2009 Buick Lucerne

Routine

Owners filed 128 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.

Avoid One of the Buick Lucerne years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Buick Lucerne years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
79,000 milesMedian miles at failure

107 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2009 Buick Lucerne problems

64 of the 128 complaints (50%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System56
080
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system11
020
Structure › Body · body and frame7
010
Steering5
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control5
001
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers5
020
Air Bags · airbags4
201
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · fuel system3
000
Engine3
010
Unknown or Other2
000

2 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.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 10, 2026147,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in rainy weather, the windshield wipers became inoperable, causing the driver's visibility to be significantly reduced and severely rendering the safe operation of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 7, 202670,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to safely drive onto the shoulder, and the tow truck was contacted. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel relay had failed. The contact was informed that the relay had failed due to the location under the driver’s side rear seat, and while touching the motor terminal. The contact stated that there was a TSB associated with the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.

SeatsFire
Filed Feb 28, 2026TX

Woke up to my passenger seat burnt up, liquid oozing out the burnt up seat and wires and metal sticking out. Looks like the fire started under the seat.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 1, 202466,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspection he became aware that one of the relays from the electric fuel pump under the rear passenger’s seat needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the fuel pump relay prong base had melted due to overheating. In addition, the contact stated that the fuse was a 10.01 AMP instead of a 5 AMP which could have caused the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred 2 days later. The manufacturer was made not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 1, 2024SC

The car died suddenly and would not start, with no warnings or codes. Towed it to a Midas repair shop and it was diagnosed as a corroded Low Profile Fuel Pump relay. This was replaced, and the car ran fine for 3 days before going dead in the middle of driving and left me stranded in an intersection. Had to get it towed back to Midas where it was more accurately diagnosed that the issue with the relay was being caused by a faulty Rear Electrical Center. Both of these parts have been recalled, and I have only owned this car for a little over a year. It has only around 40,000 miles on it. Despite this recall, upon taking the car to the local Buick dealership, they stated they could not cover the recall due to it being expired before I even owned the car. I do not understand how it is right or fair for this to have to be paid out of pocket, for $183.53 and $818.81 respectively, when it is not my fault, it is a faulty GM parts issue, and GM stated they will not stand behind their product and cover the recall despite the evident risk to my safety if I was to continue driving the car without repair. I understand it is expired, but I fail to see how this is ethical when the part is still faulty to the point of being dangerous.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 22, 2024MN

Fuel Pump relay fuse is getting burnt up and not allowing car to start. This is a known problem and Nhtsa has already made a recall but mine isn’t recalled. You would think since mine is a 2008-2011 Buick Lucerne it would be able to get fixed. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 27, 202341,000 milesOR

The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The fuel module was replaced by the contact but the failure reoccurred. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and had the vehicle towed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 41,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 14, 2023140,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle sputtered and failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who recommended that the fuel pump relay be replaced. The mechanic became aware that the fuse was melted. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 6, 2023170,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the fuel pump relay overheated and burned the fuse box. The accelerator pedal and steering wheel became inoperable. The contact was able to control the vehicle and park the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact replaced the relay, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact called the local dealer and was advised to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 15, 2023KS

The fuse box or fuse holder under the back seat had the fuel pump relay fail due to pressure on the fuse box lid from the seat above it. This is a known issue by Buick as they keep the fuse box in stock (for about $300) I have owned two similar Lucernes with this issue. The fuel pump relay caused enough heat to melt into the fuse box, causing a disconnection. This caused the fuel pump to stop pumping, causing the car to stop running. The problem can be confirmed by calling any Buick dealer. I'm sure they have had several examples of this issue besides my pair. There are many examples mentioned on the internet, as well as videos as to how to fix it. There are no warning lamps prior to the failure. The engine dies and refuses to restart.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 21, 2023IN

Fuel pump relay keeps burning out.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jul 27, 202271,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated while parked, the vehicle was not able to be started. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed a failure with the fuse box. Additionally, the fuel pump relay was melted. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000. The VIN was not available.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 24, 2022IL

