2006 Buick Lucerne

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2006 Buick Lucerne, organized by category and engine/transmission option, following your specified format.

The 2006 Buick Lucerne was introduced as a replacement for the LeSabre and Park Avenue. It offered comfortable cruising and a spacious interior, which appealed to many buyers. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of problems. The Lucerne came with a few different engine options: a 3.8L Series III V6 producing around 197 horsepower and 227 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.6L Northstar V8 generating approximately 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The V6 was generally praised for its reliability and decent fuel economy, while the V8 offered more power but was potentially more prone to issues. Common dislikes included the somewhat bland styling and occasional electrical glitches. Both engines were paired with a 4T65E 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

3.8L Series III V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, rough running engine.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor engine performance, stalling, trouble starting, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L Northstar V8

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, rough running engine, coolant mixed with oil. This is a known issue with Northstar V8 engines.
  • Solution: Replacing head gaskets is difficult and costly. Often, engine replacement is considered a better option.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust.
  • Solution: Can require piston ring replacement or engine rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $5000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, poor performance, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the VVT solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65E 4-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuttering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds, transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter. Sometimes transmission rebuild is recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, failure to shift, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the shift solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Pressure Control Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping, erratic transmission behavior.
  • Solution: Replace the pressure control solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$600
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from front suspension, especially over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, air compressor running constantly, failure to maintain ride height. This applies only to models with the optional air suspension.
  • Solution: Replacing air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, slow window operation, grinding noise.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the remote or power door lock switch.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350
  • Recalls: None Found
• Passlock System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle not starting, security light flashing.
  • Solution: Can involve resetting the Passlock system, replacing the ignition switch, or other security system components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly or resealing the existing unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Driver Information Center (DIC) Pixel Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Missing or faded pixels on the DIC display.
  • Solution: Replacing or repairing the DIC unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking noise behind the dashboard, temperature inconsistencies, inability to control airflow.
  • Solution: Replace the climate control actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Buick Lucerne is generally a comfortable and spacious car, but it does have some common issues. Engine issues, particularly with the Northstar V8 (head gasket failures, oil consumption), can be very expensive to repair. Transmission issues are also fairly common and can range from relatively minor to requiring a complete rebuild. Other problems, like suspension and electrical issues, are generally less severe but can still be annoying and require attention. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in repair costs when considering a 2006 Lucerne. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended.