2011 Buick Lucerne Problems

Vehicle purchased used through Carvana. Battery installed at purchase was approximately 10 years old and later failed, causing starting issues and an instance of power loss while driving that left the vehicle stranded. Battery has been replaced and original battery retained.

The vehicle’s instrument cluster appears to be a non-original unit that may not be correct for the model year. The cluster is responsible for displaying the odometer and communicating with other vehicle systems. After purchase, I observed that diagnostic scan tools could not consistently access or communicate with multiple modules, and an experienced mechanic indicated the instrument cluster may be incompatible with the vehicle’s configuration. Because the odometer reading is displayed through this component, there is concern that the mileage may not be independently verifiable. The vehicle otherwise operates, but diagnostic communication inconsistencies raise questions about the reliability of system-level data. Additionally, there does not appear to be any service documentation indicating that the instrument cluster or odometer system was replaced, repaired, or recalibrated. This creates uncertainty regarding how the current mileage reading was established. The inability to fully verify mileage and system data may affect maintenance accuracy, resale valuation, and overall confidence in vehicle information.

Fuel pump relay is overheating to dangerously high temperatures. At least 211 F degrees. Causes the fuel pump fuse to melt leaving me stranded. Immediate replacement of the 20 AMP fuse is necessary to get the car running again. The fuel pump relay gets really hot even if the AC is not on. Waited for hour and a half in near 100 F degree heat for a tow truck to it home. I’m lucky the car did not catch on fire. I know quite a few of the Buick Lucerne’s have had recalls regarding this item. Picture of the actual car is included. No police report was necessary as this was a breakdown situation. This has utterly disrupted my life because I do not have access to a car with good air conditioning until this problem is repaired.

THE CAR WOULD NOT START WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START IT TO GO TO WORK AND HAD TO BE TOWED IN FOR REPAIRS. THE FUEL PUMP WAS FOUND TO NEED TO BE REPLACED. ONE WEEK LATER THE CAR AGAIN WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED FOR REPAIRS. THE PROBLEM THIS TIME WAS THE REAR FUSE BOX THAT WAS SHORTED OUT DUE TO THE BRACKET RUBBING AGAINST IT, WHICH SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL. A RECALL SEEMS TO BE INDICATED BECAUSE OF THIS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. IT TOOK THE CONTACT SEVERAL MINUTES TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND, EACH TIME THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE CONTACT WAS LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC LOCK SYSTEM WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SERVICED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF AND FOUND THAT THE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,723.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD ACTIVATE AT RANDOM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,400. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Several malfunction indicator lights in dash appeared suddenly. Car would not start after shutting off. Finally started and drove to repair shop. Diagnosed as faulty ride height sensor. Shop searched for part at several dealers and online and found the part was discontinued in 2021. I contacted Buick and was offered $1500 off on a new GM car. I have not received any suggestions on how to repair the car or remove malfunction indicator lights which I specifically asked for. The repair shop is waiting for me to find the part and I have not been able to find one. Dealers have no answer and neither does Buick. The repair shop says it will start if sensor is unplugged but suspension will not work and dash will still have malfunction indicator lights. It is my opinion to operate under these conditions, it would definitely be hazardous.

ABS LIGHT AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT ON. SO I HAVE NO ABS FUNCTION OF THE BRAKES. HAD FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED BUT DIDN'T FIX THE ISSUE. ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE LIGHT STILL ON.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE VIEW MIRROR WAS OBSTRUCTING HIS VISION WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

NEW BUICK LUCERNE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR DOES NOT COVER BLIND SPOTS. DEALER SAYS IT WORKS AS DESIGNED, AND "TO BE HONEST, YOU ARE NOT THE FIRST TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IT". IT WAS NOT CORRECTED. *TT

Passenger rear tire blew out the side wall all around the tire. The dealer that installed the tire has it for warranty. It was an large noise and I was able to pull to the side of the road immediately without loosing control. Yes the problem was reported to the dealer that put the new Falken tires on my car in September of 2025. The tires only had about 2,000 miles. My tire has tire pressure monitors on it, they did not alert me to a low tire pressure. I do have a few pictures of the tire showing the whole side wall blew out all around the tire. I am concerned for the safety of my family and anyone else that has this tire. I still have 4 of these tires on my car and I am worried that if another one blew out, it could end up in a serious crash.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE WITH CUSTOM BUILT VOGUE RADIAL IX TIRES, LINE SIZE P235/55/R17 (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND ABOVE, THE TIRES WOULD WOBBLE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE TIRES WERE EXHIBITING FLAT SPOTS AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,500. UPDATED 04/5/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRE HAVE BEEN REPLACED NINE TIMES UPDATED 04/05/11

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while using the front driver's side interior door handle to exit the vehicle, there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from the door. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the front driver's side door handle was replaced approximately 4-5 times. The vehicle was recently repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

THE BUICK LUCERNE 2011 WE OWN HAD THE BATTERY EXPLODE UPON TURNING THE KEY. I AM WIFE/CAREGIVER TO 100% DISABLED VETERAN AND HIS SERVICE DOG. NORMALLY I WOULD HAVE PUT THEM BOTH IN THE CAR BEFORE TURNING THE KEY BUT LUCKILY ON THIS DAY I DID NOT OR WE ALL WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE CAR WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. WE IMMEDIATELY HAD CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC AFTER THE ACID AND SMOKE IN CAR HAD CLEARED. IT WAS DEEMED THAT BATTERY EXPLODED AS IT IS UNDER THE REAR SEAT AND WE COULD NOT SEE IT UNTIL THE SEAT WAS OUT. A NEW BATTERY WAS PUT IN BUT THE RESIDUAL ACID BURNING AND MELTING SEAT HAD ME TAKE IT BACK FOR FURTHER REPAIR. THE INSURANCE COMPANY FINALLY CONCEDED TO REPLACE THE 2ND BATTERY AND PUT NEW FOAM IN BACK SEAT AS THE 1ST NEW ONE WAS ALREADY CORRODING AFTER 2 WEEKS. IT WAS TOLD TO ME THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS GOING TO TOTAL THE CAR AS IT IS A LIFE THREATENING FIRE HAZARD BUT THEY CHANGED THEIR MIND AND HAD US PAY ABOUT $1000 OUT OF POCKET FOR NEW ALTERNATOR AS THEY CLAIM IT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE EXPLOSION. WE WERE TOLD IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN OR CAUSE A FIRE AS THE ENTIRE WIRING UNDER THE SEATS FROM THE ALTERNATOR IS DEFECTIVE. IT IS TERRIFYING TO BE IN THIS (OUR ONLY VECHICLE FOR TRANSPORT TO VA HOSPITAL TREATMENTS) CAR DAILY. WE WAIT ANOTHER EXPLOSION OR FIRE ANY MINUTE. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO EXAMINE THE CAR FOR SAFETY AS THEY MUST BE EQUALLY AFRAID OR UNABLE TO ASSURE IT IS SAFE. PLEASE ADVISE OTHERS OF THIS LIFE THREATENING FIRE HAZARD BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. I PRAY IT WONT BE US, OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT TO HARM OTHERS. WE STILL OWE $$ ON THIS CAR AS WE BOUGHT IT USED 2 YEARS AGO AND THE DEALER WILL NOT ASSIST IN HELPING US GET ENOUGH TO PAY THE LOAN BUT GLADLY TOOK MANY THOUSANDS OVER VALUE FROM US. PLEASE MAKE THIS PUBLIC TO SAVE LIVES.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. IT TOOK THE CONTACT SEVERAL MINUTES TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND, EACH TIME THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE CONTACT WAS LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC LOCK SYSTEM WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SERVICED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF AND FOUND THAT THE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

