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ProblemsByVin File / 2006-BUICK-LUCERNE NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2006 · Buick

Buick Lucerne problems

330 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

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Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2006 Lucerne?
Avoid — the electrical system

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
81 reports · fails ~68,149 mi · avg $850
critical
body
46 reports · fails ~73,795 mi · avg $1,500
severe
steering
43 reports · fails ~66,458 mi · avg $700
severe
airbags
23 reports · fails ~77,085 mi · avg $1,100
severe
engine
21 reports · fails ~76,167 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
wheels
14 reports · fails ~65,128 mi · avg $400
severe
powertrain
13 reports · fails ~100,699 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
brakes
12 reports · fails ~27,781 mi · avg $450
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2006 Lucerne's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2006 Lucerne?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2006 Lucerne · body
I have experienced an issue that seems to be of concern ( reviewed complaints filed for the same issue) for safety. My passenger side back door failed to unlock both from the inside and outside. If I were in an accident and had passengers in the back seat, this could be life…
2006 Lucerne · steering
2006 Buick lucerne while driving there was a jarring event that occurred immediately affecting the engine power and power steering. *mw the ignition, power steering hose and air bag module and oxygen sensor were replaced. *jb
2006 Lucerne · engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick lucerne. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
12/15/2014 · at 160,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10664436.0 · see engine pattern →
2006 Lucerne · visibility
When driving in the rain my Buick lucerne's exterior driver-side rear view mirror is useless due to the wash of water streaming across the driver's side window. It is impossible to see traffic in the left lane and in order to change lanes I must rely on the interior rear view…
12/14/2009 · at 40,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10295672.0 · see visibility pattern →
View all 330 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2006 Buick Lucerne? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Common questions

Is the 2006 Buick Lucerne reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 330 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Buick Lucerne is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2006 Buick Lucerne?

On the NHTSA data, the 2006 Buick Lucerne is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 2 fire-related complaints on the electrical system; Body: 46 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 47,000–96,000 mi; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2006 Buick Lucerne?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 81 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 68,149 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 68,149 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Buick Lucerne has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Buick Lucerne?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 330 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Buick/Lucerne. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Buick. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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