Fuel pump relay under vehicles back seat fried out due to the back seat hitting the fuse box cover and grounding out the fuel pump relay. My child was in the back seat and said there was smoke coming from the back seat and the fuse box nearly caught on fire. After reading online I am appalled that this has not been recalled yet. There was 0 warning, no lights on dash, I did not file a police report or do anything with my insurance as there was no accident. Just a car bomb manufactured by GM

Electrical System
Filed Dec 2, 2021AL

Failed fuel pump relay and melted fuse block. Car would not start in garage. Knew this vehicle is known to have this issue and when investigating the failure to start the first thing I checked was the fuel pump relay and fuse block and sure enough that was the issue. Common issue that Buick never addressed adequately.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 2, 2021MO

Vehicle was no start. Dealer found fuel pump relay bad on 10/05/201. Next time using vehicle same problem. On 10/20/2021 dealer service department diagnosed bad fuse box. The fuse box is located under the rear passenger seat. It was extremely hot and melting. Fortunately no fire, this time.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed May 28, 202179,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that on multiple occasions the vehicle would not immediately start-up. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump relay was faulty and needed to be replaced. After replacing the fuel pump relay the failure was temporarily fixed before it recurring. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Electrical System › Propulsion System › Fuses, Relays, Contacts, and ShuntsFire
Filed Feb 17, 202180,000 milesOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THEY WOULD START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD START THEN SUDDENLY SHUT-OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY TOOK THE TO BE INSPECTED AND NOTICED THAT THE RELAY TO THE FUEL PUMP HAD OVERHEATED AND HAD STARTED TO MELT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE RELAY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Sep 24, 202088,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS GIRLFRIEND WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED UPON EXITING A HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE HAD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. AS THE CONTACT'S GIRLFRIEND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE, SHE INITIALLY SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE; SHE THEN SAW A FLAME IGNITE FROM THE BOTTOM REAR PASSENGER SEAT. SHE STATED THAT SHE WAS INITIALLY UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS OR ROLL DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW; AFTER A SECOND ATTEMPT, SHE WAS ABLE TO ROLL DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. A FELLOW MOTORIST SAW THE SITUATION AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AT THE SCENE AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT JUNK YARD. THE CONTACT CALLED PENSKE BUICK GMC(100 S MUSEUM RD, SHILLINGTON, PA 19607) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 21, 2020103,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A BURNING PLASTIC TYPE ODOR AND SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR SEAT AREA. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY HAD BURNED AND WAS VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL FUSE BOX WAS LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT AND HAD MADE CONTACT WITH THE FUEL PUMP RELAY CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Electrical System › Propulsion System › Fuses, Relays, Contacts, and ShuntsFire
Filed Aug 27, 2020149,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER AS A SMOKE ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND WENT TO A LOCAL AUTO STORE. WHILE PARKED, HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, OPENING THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND FOUND THAT THE PLASTIC BURNING ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE UNDERNEATH THE SEAT. THE CONTACT LIFTED THE REAR SEAT AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FUSE BOX WAS EXTREMELY HOT TO TOUCH. UPON OPENING THE BOX SMOKE AND A BURNT FUSE RELAY WAS SEEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED AND REPLACED THE BURNT FUSE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE, WHERE IT WAS LATER TOWED FROM TO THE DEALER THOMAS CHEVROLET-BUICK INC. (2128 S BYRON BUTLER PKWY, PERRY, FL 32348) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NO RECALL WERE UNDER THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RELAY KIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THAT CONTACT MENTIONED MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: 15-NA051 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS, FUELS SYSTEM, GASOLINE) (NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10108617) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, A CASE WAS OPENED AND THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 149,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 28, 201964,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND PARKED, IT FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO EMPIRE CHEVROLET BUICK (1931 US-421, WILKESBORO, NC 28697, (336) 838-2191) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RELAY AND FUSE PANEL UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT HAD MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

Engine
Filed Sep 10, 201971,818 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT CONTINUED TO STALL AND TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NORTHWEST HILLS CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (LOCATED AT 2065 E MAIN ST, TORRINGTON, CT 06790, (860) 626-5296) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FUSE BLOCK AND THE RELAY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,818. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FUSE BLOCK WAS MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. *JS 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB *TR

