2006 Buick Lucerne Steering Problems

43 owners have reported steering problems with the 2006 Buick Lucerne to NHTSA — 13% of all 330 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 51,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 6 Lucerne model years for steering complaints (a typical year has 9). One related recall has been issued.

43complaints
51ktypical miles
1related recalls
5crashes
0fires
6injuries

Which parts fail

  • Hydraulic power assist system
    2
  • Linkages
    1
  • Linkages › Tie rod assembly
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
    1

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    1029%
  • 25k–50k
    617%
  • 50k–75k
    823%
  • 75k–100k
    411%
  • 100k–150k
    617%
  • 150k+
    13%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Buick Lucerne owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

I have 2006 buick lucerne.i paid over 800 dollars get brakes fixed.now they saying messed up again power steering messed up.the front passenger side where tire hits bump makes nise like strut.power steering fluid leaking brake fliud leaking.air bags.

Feb 2021

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel abnormally moved side to side. The vehicle then veered to the left. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete barrier. The contact sustained injuries to his head, neck, and shoulder. The contact was advised by another driver that the front driver's side wheel buckled under the vehicle and the left rear wheel had completely detached from the vehicle. The contact sought medical attention after the crash. The police arrived to the scene and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto body repair shop. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent an inspector to assess the vehicle. The contact stated that the intermediate steering shaft was replaced one week prior to the crash. The vehicle was not repaired. …

79,000 miles · Oct 2012 · crash · 1 injury

When backing out of the driveway or when making turns a winding noise would occur. Checked the power steering fluid and noted it was low. Added power steering fluid and the winding noise went away. A week later the was difficult to steer and hard to make turns. More power steering fluid was added and upon further investigation it was noted a power steering fluid leak at the hose connector near the clamp and when the steering wheel was turned the fluid would leak out. I recently, gave this car to my son and I would be devastated if anything were to happen to him. He stated that the car started making this loud winding noise and it was hard for him to steer the car. I was made aware of the power steering recall for this make, year and model and had not received a recall. My concern is, is my VIN# included in this recall? And if so what should we do?

175,000 miles · Jul 2015

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. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering hose was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 06V105000 (steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

126,000 miles · Sep 2015

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes failed to respond without warning. The failures caused the contact to crash and the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed and injuries were sustained from the crash that required medical attention. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. Updated 09/02/14 the consumer stated the airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained broken bones, dislocated ankle, and a broken wrist. The passenger sustained injuries to the ribs. Updated 09/10/2014

70,000 miles · Feb 2013 · crash · 2 injuries

Tl contact owns a 2006 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while making a sharp left turn at 5 MPH, the contact heard a groaning noise. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the power steering hoses needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 06V105000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000. Updated 4/29/15 the powe steering hose was replaced. Updated 05/05/15

25,000 miles · Mar 2015

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. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering pressure hose failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,998. The VIN was unavailable.

100,000 miles · Jul 2016

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. As a result, the contact crashed into a telephone pole and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a fractured wrist that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 107,000.

107,000 miles · Nov 2014 · crash · 1 injury

1. Normal lane change from center lane to right lane at approx. 65 MPH, maryland interstate 95 north mile marker 104.8 2. Vehicle veered sharply right with no control of steering resulting in 4 spins and traveling backwards with brakes on possibly 200 ft. Before striking an embankment resulting in severe damage to vehicle. No air bags deployed. There was no control of the vehicle during this incident. 3. Is in a body shop waiting investigation and repair/replacement.

1,000 miles · Sep 2006 · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Buick Lucerne. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the steering lost power and returned after a few minutes. The failure recurred a couple of times. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear inlet hose needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

50,000 miles · Jan 2016

Related recalls

Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections

NHTSA recall 06V-105 · Apr 5, 2006 · 12,862 vehicles

On certain vehicles equipped with a v8 engine,the power steering hose connectors May have been inadequately crimped which could result in a fluid leak.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering gear inlet hose. The recall began on March 29, 2006. Owners May contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

Steering complaints in other Lucerne years

20062007200820092010201143149692
Steering complaints per model year, Buick Lucerne.

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering problems on the 2006 Buick Lucerne?

NHTSA has 43 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Buick Lucerne, 13% of the model year's 330 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (2 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2006 Buick Lucerne steering problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 06V-105 (hose, piping, and connections, Apr 5, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2006 Buick Lucerne steering problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.