Should I buy a 2006 Buick Lucerne with documented steering problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented steering issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2006 Buick Lucerne steering problems

severe Owners of the 2006 Buick Lucerne have filed 43 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 56,209 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →

Failure mileage

Complaints

Recalls

Avg fix

$700

steering complaints on the Buick Lucerne, by model year
Model year	steering complaints
2006 Lucerne (this page)	43
2007 Lucerne	14
2008 Lucerne	9
2009 Lucerne	6
2010 Lucerne	9

5crashes

6injuries

When does it fail?

Of the 43 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Buick Lucerne, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.

0-25k

1 (33.3%)

25-50k

1 (33.3%)

50-75k

0 (0%)

75-100k

1 (33.3%)

100-125k

0 (0%)

125-150k

0 (0%)

150k+

0 (0%)

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

Of the 5 model years of Buick Lucerne we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 43.

No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 06V105000 April 5, 2006

On certain vehicles equipped with a v8 engine,the power steering hose connectors may have been inadequately crimped which could result in a fluid leak

If this were to occur, power steering assist may be lost and increased steering effort would be required at low speeds. Also, if the power steering fluid were to contact hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.

Fix: Dealers will replace the power steering gear inlet hose. The recall began on march 29, 2006. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.

Service Bulletin 03-00-91-001I Nov 2023

This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin 120232002B Jun 2020

This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin PI0671A Mar 2017

This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin PIC3278G Feb 2017

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a ″Phone Unavaila

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin 12-02-32-002A Jun 2013

This technical bulletin provides a revision for 12-02-32-002 to add the 2013-2014 model years, add noise as a possible condition and add a Note in the Instructions section.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

Owners report multiple distinct steering failures in the 2006 Buick Lucerne. Power steering hose problems dominate complaints: leaks from inadequately crimped connectors, cracked hoses, and holes developing at various mileages. Several owners cite loss of power steering fluid, resulting in difficult steering and grinding or whining noises. A few describe hose issues going unrepaired despite dealer visits, and some note their VINs weren't included in the NHTSA recall 06V105000 despite having identical symptoms.

Chronic rightward pull afflicts multiple vehicles from early ownership (as low as 30 miles) through higher mileage. Owners report multiple dealer alignment attempts and tire replacements failing to correct the drift. Some describe needing constant steering-wheel pressure to keep the vehicle straight; others mention the problem worsens over time.

Several catastrophic failures occurred. Owners report sudden loss of both power steering and brakes while driving—one at 40 mph, another during highway lane changes—leading to crashes and injuries. One owner's steering wheel exhibited abnormal side-to-side movement before a collision; that vehicle had had its intermediate steering shaft replaced one week prior.

Additional issues include steering-wheel lockup, loose steering feel at highway speed, short looseness when turning at slow speed that recurred after dealer repair, worn plastic bushings in the steering column, steering linkage bolts detaching, and a groaning noise during turning.

Same Buick Lucerne steering reports on nearby years: 2007

Failure modes owners describe

Power steering hose connector leaks

Power steering hose connectors inadequately crimped, cracked, or with holes, causing fluid leaks. Some owners report the connectors were not properly installed at the factory.

When: 56,209 to 126,000 miles; some at low mileage

Symptoms owners cite: Winding or grinding noise from steering column; Difficult steering and hard turns; Power steering fluid visibly leaking; Steering becomes stiff or unresponsive

Repairs/costs cited: Owners report power steering hose replacement; some independent mechanics diagnosed crimped or cracked hoses; some repairs cost owners money out of pocket

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 06V105000 (steering hose, piping, and connections); however, multiple owners report their VINs were excluded despite meeting all criteria and having identical symptoms

Vehicle pulls to the right

Vehicle consistently drifts or pulls sharply to the right, particularly at highway speeds and with cruise control engaged. Problem persists despite multiple dealer alignments and tire work.

When: As early as 30 miles; continuing through 24,000+ miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts 3+ degrees to the right; Pulling is worse with cruise control on; Driver must maintain constant steering-wheel pressure; Uneven tire wear from constant correction

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple front-end alignments performed by dealers; tire changes and balancing attempted; XM satellite radio installation mentioned once; none corrected the issue

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some dealers referenced GM bulletins; no consistent manufacturer remedy documented

Sudden loss of power steering and brakes

Complete or partial loss of power steering and brake function while driving, rendering vehicle difficult or impossible to control. Occurred during normal driving and at traffic speeds, leading to multiple crashes.

When: 40 mph, 65 mph, and other highway speeds; mileages 80,000 to 100,000+

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn; Brake pedal becomes unresponsive; Loss of vehicle control; Entire instrument panel illumination in some cases

Repairs/costs cited: One case involved intermediate steering shaft replacement one week prior to failure; another involved ignition, power steering hose, air bag module, and oxygen sensor replacement

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 14V355000 (electrical system) referenced; parts were unavailable; one owner's VIN was not included in ignition recall despite failure occurring

Tie rod premature wear and failure

Tie rods fail repeatedly within short intervals, requiring replacement twice within three years on one vehicle. Failures recur even after dealer repair and greasing.

When: First failure at 3,200 miles; recurrence at 18 months and again after 6 months

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle vibrating and shaking when brake pedal depressed; Loose steering feel

Repairs/costs cited: Tie rods replaced on both sides twice; tightened and greased between failures; owner believes manufacturer defect

Steering column grinding noise and lockup

Grinding or loud clunking noise from steering column; in some cases accompanied by power steering malfunction and difficulty turning steering wheel. One case involved worn plastic bushings.

When: 30,000 to 72,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or clunking noise from steering column; Steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn; Power steering malfunctions or fails to respond

Repairs/costs cited: One owner told dealer cost would be $300+; worn plastic bushings identified as cause in one case; one vehicle had steering column issue but no recall available

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case: dealer stated repair was out of warranty and refused; another noted no recall available

Steering linkage bolt detachment

Steering linkage bolts detached, causing steering failure. Bolts used were not factory parts, resulting in improper fastening.

When: <UNKNOWN>

Symptoms owners cite: Steering failure

Repairs/costs cited: Non-factory nuts were used with steering linkage

Loose steering at highway speeds and slow-speed catching

Steering feels light and wanders at highway speeds; at low speeds, steering feels like something is catching or binding. Some describe short looseness when turning that recurred after dealer repair.

When: 65+ mph highway speeds; low-speed parking and driveway maneuvers

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wanders or feels light without constant attention; Thumping or catching sensation during low-speed turns; Steering feels inadequate or lacking positive caster

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer corrected similar issue under warranty but problem recurred approximately 18 months later

Rack and pinion premature failure

Rack and pinion gear requires replacement and fails again at relatively low mileage, making same noise shortly after repair.

When: Failure recurred by 120,000 miles after replacement

Symptoms owners cite: Noise from steering

Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replaced; same issue recurred shortly after at 120,000 miles

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner questions why no recall exists

Synthesized from 43 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 4 most recent

steering · filed 12/17/2014

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

steering · 3,200 mi · filed 12/11/2008

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Buick lucerne. The tie rods in the vehicle were replaced twice within a three year period. During the first failure, the vehicle began vibrating and shaking whenever the brake pedal was depressed. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the tie rods on both sides of the vehicle. The failure recurred after 18 months. She took the vehicle back to the…

steering · 30,000 mi · filed 12/08/2016

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick lucerne. While operating the vehicle, a grinding noise was heard from the steering column. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, the power steering malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not…

steering · 79,000 mi · filed 11/30/2012

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick lucerne. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel abnormally moved side to side. The vehicle then veered to the left. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete barrier. The contact sustained injuries to his head, neck, and shoulder. The contact was advised by another driver that the front driver's…

Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2006 Buick Lucerne?

It's a meaningful issue. 43 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 37,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 56,209. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

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.