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 ↗2007 Buick Lucerne steering problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
2injuries
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Buick Lucerne in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Power steering problems on these Lucernes fall into distinct failure patterns. The most common is gradual fluid loss—owners find oily driveways and burning oil smell, then discover the reservoir nearly empty when steering gets heavy. Rack-and-pinion leaks require expensive replacement; a TSB exists for steering gear line connection leaks, but Buick downplayed the 2007 model's exposure. One senior owner wasn't even aware of the TSB before learning she needed a complete rack-and-pinion.
Cold-weather clunking in the steering column appears in multiple reports, worse when turning, then vanishes once warmed. Dealers can't reproduce it for diagnosis.
The scariest failures are complete power steering loss without warning—one owner lost steering and brakes at 55 mph in traffic; another at 150,000 miles. A third owner reports steering quits for 3–4 seconds when turning through water puddles. Two crashes are documented, both with airbag non-deployment. One owner also reports the steering column limits turning radius, which Buick says is design-related and can't be fixed. Several owners note the vehicle pulls hard to the right, demanding both hands and constant correction.
Same Buick Lucerne steering reports on nearby years: 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering fluid leaks (rack and pinion, gear line connections)
Pressurized hydraulic fluid escapes from steering gear assembly, manifesting as puddles on pavement and requiring frequent fluid top-ups. Leaks originate from rack-and-pinion seals, gear line connections, and steering column. Multiple owners report discovering the problem only when steering becomes noticeably difficult; dealers later confirm low or empty power steering fluid reservoirs.
When: Observed as early as 67,000 miles; reported across multiple model years and mileage ranges up to 150,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Whirring sound when turning; Steering becomes harder to operate; Oily residue on driveway; Burning oil smell; Difficulty maintaining vehicle control when fluid depletes
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement cited as required repair; dealers report TSB for fluid leak from steering gear line connection; some owners unable to afford repairs ($500–$1500+ range implied by 'quite costly' descriptions); repair required to pass inspection
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB for fluid leak (referenced in complaint #6); Recall #06V105000, Service Bulletin #273064, #06V105000 (Action #10032192) mentioned in complaint #1; Buick initially denied 2007 models had issue, claiming problem limited to 2006 models despite multiple owner reports
Steering column clunk/bump noises (cold weather onset)
Metallic clicking, clunking, or scraping sound emanates from steering column during turns or while vehicle is stationary, particularly in cold weather. Noise typically subsides after short driving period as vehicle warms. Multiple diagnostic attempts at dealership failed to reproduce or identify root cause.
When: Intermittent; cold weather trigger; disappears after short drive once car warms
Symptoms owners cite: Audible clunk or bump in steering column; Scraping noise when turning right or left; Sound present at low speed and while parked; Noise worse in cold weather; Noise vanishes during repair diagnostic visits
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; dealers unable to diagnose under service conditions; one owner reported multiple mechanics unable to locate source
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No service bulletins or recalls issued for 2007 model despite complaint cluster; Buick stated nothing could be done without TSB or recall
Sudden power steering failure during driving
Power steering cuts out abruptly while vehicle is in motion, rendering steering wheel difficult or impossible to turn and compromising vehicle control. Failures occur mid-drive and can coincide with engine stalling (loss of electrical power). One documented failure occurred while turning through water; another while driving at highway speed.
When: At 55–60 mph highway speed (complaint #3); at 150,000 miles (complaint #9); intermittently during wet weather turns (complaints #10, #13)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes locked or unresponsive; Immediate loss of directional control; Engine stalling reported in one instance; Doors auto-lock before failure (complaint #3); Failure triggered by wet conditions or standing water; Failure lasts 3–4 seconds (complaint #13)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; vehicle crashes resulted in one case documented injury requiring medical attention and vehicle destruction; another vehicle totaled at 36,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #3 involved contact with GM and OnStar; manufacturer response not detailed; no recalls issued for sudden steering failure
Vehicle pulls hard to the right; difficult steering control
Vehicle exhibits consistent rightward pull during normal driving, requiring continuous corrective input and both hands on steering wheel to maintain road position. Owner characterizes steering as 'loose' and requiring heightened attention. Distinct from power steering failure but affects directional stability and driver fatigue.
When: Ongoing; present from early ownership after inheritance at 36,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard pull to the right during straight-road driving; Steering feels loose or over-sensitive; Requires both hands and constant attention to maintain lane; Heightened driver alertness required to prevent accident
Repairs/costs cited: No formal diagnosis or repair performed; vehicle subsequently crashed and totaled
Steering wheel lock-up during turns
Steering wheel becomes completely rigid and will not turn for 1–2 seconds during low-speed turns, then releases and allows normal operation. Engine continues running; distinct from total power steering loss.
When: During right turns at slow speed; occurs intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks momentarily during turns; Lock-up lasts approximately 1 second; Temporary inability to complete turn; Normal steering resumes after lock-up releases
Steering column turning radius problems (U-turn difficulty)
Steering geometry or column design limits full articulation, making U-turns and tight maneuvers difficult to complete. One owner reports manufacturer attributed issue to 'design feature that could not be corrected.'
When: Ongoing; design-related
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced turning radius; Difficulty executing U-turns; Limited steering articulation
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; manufacturer stated design limitation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated this was an intentional design feature and could not be corrected
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 steering 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 steering problem on the 2007 Buick Lucerne?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 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 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 36,000 and 83,000 miles, with the median around 67,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,000; a quarter make it past 83,000. 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?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.