I've had plenty of Buick in the bay over the years, and the electrical-system complaints on these don't surprise me. 1,619 on the NHTSA record across 79 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 2 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Buick vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Average shop fix runs about $850 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Across the 905 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 73,275 miles. Read the specific complaints before assuming the worst — the category covers everything from a forty-dollar switch to a twenty-five-hundred-dollar module.
Buick electrical problems
1,619 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Buick vehicles for electrical issues. 3 active recall campaigns. See electrical across all makes →
Worst-affected Buick model-years for electrical Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Buick electrical 4 on file
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick LaCrosse vehicles manufactured April 30, 2013, to September 1, 2013
Without an audible indicator, the driver may not be aware that the driver's door is open while the key is in the ignition, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway. If the passenger windows, rear windows, and sunroof can function when the vehicle is turned off and the driver is not in the vehicle, there is an increased risk of injury if an unsupervised occupant operates the power closures.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured November 3, 2009, to March 25, 2011, equipped with 8-way power adjustable front seats
Chafed harness wires may cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist
If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Common questions
How many Buick electrical complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,619 complaints across 79 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 3 active recall campaigns cover electrical issues across the Buick lineup.
Which Buick model has the most electrical complaints?
The 2008 Buick Lucerne leads with 106 complaints in this category. Next: 2006 Lucerne (81) and 2006 LaCrosse (79).
What does it cost to fix Buick electrical problems?
Independent shops average $850 for electrical repairs across the Buick lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Buick electrical recalls?
Yes — 4 active recall campaigns cover electrical on Buick vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.