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Aug 20, 201980,406 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. WHEN THE CONTACT STOPPED AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AFTER A LONG DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUSE BOX HAD BURNED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,406. *BF CONSUMER STATED FAILER TO START AFTER DRIVING 400 MILES.*JB

Wheels
Filed Aug 15, 201995,789 milesTX

LEFT FRONT TIRE LOW AIR PRESSURE. WENT TO GET PROBLEM CORRECTED. REPAIR TECHNICIAN REPORTED THE AIR WAS LEAKING AROUND THE VALVE STEM. TECHNICIAN DISMOUNTED THE TIRE FROM THE RIM AND DISCOVERED THAT THE CHROME PLATING ON THE RIM WAS FLAKING OFF AND HAD A GAP BETWEEN THE RIM AND THE VALVE STEM ALLOWING AIR TO LEAK FROM THE TIRE. OPTIONS WERE TO EITHER RE-CHROME THE RIM OR PURCHASE REPLACEMENT RIM. ALSO, TIRE NEEDED REPLACEMENT DUE TO BEING RUN UNDERINFLATED. RESULT: PURCHASED 4 NEW RIMS (NOT CHROME PLATED) AND A NEW TIRE. TOTAL COST $ 700+.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 12, 2019NC

AFTER BEING DRIVEN NORMALLY ALL DAY, THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN WOULDN'T CRANK PROPERLY AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A FEW HOURS. THE CAR NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO A CAR SHOP. ACCORDING TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, THE BACK SEAT PRESSED ON THE WIRING THAT, IN TURN, BURNED UP THE ELECTRIC PANEL AND THE FUEL PUMP. DUE TO THIS, THE ELECTRIC PANEL AND THE FUEL PUMP NEED TO BE REPLACED.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 8, 2019208,000 milesMI

GOING DOWN HIGHWAY 70 MPH STRAIGHTAWAY CAR STALLED ABLE TO GET TO SIDE OF HIGHWAY PULLED OFF SEAT FOUND FUSE BOX TEMP HOT WHEN COOLED DOWN NOTICED FUEL RELAY SWITCH BURNT OUT. COMMON PROBLEM WITH CAR DUE TO ENGINEERING OF SEAT BRACKETS HITTING FUSE BOX AND DAMAGING IT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN 5 YEARS FUSE BOX HAS BEEN REPLACED BY CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP. OBVIOUSLY PROBLEM IS WITH THE ENGINEERING OF SEAT BRACKET BUT APPARENTLY DEALER DOES NOT TAKE ME SERIOUSLY AND DID NOT TRIM SEAT CLIPS PER MY SPECIFIC REQUEST BC THERE IS ONLY A BULLETIN FROM GM 15-NA-051 NOT A RECALL. SEVERAL COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN MADE AND MUST BE COMMON ENOUGH FOR A BULLETIN LUCKILY NO ONE WAS TAILGATING OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 1, 201998,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, LATER THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BATTERY RELAY WAS FAULTY AND THE FUSE BOX HAD MELTED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE BATTERY AND FUSE BOX WERE LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT AND WITH REAR PASSENGERS SEATED THE SEAT CUSHION MADE CONTACT WITH THE BATTERY AND FUSE BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 19, 201982,500 milesVA