WHILE DRIVE ON FREEWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH; WENT INTO A SLIT LEFT CORNER AND UPON EXITING THE CORNER THE STEERING HUNG UP AND WOULD NOT TURN BACK TO THE RIGHT. WITH MUCH PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT THERE WAS A POP IN THE STEERING AND THE CAR RESPONDED TO THE RIGHT. WITH IN A MINUTE ON THE NEXT CORNER THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN 10 MILES AND PARKED ABOUT 20 MINUTES. WHILE DRIVING THOUGHT THE PARKING LOT ON A 90 DEGREE LEFT TURN IT HAPPENED A 3RD TIME AND TOOK MORE FORCE TO GET THE STEERING TO FREE UP TO THE RIGHT. IT HAPPENED ONE MORE TIME BEFORE LEAVING THE PARKING LOT. THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD THE CAR TO USE WAS ACROSS THE STREET AND THE CAR WAS LEFT WITH THEM FOR REPAIR. THE DEAL WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR TO DO IT WHILE TEST DRIVING. BUICK AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSE TO INVEST THE TIME TO OR MONEY TO GIVE US A ROOT CAUSE OR CORRECTIVE ACTION. THEIR SOLUTION IS TO KEEP DRIVING IT UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS PERMANENT OR WE CAN BRING IT IN AND THEY CAN SIMULATE IT IN THE SHOP. I'M DISAPPOINTED THAT HUMAN SAFETY IS NOT THEIR CONCERN. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT IN SYNC WITH THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE TRAVEL IN THE THIRD CLUTCH PISTON. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

FRONT ENGINE MOUNT BROKE 11-13-2011 WITH 688 MILES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING ASSIST WOULD ONLY ALERT HIM WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS WITHIN FOUR AND A HALF FEET OF AN OBJECT. THE OWNER'S MANUAL SPECIFIED THAT THE PARKING ASSIST SHOULD ALERT THE DRIVER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS WITHIN EIGHT FEET OF AN OBJECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE DEALER COMPARED THE VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER ONE, AND RECEIVED THE SAME RESULTS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT OF THE SAME INFORMATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200. UPDATED 07/13/12 *BF

The vehicle’s instrument cluster appears to be a non-original unit that may not be correct for the model year. The cluster is responsible for displaying the odometer and communicating with other vehicle systems. After purchase, I observed that diagnostic scan tools could not consistently access or communicate with multiple modules, and an experienced mechanic indicated the instrument cluster may be incompatible with the vehicle’s configuration. Because the odometer reading is displayed through this component, there is concern that the mileage may not be independently verifiable. The vehicle otherwise operates, but diagnostic communication inconsistencies raise questions about the reliability of system-level data. Additionally, there does not appear to be any service documentation indicating that the instrument cluster or odometer system was replaced, repaired, or recalibrated. This creates uncertainty regarding how the current mileage reading was established. The inability to fully verify mileage and system data may affect maintenance accuracy, resale valuation, and overall confidence in vehicle information.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNINTENTIONALLY WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED; HOWEVER, THE BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

THE SEAT BELT WARNING BELL SOMETIMES DOES NOT BEEP UNTIL YOU ARE ABOUT A MILE DOWN THE ROAD, THIS HAPPENS ON BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE AND IT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, THAT BELL SHOULD RING IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO GEAR!

Several malfunction indicator lights in dash appeared suddenly. Car would not start after shutting off. Finally started and drove to repair shop. Diagnosed as faulty ride height sensor. Shop searched for part at several dealers and online and found the part was discontinued in 2021. I contacted Buick and was offered $1500 off on a new GM car. I have not received any suggestions on how to repair the car or remove malfunction indicator lights which I specifically asked for. The repair shop is waiting for me to find the part and I have not been able to find one. Dealers have no answer and neither does Buick. The repair shop says it will start if sensor is unplugged but suspension will not work and dash will still have malfunction indicator lights. It is my opinion to operate under these conditions, it would definitely be hazardous.

2011 BUICK LUCERNE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A HISTORY OF JERKING WHEN THE ENGINE SHIFTED AND THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN.