Buick Lucerne is a luxury full-sized sedan that is mostly popular for its roomy interior and quiet and comfortable ride. But if you want the most dependable model to enjoy a safer drive even at the least maintenance cost, you must know which Buick Lucerne years to avoid.
In these cases, avoid the 2006 to 2009 Buick Lucerne as this car has a considerably low reliability rating, more recalls, and a high fuel efficiency rating. 2010 or 2011 Buick Lucerne received minimal complaints and can provide improved fuel efficiency, making them a safer model to choose from.
Article Summary
Which Buick Lucerne Years To Avoid?
If you want to avoid expensive annual maintenance costs and keep away from the mechanic shop as much as possible, avoid these Buick Lucerne year model years:
1. 2006 Buick Lucerne is The Worst Model Year
2006 Buick Lucerne is the first generation model that was very popular for quiet riding. Its quiet turning feature reduces engine, road and wind noise while driving. However, this model starts showing some serious issues and gets plenty of complaints time, making it the worst Buick Lucerne year to avoid. It gets 27 complaints on CarComplaints and 329 complaints on NHTSA.
Some of its common problems are doors that don’t open, transmission failure, worn strut mount, and steering assist faults. These issues occur after 28000 to 150000 miles and cost around $1000 to $3500 to fix.
2006 Buick Lucerne also has four recalls for the bad ignition switch, windshield washer module and wiper washer system.
2. 2008 Buick Lucerne
2008 Buick Lucerne received 41 complaints on CarComplaints and 208 complaints in NHTSA, putting it on the Buick Lucerne years to avoid list. Some common problems with this model are engine won’t start, fuel pump is shorted out, loss of power while driving, fuel system problems, and the AC problem.
These problems can occur after around 80000 miles of driving a 2008 Buick Lucerne. It may cost up to $800 to replace fuse blocks, fuel pumps, and relays to solve those problems. 2008 Buick Lucerne has three recalls on its ignition switch, wiper washer system, and windshield washer module.
3. 2009 Buick Lucerne
2009 Buick Lucerne mostly causes fuse block melt, transmission failure, battery issues and door lock actuator failure problems. These problems can occur on a 2009 Buick Lucerne after 57000 miles and cost up to $3300 to fix.
Owners registered 30 complaints on CarComplaints and 123 complaints on NHTSA against this model. This model also has two recalls.
Also Read: Ford Fusion Years To Avoid
Most Reliable Buick Lucerne Years You Can Choose
Following are some most reliable model years of Buick Lucerne that get least complaints and have a reputation for providing more reliable and enjoyable rides:
2010
If you want a reliable sedan with a hushed interior and ride quality, opt for a 2010 Buick Laurence. This model only received 11 complaints on CarComplaints and 52 complaints on NHTSA. It also provides 22 mpg fuel efficiency on highway and annual maintenance cost of this model is only around $550. 2010 Buick Lucerne has an outstanding reliability rating and perfect option for comfortable driving.
2011
2011 Buick Lucerne has a roomy and quiet interior and is a great choice for a cushy ride. This model only gets 7 complaints on CarComplaints and 43 complaints on NHTSA, making it a safer model to choose. Its fuel efficiency is 22 mpg on highways and its annual cost is only around $600.
Buick Lucerne Common Problems
Buick Lucerne is a dependable and comfortable car to drive. However, you can experience these following issues after buying a Buick Lucerne:
Broken Struts
Weak struts are the worst problem with Buick Lucerne particularly on 2007 model. Some car owners complain that suspension system’s struts, rack, and pinion wear out or break at a time.
This problem occurs after 65,000 miles of driving on average while some users had this issue only after 35,000 miles. It cost around $1900 to replace struts and rack and pinion on Buick Lucerne.
Melted Fuse Block
Carcomplaint listed 17 complaints for melted fuse blocks and it mostly occurs on 2009 Buick Lucerne. Drivers complain that Buick Lucerne’s fuel pump relay overheats quickly and melts the fuse box causing car stalling and stuttering.
This problem occurs after 83000 miles on average while some Lucerne users experienced it after 54000 miles. To fix this issue, you’ll need to clean and replace relay, replace fuse box, and fuel pump relay which can cost up to $600.
Engine On Turn Over
2008 Buick Lucerne mostly had this issue along with older models. Drivers complain that engine wont fire after turning the ignition key and they need to tow the car to a garage or mechanic shop while some users are stranded in a parking lot overnight.
This issue can occur on Buick Lucerne after 94000 miles on average some owners had it only after 54000 miles. To fix the engine won’t start problem, you may need to replace fuse block, and fuel block assembly which can cost up to $800.
Oil Leaks
Oil leaks are another common problem for Buick Lucerne, particularly for the 2011 model year. Users notice oil leaks develop from crankshaft seal and leak engine’s bottom and pan outside. It also triggers low oil indicators.
This problem can occur only after 11500 miles and it needs to replace crankshaft seal to fix this issue. It can cost around $200 to fix the oil leaks problem on Buick Lucerne.
Electrical Issues
If you own a Buick Lucerne, you can experience various electrical issues including burglar alarm malfunction, losing power suddenly while driving, noisy fuel pump, and reduced engine power while driving.
Though these electrical problems occur after 83000 miles on average, some owners had these just after 62000 miles. It can cost around $800 to fix these electrical issues on Buick Lucerne.
Coolant Leaks
Coolant leaks mostly occurred on 2007 Buick Lucerne. Owners complain that its water pump gets cracks and leaks pink fluid coolant which causes engine to overheat. To fix this problem, you’ll need to replace damaged cooling tank or radiator and it’ll cost around $60.
Why General Motors Discontinued Buick Lucerne?
Buick Lucerne is a great American sedan with plenty of room and a comfortable ride. 2011 model year was the last production from this lineup before General Motors discontinued it. Discontinuation was a part of GM’s effort to adjust to the evolving automotive landscape.
Automakers often decide to discontinue older models and introduce the latest models based on consumers’ preferences, market dynamics and economic conditions and to optimize production.
General Motors choose to focus on other models and use resources towards vehicles with better market potential. The reason is that large comfy vehicle suddenly became outdated and GM wanted to move Lacross a bit up in size and price while getting rid of Lucerne.
FAQs
How Long Does Buick Lucerne Last?
If you take proper care and routinely maintain your Buick Lucerne, it’ll last between 300,000 and over 500,000 miles. However, if you buy a used Buick Lucerne, it may last around 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
What Car Replaced The Buick Lucerne?
General Motors manufactured Lucerne from 2005 to 2011. After that GM replaced this top-notch sedan with second-generation Buick LaCrosse.
Is Buick A Good Brand To Buy?
Buick is still a great band to deal with. It offers plenty of types of small SUVs and three-row Enclave. Buick ranks amongst the top reliable automakers and manufactures highest highest-scoring models. This brand also has a decent dependability ranking and a reputation for providing quiet and powerful drive.
Final Words
Hope you understand which Buick Lucerne Years to avoid. In short, if you want a quiet and comfortable sedan, opt for the latest model of Buick Lucerne. These models are more reliable and receive more positive feedback from owners and drivers. Though the longevity of a vehicle largely depends on the way you maintain it, it’s safer to avoid 2006 to 2009 Buick Lucerne for poor-quality components.
