Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owned a 2010 Buick Lucerne. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact crashed the vehicle into the preceding vehicle. The frontal and driver side air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
I was driving east bound on interstate 20 approximately 7 miles west of sweetwater texas on July 11, 2014, when I was struck from behind by another vehicle (that left the scene.) the jarring caused me to lose power so I was unable to steer or to brake, which sent my car crashing into a guardrail; furthermore, the airbags did not deploy at all. I was uninjured, but I have checked the GM website and to date, that car (which was totaled) has not been included on their list of recalled vehicles, though it clearly had the same electrical problem that all the recalled GM vehicles have with the loss of power. I had not been directed to remove anything from my key ring, but all that I had on it was the key fob. Clearly, this vehicle should have been recalled. I was uninjured, but only because the car's chassis held up well and I had my seat belt on. …
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. The contact spun out of control until the vehicle crashed into a guard rail. The air bags failed to deploy and the vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained injuries to the left eye, and bruising to the breast and shoulders. The contact later suffered many complications from the crash. A police report was not filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure but declines to provide an explanation regarding the air bag failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Buick Lucerne. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning indicators illuminated, but the issue occurred previously and the service air bag indicator illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several minutes each time. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified the failure mileage was 92,800. Updated 03/07/17
Auto was in accident. Left front quarter panel, in front of l wheel. Basically, car was run over. See photos. Air bags did not go off. Accident on 8-28-2019. Car being held in case NHTSA wants to inspect it. Please contact me so I May notify ins. Co. Regarding status of said car, accident and if they should keep it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. While driving approximately 30 MPH and changing lanes, another vehicle crashed into the driver side of the contact's vehicle. The side air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The driver sustained back and neck injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who indicated that the air bags did not deploy due to a failed ignition switch. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that a Chevrolet suburban crashed into the rear of the vehicle while driving at unknown speeds. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the service air bag indicator illuminated and flashed following the crash. The contact sustained whiplash, neck, and back pain, which required medical attention. It was unknown if the six occupants of the Chevrolet suburban sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 163,000. ...updated 10/23/17
Airbags did not deploy. Damage to front of vehicle sustained at least 20mph down to minimum 16mph traveling but making a left turn. Buick hit oncoming car in a near front on collision. Buick's front damaged by a punch that drove into the engine (corner of oncoming vehicle hit our vehicle just off center toward driver side) and resulting in a near front on collision, from inspection by adjuster, and first responders were that air bags should have deployed. Vehicle had over $9,000 in front end repair needed, enough to total vehicle. Bumper totally destroyed, radiator and fan gone, hood back to windshield folded.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Lucerne years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (35), 2007 (24), 2008 (11) and 2009 (5) model years. Airbag complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Buick Lucerne airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for any Buick Lucerne model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Lucerne airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (4 mentions), followed by the frontal › sensor/control module (3).
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.