2007 Buick Lucerne
The 2007 Buick Lucerne is a full-size sedan that offered a comfortable ride and spacious interior, appealing to buyers seeking traditional American luxury. The Lucerne came with a few different engine options, including the 3.8L Series III V6 engine, the 3.9L V6 engine, and the 4.6L Northstar V8 engine. The 3.8L produced around 197 horsepower and 227 lb-ft of torque. Some owners appreciated the Lucerne’s smooth ride and quiet cabin, while others found its styling bland and handling less engaging than some competitors. The most common complaints revolve around electrical issues and some drivetrain problems.
Engine
3.8L Series III V6
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, rough idle.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
3.9L V6
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Low oil levels, blue smoke from exhaust, engine knocking.
- Solution: Depending on the cause, solutions range from replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or a complete engine rebuild/replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4000+ depending on severity
- Recalls: None Found
4.6L Northstar V8
- Head Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, milkshake-like substance in oil, rough running engine.
- Solution: Replace the head gaskets, resurface the cylinder heads, replace head bolts. In severe cases, the engine block may also need repair or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $5000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
All Transmissions
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration, especially at low speeds, slipping between gears, stalling, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut Mount Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per pair
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Window Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Window not operating, intermittent operation, clicking sound from the door.
- Solution: Replace the window motor, regulator, or switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, including malfunctioning lights, power windows, door locks, and security system.
- Solution: Reprogram or replace the BCM.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turn Signal Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Turn signals not working properly, hyper flashing
- Solution: Replace turn signal bulb and/or assembly, replace flasher relay
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $10-100+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside headlight housing, reducing visibility.
- Solution: Remove and reseal the headlight housing, replace the vent caps.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ (depending on DIY vs. professional repair, and if the entire headlight needs to be replaced)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making grinding noises, or leaking.
- Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, regulator, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2007 Buick Lucerne, while offering a comfortable ride, is prone to several issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, especially head gasket failure in the Northstar V8 and intake manifold leaks in the 3.8L V6, can be costly to repair. Transmission problems and electrical malfunctions involving the BCM are also common concerns. Suspension issues, such as strut mount failure, can affect handling and ride quality. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can be quite costly, potentially exceeding several thousand dollars. These factors should be carefully considered when evaluating the purchase of a 2007 Buick Lucerne.