2009 Buick Lucerne Problems: 7 Known Issues
2009 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Buick Lucerne has 7 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Fuel Pump Relay Overheats and Melts Fuse Box (Crank/No-Start, Stalling), Heated Windshield Washer Fluid Module Fire Risk (Microheat), Lucerne Northstar V8 Head Bolt Pull / Coolant Loss ($3,500-$7,500 repair) and Ignition Switch Can Slip Out of Run Position. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $7,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 7 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DTS AND BUICK LUCERNE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE. IF EITHER THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS CONTACTING THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, THE CABLE COULD WEAR THROUGH THE LINE, CAUSING A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 118, 'POWER OPERATED WINDOW, PARTITION, AND ROOF PANEL SYSTEMS.' UNDER THE STANDARD, THE SUNROOF MAY ONLY BE CLOSED WHEN THE IGNITION IS ON, OR AFTER THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF, BUT BEFORE EITHER OF THE FRONT DOORS ARE OPENED. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE SUNROOF CAN BE CLOSED AFTER THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF AND THE DOORS ARE OPENED.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Buick Lucerne problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Buick Lucerne has 7 documented issues. Documented issues include: Fuel Pump Relay Overheats and Melts Fuse Box (Crank/No-Start, Stalling), Heated Windshield Washer Fluid Module Fire Risk (Microheat), Lucerne Northstar V8 Head Bolt Pull / Coolant Loss. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick Lucerne reliable?
The 2009 Buick Lucerne has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Fuel Pump Relay Overheats and Melts Fuse Box (Crank/No-Start, Stalling) and Heated Windshield Washer Fluid Module Fire Risk (Microheat) and Lucerne Northstar V8 Head Bolt Pull / Coolant Loss and Ignition Switch Can Slip Out of Run Position. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Buick Lucerne problems?
Repair costs for known Buick Lucerne issues range from $150 to $7,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2008-2011 Buick Lucerne Fuel Pump Relay Overheats and Melts Fuse Box (Crank/No-Start, Stalling)?
On 2008-2011 Lucernes the fuel pump relay terminals in the rear fuse box (located under the rear seat) overheat and melt, partly because the rear seat bracket presses on the fuse box lid. This burns the relay socket, cuts power to the fuel pump, and causes stalling, no-starts, an… Severity: high.
What is the 2006-2009 Buick Lucerne Heated Windshield Washer Fluid Module Fire Risk (Microheat)?
Lucernes equipped with the heated washer fluid feature use a Microheat control module that can short-circuit on its printed circuit board, overheating the ground wire. This can produce odor, smoke, and an underhood fire. GM's first 2008 fix did not stop the fires, forcing a secon… Severity: high.
What is the 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne Lucerne Northstar V8 Head Bolt Pull / Coolant Loss?
The 4.6L Northstar V8 in 2006-2011 Lucerne CXS/Super (and STS, DTS, Cadillac SLS) is known for head-bolt thread pull from the aluminum block. The head-bolt threads pull out of the aluminum block, so the bolts lose clamping force and the head gasket fails, allowing combustion gase… Repairs typically run $3,500-$7,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne Ignition Switch Can Slip Out of Run Position?
On 2006-2011 Lucernes, the weight of keys on the ring combined with a jarring bump or rough road can knock the ignition switch out of the 'run' position. This shuts off the engine while driving and disables power assist. If the switch is not in run, the airbags may not deploy in… Severity: high.
What is the 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne Throttle Body / Throttle Position Sensor Causing Reduced Engine Power?
A failing electronic throttle body or throttle position sensor triggers a 'Reduced Engine Power' message and limp mode, with rough or surging idle and hesitant acceleration. The condition is common enough that GM issued a special coverage adjustment extending the throttle body wa… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2009 Buick Lucerne Intermediate Steering Shaft Clunk During Slow Turns?
Owners frequently report a clunk, knock, or rubbing noise/feel when turning the wheel at low speeds, most noticeable in parking-lot maneuvers. The cause is worn or improperly seated U-joints (cardan joint) in the intermediate steering shaft between the column and the rack, not th… Repairs typically run $150-$350. Severity: low.
What is the 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne Rear Air Self-Leveling Suspension Failure (Sagging Rear)?
Lucernes with the rear automatic load-leveling air suspension (common on CXL/CXS) develop a sagging or uneven rear ride height as the system ages. Causes include leaking air shocks, a failed air compressor, a stuck relief solenoid (built into the compressor and not separately ser… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.