REC- BATTERY DRAIN NO START CONDITION OR A STALL MAY MELT OR OVERHEAT. I REVEIVED LETTER ON 1/2019 HOWEVER EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE IN JULY 2018 HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED MECHANIC REP;ACED BETTERY. TK TO DEALERSHIP THEY EXPERIENCED THE SAME AND DRAINING BATTERY. SENT INVOICE TO BUICK FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF BATTERY THAT WAS STILL IN WARRANTY AND TOWING REFUSED TO REIMBURSE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL SEVERAL COMPLAINTS AND A SAFETY ISSUE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN PARKING LOT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 12, 2019130,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUSES AND FUEL PUMP SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DECELERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ULTIMATE GMC FREDERICKSBURG (5150 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408, (540) 693-2350), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE A RECALL LETTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Mar 11, 201975,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT PULLED OUT THE REAR SEAT TO REACH THE FUSE BOX AND NOTICED THAT THE FUSE BOX WAS PARTIALLY BURNT AND FUEL PUMP RELAY ALSO BURNT ON AUGUST 17, 2018. NEW FUEL PUMP RELAY PURCHASED AND TEMPORARILY REPAIRED BY CONTACT. IN JANUARY 2019, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PHILLIPS BUICK GMC (2160 US WHY 441, FRAUDULENT PARK, FL 34731) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND FUSE BLOCK (BOX) NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND THE REAR SEAT NEEDED TO BE MODIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. *TTT CONTACT SAYS THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS REPORTED FUEL PUMP RELAY, FUSE BLOCK AND FUEL PUMP REPORTED FAILURES ON BUICK LAGRANGE. THE MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM ARE THE FAILURES THAT OCCURRED WHILE THE CARS WERE BEING DRIVEN AND THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. ENCLOSED IS A COPY OF THE BILL FROM PHILLIPS BUICK/GMC. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Jan 7, 201977,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED SIX OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE RELAY PANEL SHORTED OUT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 19, 2018106,789 milesGA

A PIECE TO THE FUSE BOX UNDER BACK SEAT HAS MELTED INSIDE OF THE FUSE BOX, WHICH HAS CAUSED THE CAR NOT TO START. THE VEHICLE IS NOW IN FRONT OF MY HOME, SITTING. BUICK HAS NO RECALL BUT YET THIS KEEPS HAPPENING.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Nov 6, 201897,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, A BURNING FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE SAME MECHANIC AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED AGAIN; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 8, 201889,000 milesOK

WHEN DRIVING THE CAR DIED AND WOULD NOT START. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY HAD BURNED UP AND SO WE CHANGED THE RELAY, BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM SO WE WENT AHEAD AND CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP; THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY SWITCH IS STILL GETTING RED HOT AND NOT SURE AT THIS TIME WHAT IS CAUSING THE ISSUE. HAVING IT LOOKED INTO FURTHER. I AM NOT SURE IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE OR NOT BUT HAVE SEEN QUITE A FEW PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE,

Electrical System
Filed Aug 16, 2018IL

FUEL PUMP RELAY HEATED UP AND BURNED UP FUSE BLOCK WITCH IS LOCATED UNDER REAR SEAT.FIRE HAZARD. SITS ABOVE GAS TANK. CAR WILL NOT START OR WILL LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING.LOST STEERING AND BRAKES. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. ALSO IGNITION SWITCH NOT WORKING.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Jul 6, 201875,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL FUSE BOX FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER (MUSSON-PATOUT AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, 214 U.S. 90 FRONTAGE RD, NEW IBERIA, LA 70560, (337)-223-6923) WAS CONTACTED AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jun 20, 2018137,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS FAULTY. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 18, 2018109,466 milesWI

MY 2009 BUICK LUCERNE WOULD NOT START IN MY DRIVEWAY ON THE MORNING OF JUNE 8, 2019. THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE IS 109466. THE ENGINE WOULD CRACK BUT NOT START. I FOUND THAT THE RELAY FOR THE FUEL PUMP WAS BURNT WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT IN A FUSE BOX. THIS WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN AND RAN. THAT EVENING AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 160 MIIES, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 45 MILES PER HOUR. I LOST ALL POWER FUNCTIONS OF THE VEHICLE BUT WAS ABLE TO AVOID HAVING AN ACCIDENT WHILE PULLING OFF THE ROAD. AT THE TIME MY WIFE WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND MY MOTHER WAS IN THE REAR SEAT BEHIND MY WIFE. THE FUSE BOX IS LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT BEHIND THE DRIVER. AS LONG AS WE OWNED THIS VEHICLE NOBODY HAS SAT BEHIND THE DRIVER AS I'M 6'3" TALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO COUNTRYSIDE AUTO GROUP LOCATED AT N8167 KELLOM RD. BEAVER DAM, WI 53916. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THERE REPLACED THE FUSE BOX, REPLACED THE RELAY WITH A LOW PROFILE RELAY, AND TRIMMED THE METAL SEAT BRACKETS SO IT WOULD NOT PUSH DOWN ON THE FUSE BOX. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT FROM THE WEIGHT OF PEOPLE SITTING ON THE SEAT PUT PRESSURE ON THE BOX WHICH CAUSED THE RELAY TO SHORT OUT AND FAIL. THE REPAIR COST $647.79 AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I FOUND OUT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE 2009 BUICK LUCERNE AS THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN #15-NA-051. IT CLEARLY SHOWS HOW TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THE SAFETY ISSUE RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM IS YOU LOSE COMPLETE PO

Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay
Filed Jun 18, 201878,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN SOURCE SHORTED OUT THE RELAY SWITCH. AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 29, 201853,100 milesPA

VEHICLE STALLS OUT WITHOUT WARNING. UNABLE TO START. BURNING SMELL UNDER REAR SEAT (DRIVER SIDE). SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY GM #15-NA-051 (JULY 26, 2016). DESIGN DEFECT CAUSING NO START/STALLING CONDITION BECAUSE REAR SEAT BOTTOM BRACKET PRESSING ON FUEL PUMP RELAY CAUSING FUEL PUMP RELAY TO SHORT OUT (BURN OUT). THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH BY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WHEN CAR STALLS OUT WITHOUT WARNING. GM REFUSES TO ISSUE RECALL. GM SAYS TO TAKE VEHICLE TO LOCAL DEALER AND HAVE REPAIR/MODIFICATION DONE AT OWNERS EXPENSE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 11, 2018129,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD SHUT OFF AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE CONTACT MADE APPROXIMATELY THREE ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (TODD WENZEL BUICK GMC IN WESTLAND, MICHIGAN, 734-721-1144) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE BOX HAD A SHORT, WHICH WAS SENDING THE WRONG SIGNAL TO THE FUEL RELAY DELIVERY PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED AROUND JUNE OF 2016. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 1, 2018105,000 milesKY

CAR WAS FINE 1 DAY NEXT DAY WOULD NOT START. HAD IT TOWED MECHANIC REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND RELAY. NEXT DAY I'M DRIVING GOING DOWN HILL AND IT LOOSES ALL POWER AND WON'T START. HAD IT TOWED AGAIN. MECHANIC REPLACED RELAY. PICKED CAR UP AND DROVE IT FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS AND RELAY BURNED OUT IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. WALKED TO PARTS STORE AND BOUGHT RELAY. REPLACED AND DROVE HOME. NEXT DAY GOING TO WORK AND RELAY BURNS OUT AGAIN. IT IS SUPER HOT AND MELTS PLASTIC AROUND THE HOLE IN FUSE BOX WHERE THE PRONG GOES IN. HAVE REPLACED IT SEVERAL MORE TIMES AND I AM NOW TAKING IT BACK TO MECHANIC BEFORE IT CATCHES ON FIRE OR GETS ME KILLED DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE BUICK LUCERNE. I ONCE TRUSTED THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. STRANDED EVERY TIME I LEAVE THE HOUSE.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 18, 201890,113 milesWI

FUSE BLOCK AND RELAY BURNED UP UNDER REAR SEAT. CAR WOULDN'T START SEVERAL TIMES. AFTER CAR BECAME WARM, IT WOULDN'T START ANYMORE. IT ACTUALLY BURNED THE FOAM AROUND THE SEATS.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 16, 201882,000 milesOH

I HAD JUST DRIVEN THE CAR ON A 2 HOUR TRIP WITH NO ISSUE. I DROVE THAT TRIP IN THE MORNING AND THAT AFTERNOON I WENT TO START THE CAR AND THE STARTER WAS GOING BUT THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START. I LIFTED THE BACK SEAT TO FIND AN AWFUL SMELL COMING FROM THE FUSE BOX. I PULLED THE FUEL PUMP FUSE TO FIND IT SINGED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE NEEDING A NEW FUSE BOX AND I'M STILL WAITING TO FIND THE PART.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 9, 201860,000 milesMI

CAR IS STATIONARY AND STINKS LIKE PLASTIC IS BURNING, TURNS OVER BUT WON'T START. CHECKED FUSE BOX AND FOUND FUEL PUMP RELAY AND FUSE BOX BLACKENED AND BURNT. THIS IS WIFE,S CAR SHE USES TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER AND FRIENDS TO SOCCER SO II WANT TO KNOW IF I REPLACE RELAY AND FUSE BOX IS IT FIXED OR AM I PUTTING MY FAMILY AND OTHERS AT RISK. GM SAYS NOTHING ABOUT ISSUE SO I DO NOT KNOW. 60,000 MILES.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 12, 2017SC

