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2006 Buick Lucerne Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Buick Lucerne has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear door failing to open from inside or outside.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Buick Lucerne.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear door failing to open from inside or outside

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

50 NHTSA complaints · 2011-06 → 2021-01

“IF THE REAR SEAT PASSENGER PULLS THE DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR WHILE THE DOOR IS LOCKED, AND HOLDS IT IN PLACE WHEN THE POWER LOCK MECHANISM ATTEMPTS TO UNLOCK THE DOOR, THE MECHANISM BINDS INTERNALLY MAKING THE DOOR IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10499841
“LATCHES LOCKS LINKAGES -- STARTING AT 52000 MILES, MY BUICK LUCERNE 2006'S REAR PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10694121
“REPORTED THIS TO DEALER ON 7/2/13 AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS INSIDE DOOR LOCK ASSY AT 58.97$, AND 410$ PLUS TAX TO REPAIR. WENT HOME BANGED ON IN SIDE OF DOOR AND WAS ABLE TO OPEN UNTIL THIS WEEK WHEN PROBLEM RECURRED AND NO AMOUNT OF BANGING WOULD OPEN DOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10586231

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering fluid leak from hose or connector

STEERING

13 NHTSA complaints · 2011-07 → 2023-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS EMPTY. THE CONTACT REFILLED THE FLUID FOR THE POWER STEERING BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10765114
“WHILE BACKING THE VEHICLE OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, IT LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND THE FLUID GUSHED FROM UNDER THE CAR. NOW THE THERE IS NO POWER STEERING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11344034
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, GREATER EFFORTS WERE NEEDED TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT OBSERVED POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10883314

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Chrome wheel plating flaking causing tire air loss

WHEELS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2012-11 → 2016-11

“MANUFACTURE'S SUPPLIED CHROME WHEELS HAVE DEFECTIVE CHROME PLATING ALLOWING THE CHROME TO FLAKE OFF BREAKING THE SEAL WITH THE TIRE RESULTING IN THE TIRE LOSING AIR PRESSURE AND SUBSEQUENT DRIVE-ABILITY PROBLEM. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10609948
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED ALL FOURS WHEEL CHROME RIMS WERE FLAKING CAUSING THE TIRES TO DEFLATE. THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE INDICATING THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE TIRES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10484600
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR CHROME RIMS WERE FLAKING AND LEAKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE TIRES BECAME DEFLATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10544244

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and loss of power tied to ignition switch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

47 NHTSA complaints · 2011-08 → 2022-01

“THIS 2006 LUCERNE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE IN MOTION WITHOUT WARNING. IT HAS SHUT OFF FOUR TIMES THIS YEAR AND TWO TIMES LAST YEAR. THE LAST TIME IT SHUT OFF, WAS APRIL 11, 2017 5:00 PM CENTRAL STANDARD TIME ON A BUSY CITY STREET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10972355
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10654573
“2006 BUICK LUCERNE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO KEY IGNITION SWITCH ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE IGNITION SWITCH WENT FROM THE RUN POSITION TO THE OFF POSITION, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10679170

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment and service air bag warning light

AIR BAGS

21 NHTSA complaints · 2011-10 → 2024-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10725260
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10919708
“THE "SERVICE AIR BAG" LIGHT SUDDENLY APPEARED ON OR ABOUT THE ABOVE DATE. THE LIGHT ABOVE THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD DISPLAYS "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF". THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I DO NOT DRIVE DUE TO A SELF IMPOSED DECISION RELATING TO MEDICAL PROBLEMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10508197

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

177 crashes 1990–2024

How the 177 occupant deaths break down

124

driver deaths

53

passenger deaths

177

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2006 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

29

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Buick Lucerne reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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