Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Power steering leak. Relay in rear fuse box, under back seat, burning out. Possibilty of back seat cushion rubbing on fuse box jarring PS relay affecting connection. Safety issue if lose control of power steering. Safety compromised if unable to start car once relay burns out. Engine has turned over without key inserted/FOB pressed.
On September 14th 2015 I was driving my Buick Lucerne on a very busy street here in the boston area @ approx. 11:18 am when the steering on my Buick failed. I was fortunate enough to be able to direct the car onto a curb. For a moment I feared a total loss of control of the vehicle. Fortunately a police officer arrived and assisted me. The car was towed to mclaughlin Chevrolet in whitman, ma. According to that dealer's service dept. Statement, the power line was rotted as was the power steering hose. This is a similar issue that has LED to recalls on other GM vehicles in past years. My 2010 Buick Lucerne has only 39,412 on it. It is very well maintained. It is very alarming that a major steering malfunction happened on my well maintained, low mileage car. I thank god that I was able to steer the car onto the curb. …
1/14/13 steering was squealing and popping when turning steering wheel. Dealership replaced steering gear reset toe. Car was under warranty. 8/28/13 steering was squealing and popping when turning steering wheel. Dealership replaced intermediate shaft. Car was under warranty. 7/22/15 steering squealing when turning. A different garage from above will replace steering rack on 7/25/15. I do not understand the reason for having basically the same steering problems with this car. I will have to pay for this latest repair. I feel as if there is a problem with the manufacturing of this product and needs attention. Updated 12/05/2017
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
When making a turn where there is a puddle of water, the engine dies, and I lose control of the power steering for serval seconds, it seems to mostly happen when making a right turn through water. I'm not talking about a lot of water. The dealer maintenance dept. The last time I spoke to them, and for the first time in 8 years, of complaining of this problem, the service manager said it is because the engine is mounted sideways, and when the water hits the fan belts it causes it to slip, which makes it seem like the engine has died. On 10/20/2018 I have reached out to general motors and got no place, they said that the dealership suggest that I bring it in for them to diagnose the problem, and for which I would have to pay for that, and any repairs that is needed, because it is out of warrantee. …
Our 2008 Buick Lucerne was in the hov lane traveling on 84 w toward hartford, ct. Without warning - no warning lights came on - the car started to decelerate. My daughter tried to accelerate and nothing happened; she then tried to brake to pull over and was unable to freely turn the wheel. She struggled to move to safety to the shoulder on the side of the road but then felt the steering wheel and brakes lock completely as the car stalled. When she attempted to restart the car to move to safety, the car violently shook. Since the car was still partially on the highway, my husband and I called the ct state police to request help while my daughters were waiting for aaa. When the trooper arrived on the scene he called us to say that the car was partially in the road and that two cruisers were there to ensure the safety of our daughters. …
I was driving down the road about 1 mike from my house. The road is a country road and is straight. I wasn't distracted or speeding. It happened so fast but I think I May have hit a slight bump on the right hand shoulder of the road and then the car started fish tailing and then went off the road and was stopped when it hit a dirt driveway. I had no control of the car and the brakes failed to stop the car. The car was totaled with only 36000 miles on it even though I luckily just sideswiped a tree. The car always seemed hard to steer as if the steering was loose and you really had to pay attention and keep both hands on the steering wheel. The car was my elderly in-laws who bought it brand new in 2007. They both passed away in November 2018 and then I inherited it and had just recently started driving it. The air bags did not deploy.
67K, power steering leaking, difficulty to steer; 72K, engine torque strut mounts torn, vibrates when moving; 77K, engine oil leaking, valve cover gasket, stationary; 77K, engine oil leaking, front timing chain cover gasket, stationary; 78K, hard to start crank sensor, stationary; 79K, wont start, starter motor, stationary; 79K, trunk leaking when rains, tail light panel seams and internal bumper seam holes, spare tire wheel well filled with water, stationary; engine oil leaks, gaskets, and engine mounts, most likely related; all issues are poor engineering, design, or workmanship!
Related recalls (1)
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Lucerne years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (43), 2007 (14), 2008 (9), 2010 (9) and 2009 (6) model years. Steering complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Buick Lucerne steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 06V-105 (hose, piping, and connections, Apr 5, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Buick Lucerne steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles; 49% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist system (2 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (2).
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.