This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Buick Lucerne electrical problems
critical 81 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
81
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
5crashes
2fires
2injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 81 electrical complaints filed for the 2006 Buick Lucerne, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Owners have filed 81 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Buick Lucerne in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe an electrical system plagued by multiple, interconnected failures. The ignition control module or switch fails suddenly while driving, cutting engine power, power steering, and brakes simultaneously—owners report having to disconnect the battery to restart. Airbag systems fail: warning lights flicker persistently, and in actual collisions the bags don't deploy despite impacts severe enough to cause fractures and one fatality.
Dashboard illumination is a chronic problem—in daylight, critical gauges (speedometer, fuel, temperature) become invisible or illegible, forcing drivers to focus on the panel instead of the road. This problem persists even after dealer repairs and technical service bulletins.
Rear door locks trap occupants, locking independently with no manual release. Some owners report both rear doors sealed shut for weeks. Power steering fluid leaks onto hot engines after pump failure, causing fires. Battery drains, alternators fail, fuse boxes require replacement with discontinued parts sourced from junkyards, and multiple fault codes point back to the same electrical defects.
The recall (NHTSA Campaign #14V355000) has been issued but parts remain unavailable for extended periods—dealers have told owners to wait months. One owner's ignition control module replacement cost $939 out-of-pocket. Owners question whether replacement parts have the same defect and emphasize the life-safety risk of a stalled vehicle losing steering and brakes at highway speeds.
Same Buick Lucerne electrical reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition switch and control module failure
Ignition control module or switch fails without warning, killing engine power, steering, and brakes while driving. Key becomes stuck in ignition and cannot be removed. Loss of electrical power prevents engine restart; battery disconnection required to reset system.
When: Between 12,000 and 177,000 miles; some failures occur within first few years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly while driving; Loss of power steering and brake function; Key stuck in ignition switch; Engine will not restart; Directional control lost
Codes mentioned: P140 code (reported in one complaint)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced ignition control module for $939 at one owner's expense; dealers report part unavailability or have replaced with used modules; TSB #189 referenced for some repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign #14V355000 (Electrical System) and #10V240000 (Electrical System) issued; parts were repeatedly backordered, delaying repairs; dealers advised recall parts unavailable for extended periods
Airbag warning light and non-deployment
Airbag warning light illuminates and flickers intermittently. In actual collisions, airbags fail to deploy despite impacts that should trigger them. Safety Data Module shows no event recovery, consistent with ignition switch cutoff during collision.
When: One fatal incident at 140,000 miles; warning light appeared at lower mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light on and flickering; Airbag failure to deploy in collision; No SDM (Safety Data Module) events recorded
Repairs/costs cited: One fatal crash: driver suffered jaw fractures, rib fractures, lung injury; died 6 months post-collision from injuries exacerbated by non-deployment. Two other collisions involved injuries but vehicle destroyed; dealers could not diagnose flickering warning light
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM examined vehicle in litigation; acknowledged driver was belted but dispute over airbag non-deployment causation remains
Dashboard illumination failure—daytime visibility
Instrument panel gauges, speedometer, and fuel gauge become invisible or extremely dim in daylight hours. Backlighting insufficient to read critical information. Problem does not occur at night when dash lights engage. Affects safety and requires driver distraction to read speeds.
When: As early as 200 miles; reported frequently in first 5,000 miles; persists throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer unreadable in daylight; Fuel gauge unreadable in daylight; Engine temperature gauge unreadable in daylight; Tachometer unreadable in daylight; Gauges fully visible at night; Message center glare and unreadable with sunglasses
Repairs/costs cited: TSB #189 issued for lighting panel replacement; replacement did not resolve problem in at least one case. Dealer offered module to increase intensity but problem persisted. Dealers stated no remedy available; manufacturer offered only compensatory oil changes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged design flaw; told owners not covered by warranty; TSB #189 referenced for technical service bulletins on panel replacement; promised eventual fix for future model years
Uncontrolled acceleration and cruise control malfunction
Engine locks into high-rev state or acceleration that does not respond to normal throttle inputs. Cruise control disengages or shifts into passing gear and does not return to set speed. Braking can be ineffective or hard braking required to disengage condition.
When: At approximately 70 mph cruising speeds; one case at 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly; Cruise control engages passing gear instead of maintaining speed; Braking does not stop acceleration; Hard braking required to disengage acceleration; Turning off key and restarting stops revs temporarily; Engine revs remain high despite throttle release
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate condition during inspection
Rear door lock failure—both sides
Both rear passenger doors lock independently and cannot be unlocked manually or via automatic lock controls. Manual lock releases do not function. Occupants trapped inside vehicle with no emergency exit.
When: Variable; one case after over one month of locking; another at 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear doors will not unlock; Automatic door locks fail to function; Manual lock release mechanisms inoperable; Theft lock system activates and prevents rear door unlock; Occasional temporary unlock followed by relocking
Repairs/costs cited: One owner charged $100 diagnostic fee and received $2,000 repair estimate. Another repair replaced both rear locks at $900 total cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially unhelpful; eventual replacement of both rear door lock mechanisms
Electrical system power loss and stalling
Vehicle loses electrical power while driving, causing complete engine shutdown. Reduced engine power warnings appear on dashboard. Loss of steering and brakes accompanies power loss. No error codes stored. Problem appears related to grounding or high-resistance electrical connection.
When: Variable speeds (30 mph to 70 mph); multiple recurrences; one case at 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; All dashboard lights illuminate; Check engine light; Reduced engine power warning; Check traction control warning; Loss of power steering; Loss of brakes; No error codes stored; Battery drain
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple diagnostic tests performed; mechanics unable to isolate root cause. Dealership diagnosed as electrical problem but unable to repair. Independent mechanic advised to seek recall-related repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign #14V355000 referenced; parts unavailable for extended periods; manufacturer stated nothing could be done to assist in one case
Battery fire and battery-post design flaw
Vehicle parked in driveway caught fire while unoccupied. Fire department investigation concluded battery caused fire. Gold-plated positive battery post created hole in battery underside; post should have had protective cap. Hole likely caused internal battery shorting or leakage.
When: At 74,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fire while parked; Hole in battery underside where post penetrated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed by fire. Fire department filed incident report. Estimated cost not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer notified; report filed
Power steering fluid leak and engine fire
Power steering pump fails. After replacement, power steering fluid leaks onto hot engine, igniting fire. Ignition switch also fails to lock fully in park position, preventing engine shutdown.
When: Ignition problem occurred after power steering repair
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering pump failure; Power steering fluid leak onto engine; Engine fire; Ignition key will not turn back far enough to fully shut off engine; Ignition key will not fully engage park position
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump and pulley replaced; fire required towing; had to disconnect battery cables to prevent battery drain
Fuse box and electrical connector failures
Alternator failure followed by fuse box failure. Fuse box discontinued and replaced with used unit. All subsequent electrical codes trace back to fuse box. Plastic power steering connectors degrade from overheating caused by failed cooling fans; power steering fluid leaks.
When: Alternator replacement April 2017; ongoing issues through May 2017
Symptoms owners cite: Alternator failure; Fuse box will not read; Vehicle will not crank; Cooling fans stop working; Engine overheating; Power steering connector cracks; Power steering fluid leaks; Multiple electrical fault codes
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes traced to fuse box
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box replaced with used unit (OEM part discontinued); parts sourced from salvage; overheating caused plastic connectors to crack and leak
Electrical system battery drain and alternator failure
Battery drains excessively. Alternator replaced. Battery drained again immediately after replacement. Diagnostic tests reveal approximately 10 electrical fault codes related to electrical system defects. Vehicle cuts off completely while driving with check engine light illumination.
When: Recurring over months; multiple drain cycles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains while parked; Alternator fails; Vehicle shuts off while driving; Check engine light illuminates; Multiple electrical fault codes appear on diagnostic
Codes mentioned: Approximately 10 codes indicating electrical problems
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and alternator replaced; problem recurred; further repair delayed pending diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint references that other Buick models have been recalled for same electrical problems but complainant's vehicle not included in recall
Electrical system creep and unwanted acceleration at stops
Vehicle loses power randomly while driving at any speed. Also accelerates unexpectedly while stopped at red light or in park, with foot on brake, nearly pulling vehicle into traffic.
When: Recurring randomly throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Random power loss while driving; Unwanted acceleration while stopped; Vehicle nearly pulls into traffic; Power loss regardless of speed; Intermittent power loss during acceleration attempts
Codes mentioned: H02S heating control circuit sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; no recall available for this complaint's vehicle despite similar complaints reported
Body control module failure
Body control module fails, causing multiple electrical systems to malfunction simultaneously including door locks, interior and exterior lighting, and windshield wipers.
When: At 32,362 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock independently; Interior lights fail; Exterior lights fail; Windshield wipers fail
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed body control module failure; module repaired at dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure
Heated and cooled seat connector melting
Heated/cooled seat control connector under passenger seat partially melts with black burn marks. Seat button illuminates but heat and cool functions do not engage. Issue appears common on multiple GM vehicles including Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS.
When: Not specified; appears to be design defect affecting multiple vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Seat heater/cooler button illuminates but functions inactive; Connector partially melted; Black burn marks on connector; Potential fire hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Connector issue identified under passenger seat; fuse does not blow despite melting, creating potential fire risk
Check engine light and transmission wiring failure
Check engine light illuminates at low mileage. After dealer repair light dimmed but returned intermittently. Mechanic identified failed wire to transmission causing illumination.
When: At 16,000 miles; recurred after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Light dims after repair but returns intermittently; Transmission wiring failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer made repairs; wire to transmission required replacement
Ignition switch key stuck in locked position
Key becomes stuck in ignition and cannot be removed. Gear shift must be moved back and forth between gears repeatedly to release key. Problem begins intermittently but increases in frequency over time.
When: At 43,000 miles; frequency increases over time
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition; Key cannot be removed; Requires manual manipulation of gear shifter to release key; Intermittent at first, becomes more frequent
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated shift mechanism needed to be added to vehicle; repair not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer recommended shift mechanism addition but did not perform repair
Electrical wiring damage from tire explosion
Tire exploded on I-75 causing complete wiring system destruction, back bumper damage, and engine power loss. Vehicle towed to dealer.
When: Approximately 16 miles south of Venice, Florida on I-75
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power loss after tire explosion; Complete wiring system destroyed; Back bumper damaged
Repairs/costs cited: Repair costs including towing and rental car totaled approximately $1,600; back bumper replacement quote $1,400 additional
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner informed of NHTSA Campaign #14299 (ignition issue) which owner believed applied to their situation; GM declined responsibility
Synthesized from 81 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick lucerne. The contact stated that the doors locked independently, and the interior and exterior lighting and windshield wipers failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the body control module failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,362.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick lucerne. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to repair the vehicle. The dealer was unable to inform when the part would become available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 1/21/15*cn updated…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick lucerne. The contact stated that the service air bag light remained illuminated constantly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
2006 Buick lucerne. Ignition switch safety recall for key ring. *mw
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick lucerne. After removing the key from the ignition switch, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact stated that excessive force was required in order to turn and remove the key. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,977.
Instrument gauges do not give accurate readings. *jb
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2006 Buick Lucerne?
It's a serious issue. 81 complaints have been filed, including 5 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 40 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 40,000 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 67,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 105,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.