIFY OWNERS SO MANY WERE UNAWARE OF THE REPAIRS OR EVEN THE ISSUE UNTIL THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED. NO RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED BY GM EVEN THOUGH IT IS A CLEAR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 26, 2021142,000 milesDE

FUEL SUPPLY LINE AT FIREWALL RETAINER SEVERELY RUSTED, COULD LEAK SPRAYING FUEL ON ENGINE OR EXHAUST CAUSING FIRE

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 20, 2020122,840 milesMN

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

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 30, 202070,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A BURNING PLASTIC ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE FUSE BOX LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH AND THE RELAYS INSIDE HAD MELTED CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO OVERHEAT AND FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER COURTESY BUICK LOCATED AT 7 AUTO CENTER DR. LOUISVILLE KY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 20, 202080,000 milesWV

FUEL RELAY WENT OUT 2X, THE SECOND IT ALMOST CAUGHT THE CAR ON FIRE. THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. ITS LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT OF THE CAR. CALLED DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS A RECALL TO BRING IT IN, NOW THE DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, AND WANTS $1700 TO FIX.IF I'D BEEN DRIVING IT WOULD'VE BURNED THE CAR, AND WORSE HOW ABOUT IF MY GRANDBABY WOULD'VE BEEN BUCKLED IN THAT SPOT. THE CAR ONLY HAS AROUND 80,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. THE CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP

Engine
Filed Sep 28, 202040,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED WITH AN ABNORMAL THUD BEFORE RESPONDING. MIKE HAGGERTY BUICK GMC, INC. (9301 S CICERO AVE, OAK LAWN, IL 60453; (708) 762-9813) WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE MOTOR MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.*DT *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 15, 2020200 milesCA

CAR CRANKED BUT DOES NOT START. JUST REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WITH OEM AND FUEL PUMP. WORKED. ONE DAY LATER, DOESN'T WORK. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS BURNT. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE CHAT BOXES FOR THIS CAR. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A TECH NEW BULLETIN ON THIS.

Engine
Filed Sep 11, 202056,000 milesOH

THE ENGINE IT'S SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING, AND AFTER IT GETS COLD IT WILL RESTART, BUT AFTER DRIVING AGAIN ANOTHER FEW MILES IT WILL SHUT OFF AGAIN. THERE ARE NO LIGHTS ON, SO NO MECHANIC TO TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I EVEN CALLED THE DEALER, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE THE CAR BECAUSE IS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON.. I TRIED FEW DIFFERENT AUTO SHOPS WITH NO ANSWER, SO MY CAR IS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY BECAUSE I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT, I DON'T KNOW HOW OR WHEN THE ENGINE WILL STOP.. ANOTHER MECHANIC TOLD ME TO DROP THE CAR TO HIS SHOP BUT IT MAKE 2 WEEKS OF WORK TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR 2 WEEKS, AND THAN TO PAY TO FIX IT. IT USUALLY STOPS WHILE IN MOTION WHEN CLOSE TO THE A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHEN I MAKE A TURN AND ALWAYS WHEN I SLOW DOWN

Electrical System › Propulsion System › Fuses, Relays, Contacts, and ShuntsFire
Filed Aug 3, 202082,500 milesSD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED A FUSE BLOCK MELTED DUE TO THE FUEL RELAY UNDER THE REAR SEAT MALFUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL YEARS AGO, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHOM INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPLACED THE RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER SPOUSE ORDERED A NEW PART AND WOULD DO THE REPAIRS ON HIS OWN. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,500.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel PumpFire
Filed Apr 20, 2020125,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT STAND STILL AT A HOSPITAL PARKING LOT, WHEN HE ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND DETECTED PLASTIC BURNING ODOR AS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP WAS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT READ A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM GENERAL MOTORS ON-LINE ON HOW TO REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC RELAY MODULE AND REPLACED THE PART ON HIS OWN. THE CONTACT STATED HE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AGAIN ON DECEMBER 16, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. *BF

Electrical System
Filed Jan 23, 202072,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUSE PANEL LOCATED IN THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND TPMS WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

Engine
Filed Nov 25, 201960,000 milesMI

THE FRONT ENGINE MOUNT HAS BROKEN AND BEEN REPLACED TWO TIMES IN UNDER 100K MILES. LOUD CLUNK IS PRESENT ON TAKE OFF, SHAKING AND VIBRATION WHEN ACCELERATING IS PRESENT TOO. THE FIRST TIME WAS JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AT 60K MILES.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 10, 2019MN

CAR HAS GONE THROUGH 3 FUEL PUMP RELAY FUSES IN 3 MONTHS LAST ONE STARTED ON FIRE JUST FROM STARTING VEHICLE

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Nov 7, 201955,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD CRANK, BUT THERE WAS NO FUEL BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL RELAY BOTH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BORCHERDING BUICK GMC (LOCATED AT 9737 KINGS AUTO MALL RD, CINCINNATI, OH 45249, 866-666-6291) WHERE IT WAS FURTHER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN OVERHEATING OF THE ELECTRICAL FUSE BOX THAT BURNED THE RELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY THREE DAYS LATER, THE FAILURE RECCURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT DUE TO THE VEHICLE NO LONGER BEING COVERED UNDER THE SPECIAL COVERAGE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 15, 2019119,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING FOR OVER AN HOUR, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE FUEL PUMP FUSE BURNED OUT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5583355801. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 14, 201964,886 milesFL

HAD TO REPLACE A GMC PLASTIC GAS TANK DUE TO FUEL LEAK AROUND A EMISSIONS VENT ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. EVERY TIME THE CAR WOULD TAKE A TURN, FUEL WOULD POUR OUT FROM THE POOR CONFIGURATION & MATERIAL CRAFTSMANSHIP OF TANK AROUND THE VENT CAP. FLASH BACK TO THE FORD PINTO ISSUES OF THE 70'S. CAR HAS 64,886 MILES ON IT. SITS IN GARAGE, WHICH ALSO SMELLS OF FUEL VAPORS AFTER USE. NOTE ATTACHED PHOTO DOC'S. .

Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 7, 2019203,500 milesMI

AUTO WAS IN ACCIDENT. LEFT FRONT QUARTER PANEL, IN FRONT OF L WHEEL. BASICALLY, CAR WAS RUN OVER. SEE PHOTOS. AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. ACCIDENT ON 8-28-2019. CAR BEING HELD IN CASE NHTSA WANTS TO INSPECT IT. PLEASE CONTACT ME SO I MAY NOTIFY INS. CO. REGARDING STATUS OF SAID CAR, ACCIDENT AND IF THEY SHOULD KEEP IT.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 22, 2019104,242 milesIN

WITHIN THE LAST MONTH, MY CAR HAS BURNED THOUGH 3 FUEL PUMP RELAYS. ONE CONNECTION IS BUBBLING UP IN A CERTAIN SPOT. THE FUSE BOX IS HOT TO THE TOUCH, AND A GLOVE WAS NEEDED TO PULL THE FUEL RELAY OUT AND THE BUBBLING IS NOW APPARENT ON THE FUSE BOX ITSELF. I HAD JUST FINISHED A 260 MILE ROUND TRIP WITH MY SISTER AND WHEN WE STOPPED FOR FOOD, THE CAR WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START.

Complaints 1-50 of 218, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201149230Routine
201054220Routine
20091282170Routine
2008 — this page2183260High concern
2007164400Routine
2006330421Fatalities reported

Compare every Lucerne year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 23, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.