Buick Lucerne Years to Avoid: Common Problems and Reliability Issues

The General Motors’ Buick Lucerne is a full size luxury sedan made between 2006 and 2011. The Lucerne, known for its smooth ride, comfort, and a host of advanced features for its time, was a favorite of those seeking reliability, smoothness and features. Yet, as with any car, certain model years are better than others reliability wise.

In this article, we will explore the Buick Lucerne years to avoid, common problems associated with the model, and the most reliable years to consider if you’re thinking about purchasing a used Lucerne.

Buick Lucerne Years to Avoid: Overview of the Buick Lucerne

Introduced in 2006, the Buick Lucerne replaces the Buick LeSabre and Buick Park Avenue. It featured a front-wheel-drive platform and offered two engine options: featuring a 3.8L V6 engine along with a more potent 4.6L Northstar V8.

It, too, had heated seats, a premium sound system, and other highbrow items such as side curtain airbags and stability control. Although the Lucerne was lauded for its comfort and luxury, some model years suffered from serious reliability problems.

But these problems included everything from electrical failures to engine failures, which meant expensive repairs and decreased performance. Many potential buyers will find out too late, which years to avoid, but that is worth saving them a lot of frustration and expense.

Which Buick Lucerne Years to Avoid?

While there are model years more prone to problems than others, certain Buick Lucerne model years are the most problematic. Below is an overview of the years to avoid, along with the most common issues for each:

1. 2006 Buick Lucerne:

The inaugural model year of the Lucerne introduced several issues:

• Oil Leaks: Some owners also were plagued with oil leaks, usually from the front crankshaft seal. These can cause low oil levels and performance worries with the engine.
• Electrical Problems: Electrical malfunctions were evidenced, such as sudden power loss and malfunctioning fuel pumps. Some vehicles additionally reported poorly illuminated instrument panels which make daytime visibility difficult.

2. 2007 Buick Lucerne:

The 2007 model year continued to experience some of the issues from 2006:

• Suspension Components: It was reported premature suspension component wear (struts, rack & pinion assembly) that negatively impacted ride quality.
• Coolant Leaks: Coupled issues with the water pump and radiator forced coolant leaks that caused the engine to overheat for some owners.

3. 2008 Buick Lucerne:

The 2008 model year saw the emergence of new concerns:

• Fuel Pump Failures: Fuel pump failures were experienced by quite a number of owners resulting in unexpected stalling and starting to be difficult. Sometimes the fuel pump relay and a fuse box were damaged as well.
• Electrical System Issues: Other electrical issues continued, such as sudden loss of power and broken fuel pumps. Some vehicles also reported poor instrument panel illumination resulting in difficult daytime visibility.

4. 2009 Buick Lucerne:

The 2009 model year introduced additional challenges:

• Melted Fuse Blocks: Fuel pump relay was reported to overheated and melted in fuse box with some owners reporting stuttering and stalling. This problem frequently set a car’s engine into a burning smell and sudden stalling.

5. 2010 Buick Lucerne:

The 2010 model year continued to experience some of the issues from previous years:

• Oil Leaks: Owners reported oil leaks arising from the front crankshaft seal. If these are allowed to leak, low oil levels and engine performance may suffer.
• Electrical Problems: Electrical malfunctions including sudden power loss and non functioning fuel pumps were recorded. Furthermore, daytime visibility was difficult due to instrument panels poorly illuminated on some vehicles.

Most Frequent Buick Lucerne Problems

Some problems occur often no matter which model year Buick Lucerne you have. These include:

Electrical Problems:

• Sensors that are not functioning and dashboard lights that are not working.
• Unexpected stalling comes down to faulty ignition switches.
• Power windows, door locks and other electronic features causing problems.

Engine Problems:

The V8 engine leaks oil, which if not dealt with, can do serious damage.
Reduced engine performance and misfires.
Cooling system failures that cause the vehicle to overheat.

Suspension and Steering Issues:

• Rough ride comes from worn out control arms, bushings and ball joints.
• Older models have loose or unresponsive steering.

Brake System Problems:

• Brake pad and rotor premature wear.
• Sometimes accompanied by squeaking, in uneven braking performance.

Fuel System Issues:

• Stalls and hard starting is caused by faulty fuel pumps.
• Uncorrected fuel gauge readings will cause unexpected low fuel situations.

Water Leaks:

• Mold and interior damage come from leaks around the sunroof, windows, or trunk.

The Most Reliable Buick Lucerne Years You Can Choose

Some model years of the Buick Lucerne are ones you want to run away from, and others are known for being highly reliable and generally dependable. These include:

1. 2011 Buick Lucerne

Quality control improved greatly during the last year of production and many of the earlier models’ problems were addressed.

Key Features:

• New suspension parts that make for a smoother ride.
• Better electrical and engine systems.
• Improved on interior materials and safety features.

2. Buick Lucerne (Select Trims) 2009

Some of the 2009 models had problems, but trims with the V6 engine were more reliable.

Key Features:

• Reports are less for its engine and electrical problems than the V8 models.
• Comfortable and upscale interior.

3. Buick Lucerne, 2008 (Late Production Models)

Later production models of 2008 had mid year updates, which fixed earlier problems.

Key Features:

• Improved ignition systems.
• Less reports of leaks and better build quality.

Why Did General Motors Stop Producing Buick Lucerne?

In 2011 Buick Lucerne was discontinued by General Motors (GM), for a number of reasons. First, sales of Lucerne were falling because customers were switching from full size sedans to smaller cars and SUVs that are more fuel efficient.

In 2009, the Lucerne was discontinued from production, as it no longer sold in modern market. But at the same time, GM wanted to concentrate on newer models, like the Buick LaCrosse, that better represent what it wanted the Buick brand to stand for. It wouldn’t have been cost effective to redesign the Lucerne and it’s been getting outdated in design and technology compared with new cars.

Besides, GM wanted to modernize and increase the brand’s level of upscale and also aim it toward a younger and more varied crowd. So, the Lucerne was phased out, which allowed GM to refocus resources around more popular, and more future-forward vehicles. This move allowed Buick to fall into step with market trends and to meet consumer requirements.

Conclusion

The Buick Lucerne is a luxurious comfortable sedan, but not all model years are created equal. If you are buying a used Lucerne, it’s important to know which ones to avoid, and which problems to look out for.

There are significant reliability problems that occur with the 2006 through 2010 models, including electrical troubles, engine, and suspension problems. But, the most reliable option of all is the 2011 Buick Lucerne giving an improved quality and having fewer issues.

If you understand what common problems there are and choose a model year that’s reliable then you get to enjoy all of the luxury Buick Lucerne has to offer without the headache of frequent repairs. For the peace of mind, get a vehicle history report and always take a used car to a trusted mechanic for pre purchase inspection.