CONSUMER STATED THE CONVENTIONAL LAOCATION OF THE EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRRORS PRESENT AN OBSTRUCTION TO THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER WHEN PREPAPING TO MAKE TURNS EITHER WAY. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REARVIEW MIRRORS WERE POSITIONED IN SUCH A WAY THAT OBSTRUCTED THE DRIVER'S VIEW. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE MIRRORS SHOULD BE POSITIONED HIGHER. UPDATED 09/26/2017*JS

Steering
Filed Aug 25, 201797,700 milesAL

I LOOSE MY POWER STEERING WHEN ITS IS RAINING AND WET OUTSIDE. I GO THROOUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. IT LASTS FOR A FEW SECONDS , BUT TOSE FEW SECONDS COULD BE A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TRAFFIC IS HEAVY.THE INCIDENT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL TO PARK I LOST POWER AND ALMOST HIT A PARKED CAR, I HAD TO WRESTLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO TURN IT AND PARK THE CAR. I WAS TERRIFIED.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)1 injured
Filed Aug 18, 2017139,952 milesMS

I OWN A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE THAT I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE ON RANDOM OCCASSIONS. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE VEHICLE STALLED ON HIGHWAY 49 IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. IT FAILS TO START, SOME RELAYS ARE HOT EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, FUEL RELAY HAS BEEN REPLACE 4 TIMES AND IT GETS EXTRA HOT AND WILL ALMOST BURN YOUR HAND, THE FUSE BOX IS MELTED PARTLY AND HAS A BURNING SMELL. THE FUEL PUMP VOLTAGE WAS CHECKED AND IS GOOD. ON THE LAST TRY TO CRACK NOW THE DRIVER DOOR WINDO AND DOOR LOCK IS NOT WORKING. THERE IS NO CORRISON UNDER THE FUSE BOX. BUICK DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL OUT ON THE FUSE BOX OR RELAY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED 25 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE A DISABLED DAUGHTER WHO IS TRANSPORTED IN MY CAR AND I WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. BUICK IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE WITH THIS PARTICULAR CAR. THE BUCIK FORUM AND NHTSA WEBSITES BOTH HAVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURE HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. IT WILL TAKE ACCIDENTS, INJURY, OR DEATHS FOR THIS ISSUE TO BE RESOVLED IT SEEMS. AS BUICK AND DEALERS CONTINUE TO SELL THESE CARS MANY PEOPLES LIVES ARE I JEOPARDY. I HAVE REVIEWED PAGES ON COMPLAINTS AND AGAIN BUICK IS AWARE OF THESE ISSUES.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit BreakersFire
Filed Aug 1, 201779,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START AND VARIOUS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RIZZA CADILLAC BUICK GMC (8425 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60487) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE BACK SEAT HAD SUFFERED A SHORT AND MELTED. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF A FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FUSE BOX WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 12, 201777,000 milesWI

MY 2009 BUICK LUCERNE WOULDN'T START..THOUGHT IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP HAD IT CHECKED OUT..THE FUEL PUMP WAS GOOD SO WE CHECK THE RELAY FUSE AND IT WAS BURNT OUT. I PUT A NEW RELAY FUSE IN AND DROVE AROUND THE BLOCK MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON..SO WE RECHECKED THE RELAY FUSE AND IT WAS BURNT OUT AGAIN..THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE RELAY AND FUSE BOX.THIS COULD START A FIRE..I HAVE 3 SMALL CHILDREN I NEED MY CAR BUT AT THE SAME TIME I NEED IT SAFE..I LOOKED ONLINE AND ABOUT 10 OR MORE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM..PLEASE RECALL THESE PARTS..

Complaints 1-50 of 128, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201149230Routine
201054220Routine
2009 — this page1282170Routine
20082183260High concern
2007164400Routine
2006330421Fatalities reported

Compare every Lucerne year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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.