2009 Buick Lucerne Problems
Used BUICK LUCERNE shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 128 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2009 Buick Lucerne has 128 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2009 Buick Lucerne Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2009 Buick Lucerne trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2009 Buick Lucerne Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Buick Lucerne has 128 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Lucerne
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 128
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2009 Buick Lucerne problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Fuel/Propulsion System
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Fuel/Propulsion System, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2009 Buick Lucerne?
This BUICK LUCERNE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Buick Lucerne
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Buick Lucerne, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The BUICK LUCERNE has 128 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 6 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 128 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- 6 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2009 Buick Lucerne complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Buick Lucerne. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 76 | 1 | 15 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 36 | — | 5 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Buick Lucerne. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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. Th…
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 diagnos…
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 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…
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. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT…
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 fa…
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…
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…
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 f…
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 mel…
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 …
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 issu…
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 fi…
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 fu…
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 START…
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 GIRLFR…
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. T…
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 TH…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Buick Lucerne.
Safety recalls
2009 Buick Lucerne recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Buick Lucerne. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Buick Lucerne buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Buick Lucerne reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 128 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This BUICK LUCERNE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Buick Lucerne?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (76 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (36 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (10 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Buick Lucerne?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Buick Lucerne?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Buick Lucerne, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 17 fire reports out of 128 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Buick Lucerne have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Buick Lucerne. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Buick Lucerne?▾
This BUICK LUCERNE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Lucerne reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.