10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 8
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,782 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Buick Lucerne fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2008 Buick Lucerne Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #49

Jan 202024

Lucerne

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Our Buick Lucerne would crank but wouldn't turn over when trying to start after trying to pick up take out. 1) It was suggested to me by a passerby that it sounds like a fuel pump relay. 2)I started to smell something burning. The passerby who happens to be familiar with Buick Lucerne tried to help. He lifted the back seat and showed me the fuel pump relay which was burned. Then he switched the electrick window relay which is the exact same relay switch and the car started. Went immediately to an autozone and bought spare fuel pump relay. Thought that solve the problem, but every 2 to 3 days I'd smell that burning smell. 3) The mechanic I've been going to for 10 years confirmed the issue 4)Have not taken to dealer or insurance rep 5)Absolutely no visual warning on dashboard. the warning happens when I start smelling the burning odor. Started one and a half months ago....

- Laveen, AZ, USA

problem #48

Aug 102023

Lucerne

  • miles
Bought my car Sept. 2022.Within the first couple of months I started having intermittent problems that seemed fuel related.After some research I found out my car had a TSB that has been out since 2016. With this knowledge I took the back seat out of my car and the problems all stopped.June of 2023 started having some problems that were sort of similar to what I was experiencing before with some power loss, had vehicle taken to mechanic who diagnosed an interlock system problem.I thought maybe that would fix all my problems and put my back seat back. I travel 4 hours once a month to go see my son and only took my car once on that trip because of not being able to have a back seat.Me thinking the interlock fix was the solve all to my problems I put the back seat in and started my drive to go see my son. 3 hours in stop for gas, try to start my car, cranks won-??t start, not getting fuel. Called mechanic who just worked on my car, suggested to check my fuel pump fuse and fuel relay, find my fuel relay is melted. Replace fuel relay and pulled the back seat out, car fires right up no problems. Continue hour drive to see my son, picked up my son so had to put the back seat in. Drive about 7 blocks and stop at Walmart, try to start car and same problems as before. Replace Fuel relay, propped up the back seat around the fuse box trying to still make it safe enough for my son to ride back there, no more problems that trip, propped seat left leaning in the back. August-Was driving down the Highway at 65mph with the cruise on, when all of a sudden my car begins to lose power and proceeds to stall with no warning. Lost complete control of steering and had minimal control breaking, had to coast to a stop with no breaks or steering, lucky was on a straight rural hwy, can-??t imagine if I was in the city. Seat had fallen up against fuse box fried fuel relay again and the control module. Take to shop for repair, control module, fuel pump replaced NSB complete all at my expense.

- Mccook , NE, USA

problem #47

Sep 122023

Lucerne

  • miles
I went to start the vehicle and it failed to start. I found the fuel pump relay to be badly burned ??"?. On the 30 pin. The board was melted at the 30 pin spot for the fuel pump relay. I purchased a new relay from NAPA. I questioned whether they had a new replacement fuel pump. They told me it was not available only through the dealership. My concern was that where the relay was located at there was a possibility of a fire given how badly the relay and board was burned. I replaced the relay and purchased an extra incase this might happen again. To my surprise it happen just days later while I was driving on the expressway. I had to get off the road immediately. Engine died, no power steering. I checked the relay, it was smoking hot. I will have to have the problem resolved. There is no way a relay should ever get hot, let alone that hot. The fuel pump fuse was not effected. Why is the relay not protected from getting so hot. There is definitely a real risk of fire. No one sits in the back seat normally. But, my grandson's. This should not ever happen.

- Fruitport , MI, USA

problem #46

Dec 122022

Lucerne

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The rear fuse box burned out the fule pump relay because of the metal hooks for the seat hit it and pop the fuse out causing it to ark and burn out. I had to have the fule pump replaced twice as that what I was told at auto shops. Going on line was the only reason I found out about the fuse box. After my car died and wouldnt start, opened the casing and sure enough the fule pump housing was completely burned. So now after replacing two fule pumps my emergency money is gone and who knows how long it will before am able to buy a 400$ fuse box with probably another couple hundred in labor to change it out. All because there was to much metal on the seat hooks.

- Montrose , CO, USA

problem #45

Nov 102022

Lucerne

  • miles
The fuel pump relay keeps getting hot and burning, causing the car to not start or loosing power while driving. Lost power going up a hill and around curve with no place to pull over. Could have been hit when car died in blind spot in road. Looked it up and other people on line are saying it is the seat clips hitting fuse box causing short circuit in fuse box and damaging fuse box. People said they thought it was fuel pump but still had same problem after replacing fuel pump. A lot of upset people on line saying there should have already been recall on this problem. Have had 2 mechanics look at it. Have bought 3 relays. Afraid to drive car if it will start, fear of loosing power in middle of road and getting killed. Not to mention could cause fire since fuse box and battery are under back seat.. Genius engineer, I'll tell you! Don't know if I can ever completely trust this buick again. Never had anything like this happen to any car I've ever owned.Something needs to be done. Recall Recall Recall !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Newnan, GA, USA

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problem #44

Jul 272021

Lucerne

  • miles
1. Fuse box was replaced, yes. 4th repair shop replaced. I say only time will tell for sure. i don't drive every day 2. driving I-95 from VA to MD at speeds of 30+ to 75+ cars driving close behind could have ran into rear causing my car, their car, and multiple other cars to be in major accident with possible multiple deaths. 3. reproduced, no. independent service center, no 4. No. Other - the 4th repair shop inspected vehicle component. 5. No warning lamps. No messages or symptoms, car just stalled and would not start/move and w-??hen I tried to start car again car would not start, but had all kinds of warnings lamps lit up. The first time the engine stalled was driving (moving) into entrance of toll booth in Richmond, VA, July 27, 2021 approx. 2:15 pm. additional info: Four (4) times car stalled while driving in traffic without warning, car would not start again had to be towed each time to a repair shop. Three (3) repair shops did not repair the problem. First repair shop charged me approx. $350 +- for repairs. PLUS I had to stay over night in hotel costing me approx. $120+- Total $470 +- Car still had same problem!! Second repair shop did not charge me for repairs, but not sure if any work was done, had to get a car rental to get back to Maryland. s second shop kept car ofr 6 days before working on problem. Car rental cost me $467.27. Total $467.27 Car still had same problem!!! Third repair shop kept car for 5 days, charged me approx. $125.+-, still the car had the same problem. Total $125+- Car still had same problem!!!! Fourth repair shop says he found fuse box to be the problem, repair cost me approx $554+- Total $554 My total expenses are approx. $1,491.20 only time will tell if problem has been fixed, not to mention the extreme emotional stress dealing with delays on repairs and extreme emotional stress driving not knowing when or how car would stall again.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #43

Jun 052021

Lucerne

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

-The electrical system failed, causing the fuel pump to not work properly due to design flaw in the backseat putting pressure on the fuse box which is located under the backseat. The spot where contact is made to the fuse box, is where the fuel pump relay is. Pressure from the seat bracket (with or without a passenger in the seat) causes the pump replay to not make proper contact with the terminal, therefore causing the power to arc and get so hot that the relay starts smoking, melting the relay, fuse box and surrounding fuses and leaving black scorch marks on the inside of the lid to fuse box and making the car smell like burnt plastic. In addition to now having to purchase multiple replacement relays it has also caused additional electrical issues which resulted in having to replace multiple fuses as well as purchase another battery due to theses issues putting added strain on my battery which caused it to drain and not hold a charge any more. Yes the car and parts are available for inspection. -My safety and the safety of others is at risk due to major risk of catching on fire which could happen while driving and therefore cause an accident, could cause one of my passengers, including my child or myself to be severely hurt/burnt. -Yes the issue has been reproduced by many other owners of the same year/make/model as per the hundreds of previous complaints found about the same issue. -No there were no warning lights, signals or messages before the failure. No warning at all.

- Albany, OR, USA

problem #42

Apr 232021

Lucerne

  • 117,000 miles
When I first bought the car over a year ago there were 3 different occasions that my car would not start so I contacted the dealership that I bought it from and they explained to me that it was a reoccurring problem with that model for the fuel pump relay to go out and after a couple times of it going out it would ultimately fry the fuse and relay block and it would need to be replaced so that is what they did at the dealership and within they year that I have owned it I have replaced the fuel pump relay 3 times and driving to the parts store last week the car just died in the middle of the street and has not started since. I was told it was due to the hinge on the seat rubbing the side of the fuse and relay box specifically the fuel pump relay that is the cause of the fuse and relay block to short out

