This technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Buick Lucerne airbags problems
severe 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
11crashes
11injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 23 airbags complaints filed for the 2006 Buick Lucerne, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
GENERAL MOTORS: DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT RESTRAINTS, AIR BAG (SIR) INDICATOR/LAMP ON WITH DTC(S) B0012, B0013, B0016, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 OR B0044 SET. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A LOOSE, MISSING, OR BROKEN CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE (CPA) RETAINER AT THE AIR BAG FOR THE SET DTC. INCLUDES TRAILBLAZER EXT. UPDATED 8/16/10. UPDATED 3/12/12.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗BUICK/CADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC: AIRBAG LIGHT ON, DTC B0071 AND B0081 SET (DIAGNOSE AND REPLACE RIGHT FRONT SEATBELT BUCKLE, IF NECESSARY). UPON INVESTIGATION, THE TECHNICIAN MAY FIND DTC B0071 SET IN THE PASSENGER PRESENCE SYSTEM (PPS) AND A DTC B0081 IN THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTICS MODULE (SDM).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GMC: SERVICE AIR BAG; SIR INDICATOR ON (DTC B0012, B0013, B0019, B0020). THE SIR INDICATOR IS ON AND THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) DISPLAYS SERVICE AIR BAG.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗AIR BAG READINESS LIGHT ON, DTC B1019 SET IN SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) (REPROGRAM INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC)).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Buick Lucerne has a well-documented airbag problem centered on two main issues: non-deployment in crashes and persistent warning-light faults.
Owners report that front airbags consistently failed to deploy in frontal collisions at speeds ranging from 20 to 60 mph. These weren't minor fender-benders—they were serious crashes (rear-ended at 40 mph, front-end collisions, T-bone impacts) that resulted in fractured backs, broken ribs, sternum fractures, and separated knees. Side airbags also failed to deploy in at least one side-impact collision. Several vehicles were destroyed or totaled, suggesting the crash severity warranted airbag deployment.
On the electrical side, owners repeatedly describe a service airbag warning light that illuminates intermittently or stays on permanently. Some experienced it on vehicles purchased used, suggesting a chronic defect. One owner took the car to the dealer seven times; the dealer replaced the airbag module and wiring harness, but the light came back. Temporarily moving the driver's seat sometimes made the warning disappear, hinting at a loose connection or sensor fault.
GM issued a recall (14V355000) targeting the electrical system, which appears to affect airbag function—one owner was notified but couldn't get the recall done because parts weren't available. At least one crash occurred while that vehicle was waiting for recall repair.
Same Buick Lucerne airbags reports on nearby years: 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Airbag non-deployment in frontal collisions
Front airbags failed to deploy in multiple frontal impact collisions at various speeds (20–60 mph), including direct front-end crashes and rear-end impacts. Owners reported serious injuries—fractured backs, separated knees, broken ribs, sternum fractures—that would likely have been mitigated by proper airbag deployment. Side airbags also failed to deploy in side-impact collisions.
When: At collision impact; mileage ranged 55,328 to 130,000 miles; one unspecified collision at 168,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front airbags did not deploy during frontal collisions at 20–60 mph; Side airbags failed to deploy in side-impact crashes; Occupants sustained injuries (fractured back, separated knee, broken ribs, sternum fractures) that suggest airbag non-deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles either destroyed or totaled; no repairs attempted. One owner reported GM issued a recall notice (NHTSA Campaign 14V355000) for electrical system and another recall (14V299) for key positions affecting airbag function.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign ID 14V355000 (Electrical System); NHTSA Campaign 14V299 (key-related airbag non-deployment); owner reported parts unavailable for recall repair on vehicle that later crashed
Service airbag warning light—intermittent and persistent
Service airbag or airbag warning indicator light illuminated on dashboard, often intermittently. Some owners reported the light disappearing and reappearing over months; others reported it came on after purchase from a previous owner and stayed on. One owner noted moving the driver's seat forward and backward sometimes made the message disappear temporarily.
When: Mileage 55,328 and unknown; some ongoing since vehicle purchase (2013 for one owner)
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning light illuminated intermittently or persistently; Message 'Passenger Airbag Off' or 'Service Air Bag' displayed on dashboard; Light came on without any accident or noted trigger event; Moving driver's seat sometimes caused light to disappear temporarily
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced airbag module and connector under warranty (reported in one case); another case involved replacement of airbag module and wiring harness after 7 dealer visits, but light continued to illuminate. Independent mechanic did not diagnose or repair in other cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage reported for airbag module/connector replacement in one case; owner in case #7 stated the recurring issue should qualify for recall due to compromised system integrity
Electrical/wiring system faults linked to airbag function
Two owners specifically mentioned NHTSA Campaign 14V355000 (Electrical System) as the underlying issue. One owner was notified of the recall but parts were unavailable at the time of their crash; the vehicle had not yet been repaired. Another owner's VIN was included in the same campaign number.
When: Timing of electrical fault unknown; one collision occurred while vehicle was pending recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag system affected by broader electrical system defect (NHTSA Campaign 14V355000)
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 14V355000 (Electrical System)
Repairs/costs cited: Parts for recall repair were not available at the time owners were notified, preventing timely completion of the recall on at least one vehicle that subsequently crashed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V355000 issued; however, parts unavailable; manufacturer was notified of at least one failure while recall was pending
Steering column noise and airbag warning light co-occurrence
One owner reported that a seatbelt light, airbag warning light, and service airbag message appeared together, coinciding with noise and clunk sounds in the steering column. The message later cleared on its own. The owner questioned whether the airbags would work in a crash.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Seatbelt and airbag warning lights illuminated; Service airbag message displayed; Noise in steering column; Clunking sound from steering column; Warning message cleared without repair
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; warning cleared on its own, leaving owner uncertain about airbag functionality.
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Takata recall an airbag service in the dashboard all the time the vehicle is turn on and start.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick lucerne. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH and turning into a parking lot, she crashed into another vehicle that was traveling at an unknown speed. The vehicle was destroyed however, none of the air bags deployed. The contact sustained a fractured back and a separated, and broken knee. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure and current mileage…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick lucerne. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the driver's side tire became detached from the vehicle unexpectedly. The vehicle hydro-planed three times, swerved off the road and then crashed into a tree. There were no injuries. A police report was filed of the incident. The air bags failed to deploy with the force of the impact. The…
Defectives airbags. The side airbags didn't go off when I was hit on my driver side door. I dont feel safe in that vehicle. I was making a left turn and a truck was. Stopped at a yield sign where the road came to a t. I had the right of way to make my turn. As soon as I was making the turn the other driver drove foward hitting the driver side of my car totaled my driver door. The airbags on…
Had airbags trouble with your 2006 Buick Lucerne?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2006 Buick Lucerne?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 39,200 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 81,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,200; a quarter make it past 130,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Buick/Lucerne.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.