- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
Vehicle safety record
2009 Buick Lucerne Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 128 complaints about the 2009 Buick Lucerne with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (76) and the fuel system (45). Those complaints describe 6 crashes, 17 fires and 5 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in June 2014 for the ignition. For comparison, the 2008 has 218 and the 2010 has 54.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Lucerne year, for its age
#73 most complained-about 2009 vehicle
- Complaints
- 128
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 6
- Fires
- 17
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2009 Buick Lucerne problems
Share of all 128 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2009 Buick Lucerne recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- It is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur.
- The fix
- Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has been permanently disabled and removed from the vehicle. The safety recall began on june 11, 2010. Owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, saturn at 1-800-972-8876, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and hummer at 1-800-732-5493 or at the owner center at www.Gmownercenter.Com.
What owners say
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128 complaints about the 2009 Buick Lucerne
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.
The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in rainy weather, the windshield wipers became inoperable, causing the driver's visibility to be significantly reduced and severely rendering the safe operation of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to safely drive onto the shoulder, and the tow truck was contacted. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel relay had failed. The contact was informed that the relay had failed due to the location under the driver's side rear seat, and while touching the motor terminal. The contact stated that there was a TSB associated with the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Woke up to my passenger seat burnt up, liquid oozing out the burnt up seat and wires and metal sticking out. Looks like the fire started under the seat.
The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspection he became aware that one of the relays from the electric fuel pump under the rear passenger's seat needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the fuel pump relay prong base had melted due to overheating. In addition, the contact stated that the fuse was a 10.01 AMP instead of a 5 AMP which could have caused...
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the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred 2 days later. The manufacturer was made not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
The car died suddenly and would not start, with no warnings or codes. Towed it to a Midas repair shop and it was diagnosed as a corroded Low Profile Fuel Pump relay. This was replaced, and the car ran fine for 3 days before going dead in the middle of driving and left me stranded in an intersection. Had to get it towed back to Midas where it was more accurately diagnosed that the issue with the relay was being caused by a faulty Rear Electrical Center. Both of these parts have been recalled, and I have only owned...
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this car for a little over a year. It has only around 40,000 miles on it. Despite this recall, upon taking the car to the local Buick dealership, they stated they could not cover the recall due to it being expired before I even owned the car. I do not understand how it is right or fair for this to have to be paid out of pocket, for $183.53 and $818.81 respectively, when it is not my fault, it is a faulty GM parts issue, and GM stated they will not stand behind their product and cover the recall despite the evident risk to my safety if I was to continue driving the car without repair. I understand it is expired, but I fail to see how this is ethical when the part is still faulty to the point of being dangerous.
Fuel Pump relay fuse is getting burnt up and not allowing car to start. This is a known problem and Nhtsa has already made a recall but mine isn't recalled. You would think since mine is a 2008-2011 Buick Lucerne it would be able to get fixed. [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The fuel module was replaced by the contact but the failure reoccurred. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and had the vehicle towed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 41,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle sputtered and failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who recommended that the fuel pump relay be replaced. The mechanic became aware that the fuse was melted. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the fuel pump relay overheated and burned the fuse box. The accelerator pedal and steering wheel became inoperable. The contact was able to control the vehicle and park the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact replaced the relay, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact called the local dealer and was advised to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The fuse box or fuse holder under the back seat had the fuel pump relay fail due to pressure on the fuse box lid from the seat above it. This is a known issue by Buick as they keep the fuse box in stock (for about $300) I have owned two similar Lucernes with this issue. The fuel pump relay caused enough heat to melt into the fuse box, causing a disconnection. This caused the fuel pump to stop pumping, causing the car to stop running. The problem can be confirmed by calling any Buick dealer. I'm sure they...
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have had several examples of this issue besides my pair. There are many examples mentioned on the internet, as well as videos as to how to fix it. There are no warning lamps prior to the failure. The engine dies and refuses to restart.
Fuel pump relay keeps burning out.
The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated while parked, the vehicle was not able to be started. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed a failure with the fuse box. Additionally, the fuel pump relay was melted. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000. The VIN was not available.
Fuel pump relay under vehicles back seat fried out due to the back seat hitting the fuse box cover and grounding out the fuel pump relay. My child was in the back seat and said there was smoke coming from the back seat and the fuse box nearly caught on fire. After reading online I am appalled that this has not been recalled yet. There was 0 warning, no lights on dash, I did not file a police report or do anything with my insurance as there was no accident. Just a car bomb manufactured by GM
failed fuel pump relay and melted fuse block. Car would not start in garage. Knew this vehicle is known to have this issue and when investigating the failure to start the first thing I checked was the fuel pump relay and fuse block and sure enough that was the issue. Common issue that Buick never addressed adequately.
Vehicle was no start. Dealer found fuel pump relay bad on 10/05/201. Next time using vehicle same problem. On 10/20/2021 dealer service department diagnosed bad fuse box. The fuse box is located under the rear passenger seat. It was extremely hot and melting. Fortunately no fire, this time.
The contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that on multiple occasions the vehicle would not immediately start-up. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump relay was faulty and needed to be replaced. After replacing the fuel pump relay the failure was temporarily fixed before it recurring. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick lucerne. The contact stated that whenever they would start the vehicle, the vehicle would start then suddenly shut-off. The contact stated that they took the to be inspected and noticed that the relay to the fuel pump had overheated and had started to melt. The contact replaced the relay however, the failure persisted. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick lucerne. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at an unknown rate of speed upon exiting a highway, the vehicle had shut off without warning. She was able to pull the vehicle over and restart the vehicle. As the contact's girlfriend proceeded to drive, she initially smelled smoke coming from the vehicle; she then saw a flame ignite from the bottom rear passenger seat. She stated that she was initially unable to unlock the doors or roll down the driver side window;...
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after a second attempt, she was able to roll down the driver side window and exited the vehicle. A fellow motorist saw the situation and called the fire department. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed and no injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The vehicle was destroyed at the scene and was towed to an independent junk yard. The contact called penske buick gmc(100 s museum rd, shillington, pa 19607) where he was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick lucerne. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a burning plastic type odor and smoke was present coming from the rear seat area. Upon inspection it was discovered that the fuel pump relay had burned and was very hot to the touch. The contact indicated that the electrical fuse box was located under the driver side rear seat and had made contact with the fuel pump relay causing the failure. The failure was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick lucerne. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 mph, the vehicle loss power as a smoke odor was detected in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact exited the highway and went to a local auto store. While parked, he inspected the vehicle, opening the rear passenger door and found that the plastic burning odor was coming from the underneath the seat. The contact lifted the rear seat and discovered that the fuse box was extremely hot to touch. Upon opening the box...
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smoke and a burnt fuse relay was seen. The contact stated that he purchased and replaced the burnt fuse. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence, where it was later towed from to the dealer thomas chevrolet-buick inc. (2128 S byron butler pkwy, perry, fl 32348) who informed the contact that no recall were under the vin. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel relay kit needed to be replaced. That contact mentioned manufacturer communication number: 15-na051 (electrical system, seats, fuels system, gasoline) (nhtsa id number: 10108617) as a possible solution to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, a case was opened and the contact was instructed to take the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick lucerne. After the vehicle was driven for a short period of time and parked, it failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to empire chevrolet buick (1931 us-421, wilkesboro, nc 28697, (336) 838-2191) where it was diagnosed that the relay and fuse panel underneath the rear seat had melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000. The vin was invalid.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick lucerne. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road and turned off. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but it continued to stall and turn off. The vehicle was not able to be driven and was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was towed to northwest hills chevrolet buick gmc (located at 2065 e main st, torrington, ct 06790, (860) 626-5296) where it was diagnosed that the rear fuse block and the...
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relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,818. *Tt the consumer stated that the fuse block was melted. The manufacturer was notified, but did not offer any assistance due to the vehicle being out of warranty. *Js 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*Jb *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick lucerne. When the contact stopped and turned off the vehicle after a long drive, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the fuse box had burned out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,406. *Bf consumer stated failer to start after driving 400 miles.*Jb
Left front tire low air pressure. Went to get problem corrected. Repair technician reported the air was leaking around the valve stem. Technician dismounted the tire from the rim and discovered that the chrome plating on the rim was flaking off and had a gap between the rim and the valve stem allowing air to leak from the tire. Options were to either re-chrome the rim or purchase replacement rim. Also, tire needed replacement due to being run underinflated. Result: purchased 4 new rims (not chrome plated) and a new tire. Total cost $ 700+.
After being driven normally all day, the car all of a sudden wouldn't crank properly after being parked for a few hours. The car needed to be towed to a car shop. According to a local mechanic, the back seat pressed on the wiring that, in turn, burned up the electric panel and the fuel pump. Due to this, the electric panel and the fuel pump need to be replaced.
Buick Lucerne: every year compared
All Lucerne years2009 Buick Lucerne vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 128 | 2 | C | |
| 2009 Buick Enclave | 220 | 8 | D | Compare |
| 2009 Buick Lacrosse | 106 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 2009 Buick Regal | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2009 Buick Lucerne
Does the 2009 Buick Lucerne have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 Buick Lucerne: ignition (June 2014); electrical system (June 2010). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Buick Lucerne?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (76), fuel system (45), body, doors & structure (11).
How many complaints has the 2009 Buick Lucerne had?
128 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 6, 2009 and the latest on April 10, 2026. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 17 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2009 Buick Lucerne a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 56 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Buick Lucerne year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Lucerne years have the most complaints?
2006 (330), 2008 (218), 2007 (164). See every Buick Lucerne year compared.
What should I do if my 2009 Buick Lucerne has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data