RoadVitals

2008 Buick Lucerne Fuel system Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the fuel system system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Fuel system reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
62
Latest Sep 10, 2024
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
28%
of 218 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
12
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2008 Buick Lucerne submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 62 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming fuel system

The 25 most recent of 62, in the owner's own words

ElectricalFuel system
Filed Sep 10, 2024
Fire reported

Fuse box (rear) 2008 Buick Lucerne CXL. FUEL PUMP Relay burns fuses out quickly. The fuse box located under the back seat has been having issues of burning where the fuel pump relay is located. It then in turn shorts out the fuse box which keeps needing to be replaced. This is a safety issue as it catches fire under the back seat. Fuse box has been replaced before and continues to have issues and melts, causing the vehicle to die in mid traffic, does at stop lights or even just parked and running it dies out and smells like burning plastic. The fuse box has caught fire several times. The issue has been confirmed by several mechanics and dealerships. Also there is a history of electrical problems with the rear fuse box in carfax. There was no warning, and now the check engine light is illuminated. We bought the vehicle last year in June of 2024. There seem to be no problems at the time until shortly after we had bought the vehicle. Turns out there's a long history of electrical problems involving the rear fuse box with this vehicle. I have uploaded screenshots of the car report on this vehicle. There are more complaints.

NHTSA ID
11613680
Incident
Sep 10, 2024
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Mar 18, 2024

Our Buick Lucerne would crank but wouldn't turn over when trying to start after trying to pick up take out. 1) It was suggested to me by a passerby that it sounds like a fuel pump relay. 2)I started to smell something burning. The passerby who happens to be familiar with Buick Lucerne tried to help. He lifted the back seat and showed me the fuel pump relay which was burned. Then he switched the electrick window relay which is the exact same relay switch and the car started. Went immediately to an autozone and bought spare fuel pump relay. Thought that solve the problem, but every 2 to 3 days I'd smell that burning smell. 3) The mechanic I've been going to for 10 years confirmed the issue 4)Have not taken to dealer or insurance rep 5)Absolutely no visual warning on dashboard. the warning happens when I start smelling the burning odor. Started one and a half months ago....

NHTSA ID
11578072
Incident
Jan 20, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Oct 10, 2023

Bought my car Sept. 2022.Within the first couple of months I started having intermittent problems that seemed fuel related.After some research I found out my car had a TSB that has been out since 2016. With this knowledge I took the back seat out of my car and the problems all stopped.June of 2023 started having some problems that were sort of similar to what I was experiencing before with some power loss, had vehicle taken to mechanic who diagnosed an interlock system problem.I thought maybe that would fix all my problems and put my back seat back. I travel 4 hours once a month to go see my son and only took my car once on that trip because of not being able to have a back seat.Me thinking the interlock fix was the solve all to my problems I put the back seat in and started my drive to go see my son. 3 hours in stop for gas, try to start my car, cranks won’t start, not getting fuel. Called mechanic who just worked on my car, suggested to check my fuel pump fuse and fuel relay, find my fuel relay is melted. Replace fuel relay and pulled the back seat out, car fires right up no problems. Continue hour drive to see my son, picked up my son so had to put the back seat in. Drive about 7 blocks and stop at Walmart, try to start car and same problems as before. Replace Fuel relay, propped up the back seat around the fuse box trying to still make it safe enough for my son to ride back there, no more problems that trip, propped seat left leaning in the back. August-Was driving down the Highway at 65mph with the cruise on, when all of a sudden my car begins to lose power and proceeds to stall with no warning. Lost complete control of steering and had minimal control breaking, had to coast to a stop with no breaks or steering, lucky was on a straight rural hwy, can’t imagine if I was in the city. Seat had fallen up against fuse box fried fuel relay again and the control module. Take to shop for repair, control module, fuel pump replaced NSB complete all at my expense.

NHTSA ID
11549297
Incident
Aug 10, 2023
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 18, 2023

I went to start the vehicle and it failed to start. I found the fuel pump relay to be badly burned 🔥. On the 30 pin. The board was melted at the 30 pin spot for the fuel pump relay. I purchased a new relay from NAPA. I questioned whether they had a new replacement fuel pump. They told me it was not available only through the dealership. My concern was that where the relay was located at there was a possibility of a fire given how badly the relay and board was burned. I replaced the relay and purchased an extra incase this might happen again. To my surprise it happen just days later while I was driving on the expressway. I had to get off the road immediately. Engine died, no power steering. I checked the relay, it was smoking hot. I will have to have the problem resolved. There is no way a relay should ever get hot, let alone that hot. The fuel pump fuse was not effected. Why is the relay not protected from getting so hot. There is definitely a real risk of fire. No one sits in the back seat normally. But, my grandson's. This should not ever happen.

NHTSA ID
11545205
Incident
Sep 12, 2023
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Mar 22, 2023

The rear fuse box burned out the fule pump relay because of the metal hooks for the seat hit it and pop the fuse out causing it to ark and burn out. I had to have the fule pump replaced twice as that what I was told at auto shops. Going on line was the only reason I found out about the fuse box. After my car died and wouldnt start, opened the casing and sure enough the fule pump housing was completely burned. So now after replacing two fule pumps my emergency money is gone and who knows how long it will before am able to buy a 400$ fuse box with probably another couple hundred in labor to change it out. All because there was to much metal on the seat hooks.

NHTSA ID
11513148
Incident
Dec 12, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Dec 13, 2022

The fuel pump relay keeps getting hot and burning, causing the car to not start or loosing power while driving. Lost power going up a hill and around curve with no place to pull over. Could have been hit when car died in blind spot in road. Looked it up and other people on line are saying it is the seat clips hitting fuse box causing short circuit in fuse box and damaging fuse box. People said they thought it was fuel pump but still had same problem after replacing fuel pump. A lot of upset people on line saying there should have already been recall on this problem. Have had 2 mechanics look at it. Have bought 3 relays. Afraid to drive car if it will start, fear of loosing power in middle of road and getting killed. Not to mention could cause fire since fuse box and battery are under back seat.. Genius engineer, I'll tell you! Don't know if I can ever completely trust this buick again. Never had anything like this happen to any car I've ever owned.Something needs to be done. Recall Recall Recall !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NHTSA ID
11497249
Incident
Nov 10, 2022
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Aug 30, 2021

1. Fuse box was replaced, yes. 4th repair shop replaced. I say only time will tell for sure. i don't drive every day 2. driving I-95 from VA to MD at speeds of 30+ to 75+ cars driving close behind could have ran into rear causing my car, their car, and multiple other cars to be in major accident with possible multiple deaths. 3. reproduced, no. independent service center, no 4. No. Other - the 4th repair shop inspected vehicle component. 5. No warning lamps. No messages or symptoms, car just stalled and would not start/move and w​hen I tried to start car again car would not start, but had all kinds of warnings lamps lit up. The first time the engine stalled was driving (moving) into entrance of toll booth in Richmond, VA, July 27, 2021 approx. 2:15 pm. additional info: Four (4) times car stalled while driving in traffic without warning, car would not start again had to be towed each time to a repair shop. Three (3) repair shops did not repair the problem. First repair shop charged me approx. $350.00 +- for repairs. PLUS I had to stay over night in hotel costing me approx. $120.00+- Total $470.00 +- Car still had same problem!! Second repair shop did not charge me for repairs, but not sure if any work was done, had to get a car rental to get back to Maryland. s second shop kept car ofr 6 days before working on problem. Car rental cost me $467.27. Total $467.27 Car still had same problem!!! Third repair shop kept car for 5 days, charged me approx. $125.+-, still the car had the same problem. Total $125.00+- Car still had same problem!!!! Fourth repair shop says he found fuse box to be the problem, repair cost me approx $554.00+- Total $554.00 My total expenses are approx. $1,491.20 only time will tell if problem has been fixed, not to mention the extreme emotional stress dealing with delays on repairs and extreme emotional stress driving not knowing when or how car would stall again.

NHTSA ID
11430965
Incident
Jul 27, 2021
ElectricalFuel systemInterior & seats
Filed Jul 27, 2021
Fire reported1 injury reported

-The electrical system failed, causing the fuel pump to not work properly due to design flaw in the backseat putting pressure on the fuse box which is located under the backseat. The spot where contact is made to the fuse box, is where the fuel pump relay is. Pressure from the seat bracket (with or without a passenger in the seat) causes the pump replay to not make proper contact with the terminal, therefore causing the power to arc and get so hot that the relay starts smoking, melting the relay, fuse box and surrounding fuses and leaving black scorch marks on the inside of the lid to fuse box and making the car smell like burnt plastic. In addition to now having to purchase multiple replacement relays it has also caused additional electrical issues which resulted in having to replace multiple fuses as well as purchase another battery due to theses issues putting added strain on my battery which caused it to drain and not hold a charge any more. Yes the car and parts are available for inspection. -My safety and the safety of others is at risk due to major risk of catching on fire which could happen while driving and therefore cause an accident, could cause one of my passengers, including my child or myself to be severely hurt/burnt. -Yes the issue has been reproduced by many other owners of the same year/make/model as per the hundreds of previous complaints found about the same issue. -No there were no warning lights, signals or messages before the failure. No warning at all.

NHTSA ID
11426686
Incident
Jun 5, 2021
ElectricalFuel system
Filed May 1, 2021

WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR OVER A YEAR AGO THERE WERE 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THAT MY CAR WOULD NOT START SO I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THAT I BOUGHT IT FROM AND THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT IT WAS A REOCCURRING PROBLEM WITH THAT MODEL FOR THE FUEL PUMP RELAY TO GO OUT AND AFTER A COUPLE TIMES OF IT GOING OUT IT WOULD ULTIMATELY FRY THE FUSE AND RELAY BLOCK AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED SO THAT IS WHAT THEY DID AT THE DEALERSHIP AND WITHIN THEY YEAR THAT I HAVE OWNED IT I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP RELAY 3 TIMES AND DRIVING TO THE PARTS STORE LAST WEEK THE CAR JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND HAS NOT STARTED SINCE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO THE HINGE ON THE SEAT RUBBING THE SIDE OF THE FUSE AND RELAY BOX SPECIFICALLY THE FUEL PUMP RELAY THAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE FUSE AND RELAY BLOCK TO SHORT OUT

NHTSA ID
11414724
Incident
Apr 23, 2021
Mileage
117,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Apr 29, 2021

RECENTLY REPLACED FUEL PUMP. AFTER REPAIR, CAR WAS STILL A CRANK/NO START. REPLACED FUEL PUMP RELAY WHICH HAD OBVIOUS BURN/SCORCHING EVIDENCE, AS WELL AS MELTING AROUND FEMALE PORT ON THE FUSE BOX. SINCE THEN HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 OTHER NEW FUEL PUMP RELAYS DUE TO PROBLEM OF EXCESSIVE HEAT OR ELECTRICAL SURGE FRYING THE RELAY. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLED COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE TOP OF THE FUSE BOX CAUSING THE RELAY TO MOVE, CAUSING THE RELAY TO WORK HARDER TO MAINTAIN A CONNECTION, WHICH IN TURN CREATES MORE CURRENT AND THE RESULTING HEAT INCREASE MELTS THE CASING IN THE FUSE BOX AND KILLS THE RELAY. WHEN THE RELAY IS COMPROMISED IN SUCH A WAY THE FUEL PUMP STOPS OPERATING AND THE ENGINE GETS NO GAS THUS CREATING A CRANK/NO START IF THE CAR IS PARKED OR CAUSES THE CAR TO STALL OUT IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION. IN REASEARCHING THIS MATTER, IT IS CLEAR THAT GM HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS SITUATION FOR OVER 10 YEARS. THERE ARE MULTITUDES OF INDIVIDUALS EFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM WITH SOME OF THEM HAVING SMOKING OR BURNING ISSUES WITH THE RELAY. PERSONALLY, I HAVE HAD STALL OUTS WHILE GOING WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE CONTROL ISSUES SUCH AS BRAKING AND STEERING AND EXCELLERATION, GM HAD EXTENDED REPAIR PERIOD FOR THE ISSUE BUT FAILED TO NOTIFY OWNERS SO MANY WERE UNAWARE OF THE REPAIRS OR EVEN THE ISSUE UNTIL THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED. NO RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED BY GM EVEN THOUGH IT IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE CONTROL ISSUES WHEN STALL OUTS OCCUR AND THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRES UNDER THE SEAT AS THE PROBLEM PROGRESSES. GM REFUSES TO COVER REPAIRS TO AFFECTED VEHICLES SINCE THE COURTESY REPAIR ORDER EXPIRED AND THE VEHICLES ARE TYPICALLY OUT OF WARRANTY. VEHICLE INVOLVED IS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE BUT THE ISSUE EFFECTS OTHER GM CARS. GM TSB 15-NA-051 FOR TECH DIRECTIVES

