This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Buick Lucerne airbags problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
13crashes
13injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 20 airbags complaints filed for the 2007 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.
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 ↗This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Airbag non-deployment in collisions dominates this complaint set. Owners describe rear-end impacts at 45–80 mph, head-on collisions at 50 mph, side-impact crashes, and one rollover—all resulting in vehicle destruction or severe injury to occupants who struck steering wheels and dashboards without cushioning. First responders and insurance adjusters independently noted that deployment should have occurred given impact severity and vehicle damage exceeding $9,000 in several cases.
Separate from non-deployment, owners report persistent service-airbag warnings. One mechanic attributed this to a severed seat-position-sensor wire caused by multiple drivers adjusting the seat; Buick would warranty that repair only under 36,000 miles, leaving an owner with 98,572 miles responsible for cost. Another owner reported the passenger-airbag warning light staying on even with an occupant present.
One owner discovered the occupancy-detection system cannot accommodate a passenger under approximately 100 lbs, rendering the right-side airbag and air curtain inoperable. Buick refused to adjust the threshold, citing federal guidelines.
An engine-stall incident at 40 mph raised questions about whether airbag function was lost during the power loss, though the connection remains unclear. No recall addresses these issues despite owners finding similar complaints online.
Same Buick Lucerne airbags reports on nearby years: 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Airbags failed to deploy in collisions
Multiple owners reported airbags not deploying during crashes with sufficient impact severity—including rear-end collisions at 45–80 mph, head-on collisions at 50 mph, side-impact crashes, and rollover events. Impact damage ranged from $9,000+ in repair costs to total-loss vehicles. Owners and first responders noted that airbag deployment was warranted given the force and type of impact.
When: Mileage at failure ranged from 7,000 to 183,000 miles; incidents reported across 2007–2018 timeframe.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy during front-end collisions; Airbags did not deploy during side-impact crashes; Airbags did not deploy during rear-end collisions; Airbags did not deploy during rollover event; Occupants struck steering wheel, dashboard, and seats without airbag cushioning
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer report of 'computer' replacement for unrelated stalling issue; no repair details given for airbag non-deployment. One complaint mentioned vehicle deemed destroyed/total loss without inspection for cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner (#4) reported Buick would repair seat-sensor connection failures only under 36,000 miles warranty; dealer in narrative #6 suggested airbag may not deploy unless front bumper hit center—owner disputed this claim.
Service airbag light illumination and sensor faults
Service airbag indicators illuminated persistently or after incidents. One owner reported the light came on after a rear-impact crash; another reported continuous illumination tied to passenger-seat occupancy detection. A third owner experienced recurring 'service airbag' warnings at startup. Mechanics attributed one case to a severed connection from the seat-position sensor caused by multiple drivers adjusting seat position.
When: Reported at mileage ranging from 98,572 to 163,000 miles; incidents spanning 2007–2017.
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag light remains on continuously; Service airbag light flashes after crash; Passenger airbag reads 'off' when occupied; Airbag indicator illuminates at startup and remains on until key is removed; Mechanic diagnosis: severed wiring connection at seat sensor due to seat adjustment
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership repaired the vehicle after rear-impact crash but 'failure persisted.' Another owner reported mechanic identified severed connection from seat-sensor wiring; Buick would cover repair only below 36,000 miles—owner's vehicle had 98,572 miles. Cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reported Buick acknowledged seat-sensor repair warranty only up to 36,000 miles; dealer repeated vehicle diagnosis and repair but persistent failure not detailed in narrative.
Occupant-detection system malfunction—inadequate mass threshold
One owner reported that the occupancy-detection system (mass switch in seat) cannot accommodate a passenger weighing approximately 100 lbs, rendering the right-side airbag and curtain inoperable. Owner stated Buick claimed federal safety guidelines prevent modification, leaving that passenger unprotected.
When: Timing not specified; vehicle model year 2007.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag and air curtain inoperable on right side for lighter-weight passenger; Occupancy sensor cannot detect passenger under ~100 lbs
Repairs/costs cited: No repair offered; Buick stated federal guidelines prevent modification.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Buick stated federal safety guidelines prevent modifying the occupancy-detection threshold.
Airbag system malfunction with unrelated power loss
One owner reported sudden engine shutdown at 40 mph, resulting in loss of power steering and brakes, with a question mark about airbag loss. Dealership identified and replaced a faulty computer module at no charge. Another owner reported power loss during a collision and airbags not deploying; the narrative does not clarify whether power loss caused non-deployment or was coincidental.
When: First incident October 2011 at unknown mileage (vehicle just over 5 years old, purchased new; out of warranty); collision incident timing not provided.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly shut off at 40 mph; Loss of power steering and brakes; Possible loss of airbag function during stall (owner uncertain); Power loss immediately before collision with five other vehicles; airbags did not deploy
Repairs/costs cited: Computer module replaced at dealership at no charge; no further details on part or code.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner (#1) contacted GM and OnStar; neither acknowledged similar incidents or issued recalls. Owner searched internet and found similar Buick stalling complaints not included in recalls.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owned a 2007 Buick lucerne. While driving at an unknown speed, another vehicle crashed into the front driver side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained back and neck injuries and the driver sustained back and neck injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and was towed to an impound lot.…
Had airbags trouble with your 2007 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 2007 Buick Lucerne?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 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 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 21,000 and 150,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,000; a quarter make it past 150,000. 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/2007/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.