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2009 Buick Lucerne Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Buick Lucerne has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Interior door latch and lock actuator failure.” 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 2009 Buick Lucerne.

Reported to NHTSA

Interior door latch and lock actuator failure

STRUCTURE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2009-04 → 2017-05

“DRIVER INTERIOR DOOR LEVER BREAKING OFTEN, PLASTIC COMPONENT AROUND CENTRAL LEVER PIVOT THAT CONNECTS TO LOCK RELEASE CABLE BREAKS LEAVING PASSENGER STRANDED ON INTERIOR. ONLY WAY TO OPEN DOOR IS TO ROLL DOWN WINDOW AND REACH FOR THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10937270
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK WHEN USING THE KEY FOB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ACTUATOR FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10592996
“DOOR STOPPERS DONT HOLD DOOR IN OR ON SMALL INCLINE CAUSES DOOR TO CLOSE ON LEG OR LEGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10265910

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield wiper failure in rain

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2012-12 → 2026-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730411
“BOUGHT CAR WITH RAIN SENSITIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS 7/09. REPLACED WINDSHIELD WITH RAIN SENSITIVE GLASS 7/10 DUE TO LARGE CRACK IN WINDSHIELD FROM A STONE OR ROCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10488361

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump relay overheating and fuse box melting

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

87 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2026-04

“Fuel pump relay keeps burning out”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11502942
“FUSE BOX UNDER REAR SEAT BURNED LEAVING CAR UNABLE TO RUN, LEAVING US STRANDED IN HUMID 90 DEGREE TEMPERATURE. CAR TOWED, REPAIRED COSTING NEARLY $800”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10762697
“CAR WOULD TURN OVER WILL NOT START. MECHANIC SAID THAT FUSE UNDER SEAT OVER HEATED. PURCHASED WITH 95K 7 DAYS AGO. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS IS AKNOW ISSUE FOR THIS MODEL. I HAVE IT TOWED TO A DEALER I SEE FUEL PUMP MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10949951

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist failure

STEERING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2013-10 → 2017-08

“I LOOSE MY POWER STEERING WHEN ITS IS RAINING AND WET OUTSIDE. I GO THROOUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. IT LASTS FOR A FEW SECONDS , BUT TOSE FEW SECONDS COULD BE A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TRAFFIC IS HEAVY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11019618
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 8 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10546718
“1/14/13 STEERING WAS SQUEALING AND POPPING WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. DEALERSHIP REPLACED STEERING GEAR RESET TOE. CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10735899

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2009-08 → 2014-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER A SHEET OF ICE ON AN INCLINE AND THE CONTACT SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10576821
“MY WIFE WAS STOPPED WAITING FOR A CAR TO LEAVE A PARKING SPOT. SHE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE READY TO PUT IT IN PARK. THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD AND SHE COULD NOT STOP IT WITH BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10311418
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND DAMAGED THE FRONT END WHEN IT CRASHED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10280416

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and loss of speed control

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-05 → 2015-05

“ON APRIL 27 WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON I-94 E IN OUR 2009 BUICK LUCERNE WITH 6,127 MILES ON IT. WHILE PULLING BACK ON I-94 THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL AND WE HELD THE BRAKES DOWN TO THE FLOOR BUT IT WOULD NOT STOP IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10342381
“OUR NEW 2009 BUICK LUCERNE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE CAR IT KEPT GOING FASTER FINALLY WE WERE ABLE TO CHANGE LANES AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL STILL IT WAS ACCELERATING FULL AND I THOUGH IT WOULD BLOW A ROD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10332684
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY LOST POWER. ONCE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, IT WOULD SHUTTER AND JERK. IN ADDITION, THE SPEED WOULD ACCELERATE AND DECELERATE DURING THE FAILURE BEFORE RETURNING BACK TO NORMAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10721980

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)

47 crashes 1990–2024

How the 47 occupant deaths break down

36

driver deaths

11

passenger deaths

47

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2009 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.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

17

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 2009 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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