- Golden, CO, USA

problem #41

Apr 012021

Lucerne

  • 116,000 miles
Recently replaced fuel pump. After repair, car was still a crank/no start. Replaced fuel pump relay which had obvious burn/scorching evidence, as well as melting around female port on the fuse box. Since then have had to replace 3 other new fuel pump relays due to problem of excessive heat or electrical surge frying the relay. After researching the problem, it was found that the problem is caused by the back seat of the vehicled coming in contact with the top of the fuse box causing the relay to move, causing the relay to work harder to maintain a connection, which in turn creates more current and the resulting heat increase melts the casing in the fuse box and kills the relay. When the relay is compromised in such a way the fuel pump stops operating and the engine gets no gas thus creating a crank/no start if the car is parked or causes the car to stall out if the car is in motion. In reasearching this matter, it is clear that GM has been aware of this situation for over 10 years. There are multitudes of individuals effected by this problem with some of them having smoking or burning issues with the relay. Personally, I have had stall outs while going with the flow of traffic which resulted in vehicle control issues such as braking and steering and excelleration, GM had extended repair period for the issue but failed to notify owners so many were unaware of the repairs or even the issue until the problems occurred. No recall has been initiated by GM even though it is a clear safety issue due to the control issues when stall outs occur and the potential for fires under the seat as the problem progresses. GM refuses to cover repairs to affected vehicles since the courtesy repair order expired and the vehicles are typically out of warranty. Vehicle involved is a 2008 Buick Lucerne but the issue effects other GM cars. GM tsb 15-na-051 for tech directives

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #40

Apr 242021

Lucerne

  • 142,000 miles
Fuel supply line at firewall retainer severely rusted, could leak spraying fuel on engine or exhaust causing fire

- New Castle, DE, USA

problem #39

Sep 012020

Lucerne

  • 70,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a burning plastic odor was present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who indicated that the fuse box located under the rear seat was hot to the touch and the relays inside had melted causing the fuel pump to overheat and fail. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer courtesy Buick located at 7 auto center dr. Louisville ky was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #38

Oct 032020

Lucerne

  • 80,000 miles
Fuel relay went out 2X, the second it almost caught the car on fire. The car filled with smoke. Its located under the rear seat of the car. Called dealership said there was a recall to bring it in, now the dealership is saying the warranty has expired, and wants $1700 to fix.if I'd been driving it would've burned the car, and worse how about if my grandbaby would've been buckled in that spot. The car only has around 80,000 miles on it. The car was in motion. The car is still at the dealership

- Gandeeville, WV, USA

problem #37

Sep 142020

Lucerne

  • 200 miles
Car cranked but does not start. Just replaced the fuel pump relay with oem and fuel pump. Worked. One day later, doesn't work. The fuel pump relay was burnt. Seems to be a common problem in the chat boxes for this car. I was told there is a tech new bulletin on this.

- Redondo Beach, CA, USA

problem #36

Sep 102019

Lucerne

  • miles
Car has gone through 3 fuel pump relay fuses in 3 months last one started on fire just from starting vehicle

- Blaine, MN, USA

problem #35

Sep 102019

Lucerne

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. When attempting to start the vehicle, it would crank, but there was no fuel being transferred to the engine. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump and the fuel relay both failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to borcherding Buick GMC (located at 9737 kings auto mall rd, cincinnati, oh 45249, 866-666-6291) where it was further diagnosed that the failure was due to an overheating of the electrical fuse box that burned the relay. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately three days later, the failure reccured. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that due to the vehicle no longer being covered under the special coverage, they were unable to provide a repair. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

- Franklin, OH, USA

problem #34

Sep 152019

Lucerne

  • 119,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. While driving for over an hour, the contact attempted to restart the vehicle and the fuel pump fuse burned out. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 9-5583355801. The manufacturer advised the contact to call a local dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

- Whiteman Air Force Base, MO, USA

problem #33

Oct 082019

Lucerne

  • 64,886 miles
Had to replace a GMC plastic gas tank due to fuel leak around a emissions vent on top of the fuel tank. Every time the car would take a turn, fuel would pour out from the poor configuration & material craftsmanship of tank around the vent cap. Flash back to the Ford pinto issues of the 70's. car has 64,886 miles on it. Sits in garage, which also smells of fuel vapors after use. Note attached photo doc's..

- Edgewater, FL, USA

problem #32

Sep 032019

Lucerne

  • 72,000 miles
In the last month and a half my 2008 Buick Lucerne has burned up six fuel pump relays it keeps melting the relays and the fuse block I believe this to be a safety hazard as it could catch on fire this should definitely be recalled

- Lake Jackson, TX, USA

problem #31

Jun 162019

Lucerne

  • 211,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning. The vehicle was unable to restart and towed to a truck stop. The contact stated that upon investigating the failure, discovered that the fuel pump relay was melted and burnt. The contact stated that prior to the discovery no smoke or fire was noticed under the rear seat where the fuel pump relay was located in the fuse box. The contact stated he purchased and replaced the part himself. The vehicle was able to start and the vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 211,000.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #30

May 202019

Lucerne

  • 85,000 miles
Fuse box under the seat overheats and burns out fuel pump relay along with the fuse box. Unsafe if it happens while driving

- Salinas, CA, USA

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