This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Buick Lucerne wheels problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $400 · see wheels across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$400
2crashes
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering wheels 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.
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 ↗This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Vibration Shortly After Tires are Mounted/Preventing Vibration from Wheel Slip (Tire Sliding on Wheel).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2006 Buick Lucerne describe two distinct wheel failures. One owner experienced complete separation of the right rear wheel at the hub during a low-speed curve (35–40 mph), which precipitated a two-impact crash with a guardrail and concrete barrier; notably, the driver had reported delayed steering response days earlier. The separated wheel remained intact but fully detached, causing approximately $10,000 in damage.
The dominant complaint, however, is chronic chrome wheel deterioration. Owners report chrome plating that flakes, peels, and corrodes—especially at valve stem openings. The flaking creates sharp edges that cut tires and breaks the seal between wheel and tire, causing relentless air leaks. Owners describe constant tire deflation while parked and while driving, illumination of tire pressure warning lights, and loss of control from sudden tire deflation at highway speeds. Repeated tire replacements (owners cite $700 for tires, over $2,000 for complete wheel sets) become necessary, and even after replacement, the problem recurs because the defect is inherent to the original wheels themselves. One owner reports replacing multiple wheels over several years and unable to invest in new tires due to the recurring leak issue. Attempts to repair via rim scraping provide only temporary relief. Manufacturer warranty denials are consistent, with GM citing age or mileage to refuse coverage.
Same Buick Lucerne wheels reports on nearby years: 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Chrome wheel separation/structural failure
Right rear wheel completely separated at the hub during a routine curve on a low-speed (35-40 mph) turn. Prior to the incident, the driver noted delayed steering response. The separated wheel remained intact but fully detached from the vehicle.
When: 18,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete wheel separation at hub; Delayed steering response days before failure; Loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel complete loss; approximately $10,000 in vehicle damage from guardrail and barrier collision
Chrome wheel stress cracking and air leaks
Left front chrome wheel developed a hairline stress crack inside the rim with prior slight flattening from impact. The crack caused rapid air loss requiring wheel replacement. Owner reports wheels manufactured in China with poor material quality; Buick denied warranty claim based on age of wheel.
When: Unspecified; claim denial cited wheel age
Symptoms owners cite: Hairline crack inside rim; Rapid air loss; Low tire pressure indicator illumination
Repairs/costs cited: New wheel purchased through Buick dealer; owner filed compensation claim
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Buick denied warranty claim based on wheel age
Chrome flaking and rim corrosion causing air leaks and tire damage
Chrome plating on wheels flakes and peels, creating rough surfaces that puncture tires and prevent proper air seal. Corrosion develops at valve stem openings, corroding away material and preventing valve stem sealing. Owners report recurring failures even after wheel replacement; tires cannot stay balanced due to material loss. Multiple owners report chronic air leaks requiring frequent tire refills and replacement.
When: Starting around 50,000 miles; 80,000 miles current mileage on some vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Chrome plating flaking and peeling; Corrosion at valve stem openings; Constant or frequent tire air leaks; Tire pressure warning light illumination; Tire deflation while driving and while parked; Tires cut by flaking chrome; Tires unable to maintain balance; Hard steering caused by low tire pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Rim scraping to remove flaking chrome (temporary fix); tire replacement ($700+ cited); complete wheel replacement ($2,000+ cited); multiple wheel replacements required due to recurring failures; some owners have replaced multiple wheels over vehicle ownership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM/Buick denies warranty coverage after warranty expiration; refuses to acknowledge systemic issue despite owner requests; no recall issued
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had wheels 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 wheels problem on the 2006 Buick Lucerne?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $400.
At what mileage does the wheels typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most wheels failures cluster between 40,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 78,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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 $400 for wheels 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 wheels?
No active recalls currently cover wheels 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.