Buick Lucerne problems
128 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
- 15 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system
- Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Vehicle was stationary in driveway. Vehicle would not start. It had worked fine the day prior. The vehicle was cranking and clearly had power but would not turn over. I noticed that I could not hear the fuel pump prime when the key was turned. Like many others, I found the fuel…
Driver interior door lever breaking often, plastic component around central lever pivot that connects to lock release cable breaks leaving passenger stranded on interior. Only way to open door is to roll down window and reach for the exterior door handle. Driver could be trapped…
Interior driver door lever broke again in same location. This was a replacement for the OEM part that broke in april. Same breaking point. Material and design is very poor. Driver is trapped in car without a way to rapidly open the door in an emergency to escape.
Interior driver door lever broke 3rd time in same location. This was a replacement for a replacement purchased in april 2016. Same at breaking point. Material and design is very poor. Driver is trapped in car without a way to rapidly open the door in an emergency to escape.…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Buick Lucerne reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 128 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Buick Lucerne is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Buick Lucerne?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Buick Lucerne is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 15 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Buick Lucerne?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 72 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 91,586 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 91,586 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Buick Lucerne has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Buick Lucerne?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 128 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.