NHTSA ID
11414488
Incident
Apr 1, 2021
Mileage
116,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 26, 2021

FUEL SUPPLY LINE AT FIREWALL RETAINER SEVERELY RUSTED, COULD LEAK SPRAYING FUEL ON ENGINE OR EXHAUST CAUSING FIRE

NHTSA ID
11413890
Incident
Apr 24, 2021
Mileage
142,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Nov 30, 2020
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A BURNING PLASTIC ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE FUSE BOX LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH AND THE RELAYS INSIDE HAD MELTED CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO OVERHEAT AND FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER COURTESY BUICK LOCATED AT 7 AUTO CENTER DR. LOUISVILLE KY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11377185
Incident
Sep 1, 2020
Mileage
70,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 20, 2020

FUEL RELAY WENT OUT 2X, THE SECOND IT ALMOST CAUGHT THE CAR ON FIRE. THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. ITS LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT OF THE CAR. CALLED DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS A RECALL TO BRING IT IN, NOW THE DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, AND WANTS $1700 TO FIX.IF I'D BEEN DRIVING IT WOULD'VE BURNED THE CAR, AND WORSE HOW ABOUT IF MY GRANDBABY WOULD'VE BEEN BUCKLED IN THAT SPOT. THE CAR ONLY HAS AROUND 80,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. THE CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP

NHTSA ID
11365308
Incident
Oct 3, 2020
Mileage
80,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 15, 2020

CAR CRANKED BUT DOES NOT START. JUST REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WITH OEM AND FUEL PUMP. WORKED. ONE DAY LATER, DOESN'T WORK. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS BURNT. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE CHAT BOXES FOR THIS CAR. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A TECH NEW BULLETIN ON THIS.

NHTSA ID
11355056
Incident
Sep 14, 2020
Mileage
200 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 20, 2020
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT STAND STILL AT A HOSPITAL PARKING LOT, WHEN HE ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND DETECTED PLASTIC BURNING ODOR AS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP WAS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT READ A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM GENERAL MOTORS ON-LINE ON HOW TO REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC RELAY MODULE AND REPLACED THE PART ON HIS OWN. THE CONTACT STATED HE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AGAIN ON DECEMBER 16, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. *BF

NHTSA ID
11321729
Incident
Apr 1, 2018
Mileage
125,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Nov 10, 2019
Fire reported

CAR HAS GONE THROUGH 3 FUEL PUMP RELAY FUSES IN 3 MONTHS LAST ONE STARTED ON FIRE JUST FROM STARTING VEHICLE

NHTSA ID
11279220
Incident
Sep 10, 2019
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Nov 7, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD CRANK, BUT THERE WAS NO FUEL BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL RELAY BOTH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BORCHERDING BUICK GMC (LOCATED AT 9737 KINGS AUTO MALL RD, CINCINNATI, OH 45249, 866-666-6291) WHERE IT WAS FURTHER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN OVERHEATING OF THE ELECTRICAL FUSE BOX THAT BURNED THE RELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY THREE DAYS LATER, THE FAILURE RECCURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT DUE TO THE VEHICLE NO LONGER BEING COVERED UNDER THE SPECIAL COVERAGE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

NHTSA ID
11278626
Incident
Sep 10, 2019
Mileage
55,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 15, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING FOR OVER AN HOUR, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE FUEL PUMP FUSE BURNED OUT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5583355801. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.

NHTSA ID
11268750
Incident
Sep 15, 2019
Mileage
119,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 14, 2019

HAD TO REPLACE A GMC PLASTIC GAS TANK DUE TO FUEL LEAK AROUND A EMISSIONS VENT ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. EVERY TIME THE CAR WOULD TAKE A TURN, FUEL WOULD POUR OUT FROM THE POOR CONFIGURATION & MATERIAL CRAFTSMANSHIP OF TANK AROUND THE VENT CAP. FLASH BACK TO THE FORD PINTO ISSUES OF THE 70'S. CAR HAS 64,886 MILES ON IT. SITS IN GARAGE, WHICH ALSO SMELLS OF FUEL VAPORS AFTER USE. NOTE ATTACHED PHOTO DOC'S. .

NHTSA ID
11268415
Incident
Oct 8, 2019
Mileage
64,886 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Sep 3, 2019

IN THE LAST MONTH AND A HALF MY 2008 BUICK LUCERNE HAS BURNED UP SIX FUEL PUMP RELAYS IT KEEPS MELTING THE RELAYS AND THE FUSE BLOCK I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT COULD CATCH ON FIRE THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE RECALLED

NHTSA ID
11253069
Incident
Sep 3, 2019
Mileage
72,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 18, 2019
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART AND TOWED TO A TRUCK STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INVESTIGATING THE FAILURE, DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS MELTED AND BURNT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE DISCOVERY NO SMOKE OR FIRE WAS NOTICED UNDER THE REAR SEAT WHERE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS LOCATED IN THE FUSE BOX. THE CONTACT STATED HE PURCHASED AND REPLACED THE PART HIMSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211,000.

NHTSA ID
11221077
Incident
Jun 16, 2019
Mileage
211,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed May 26, 2019

FUSE BOX UNDER THE SEAT OVERHEATS AND BURNS OUT FUEL PUMP RELAY ALONG WITH THE FUSE BOX. UNSAFE IF IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ID
11210090
Incident
May 20, 2019
Mileage
85,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Apr 7, 2019

EXPERIENCED A CRANK NO START ON MY 2008 BUICK LUCERNE, DID SOME RESEARCH TO FIND THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR HAS A LONG HISTORY OF ISSUES WITH THE REAR ELECTRICAL CENTER DUE TO THE PLACEMENT UNDER THE BACK SEAT. THE FUEL PUMP RELAY FUSE WAS EXTREMELY BURNT AND NOTICED THE FUSE BOX WAS MELTED NEAR THE RELAY FUSE. BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE LOCAL BUICK DEALERSHIP AND THEY NOTIFIED ME A 10 YEAR "SPECIAL COVERAGE" WAS AVAILABLE ON THIS CAR BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. I AM THE 2ND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. ENDED UP HAVING TO PAY FOR AN ENTIRE NEW REAR ELECTRICAL CENTER AND THE LABOR TO REPLACE IT (~$700). I CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SAID THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IF THE ELECTRICAL BOX IS BEING BURNED AND IT'S DIRECTLY UNDER A SEAT I FEAR THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD HAVE WARRANTED A RECALL AND IT ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE REQUIRED FOR GM TO NOTIFY THE CURRENT OWNER OF THE VEHICLE FOR THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11194410
Incident
Mar 17, 2019
Mileage
97,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Mar 12, 2019

CAR WOULDN'T START CHECKED FUSE PANEL AND FUEL PUMP RELAY TERMINAL IS MELTED UPON FURTHER RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THE 2008-2011 BUICK LUCERNE MODELS CAUSED BY THE PANEL BEING DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR SEAT BRACKET. BRACKET APPLIES PRESSURE TO PANEL LID WHICH INTERN PUSHES AND APPLIES PRESSURE TO FUEL PUMP RELAY GM RECOMMENDS REPLACING RELAY WITH LOW PROFILE STYLE RELAY AND CUTTING SEAT BRACKETS. IF THIS IS SUCH A KNOW ISSUE AND GM RECOMMENDS THESE MODIFICATIONS WHY IS THIS NOT A SAFETY RECALL? IF THE TERMINAL IS MELTING AND BURNING LIKE THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE DIRECTLY UNDER A FOAM SEAT IN THE REAR OF A CAR AND IN MY CASE DIRECTLY UNDER MY CHILDREN'S CAR SEATS!!!!!!!!! I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUSE PANEL DUE TO THE MELTED CONTACTS WITH ESTIMATE REPAIR COSTS OF OVER $300 FOR SOMETHING THAT COULD BE PREVENTED BY GM DOING THE RIGHT THING AND FIXING THEIR PROBLEM!

NHTSA ID
11186244
Incident
Mar 12, 2019
Mileage
130,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Dec 12, 2018
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK LUCERNE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE FUEL PUMP RELAY BECAME OVERHEATED AND MELTED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT A FIRE COULD OCCUR DUE TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE RELAY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

NHTSA ID
11160912
Incident
Dec 7, 2018
Mileage
135,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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