2008 Buick Lucerne: loss of power steering

Filed Sep 18, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · MI

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.

Filed Oct 26, 2018 · Engine · 43,120 miles · NJ

Vehicle stalled out on a highway (and at highway speed) and would not restart. Obviously this created a very dangerous condition for me and those around me as I tried to coast over to the shoulder (esp with loss of power steering and brakes). The problem came without any warning, and was determined to have been isolated to the ignition control module. Mileage on the car is only 43k

Filed Nov 6, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 70,235 miles · OH

Was driving and vehicle started to stutter,hesitate , then total loss of steering brakes didn't work properly. We were on an over pass during rush hour traffic busy intersection. Finally after about 1 hr we made it to autozone limp mode all the way. Purchased coils x 3 , coil ignition module, spark plug wires,spark plugs, camshaft sensor,crankshaft sensor. Then find out it was only a freaking fuse under seat that was burnt and melting away. Not very happy. Gm should be held accountable for knowing about this and not offering to fix it.

Filed Aug 4, 2015 · Steering · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 buick lucerne. Upon traveling over a puddle of water, there was a sudden loss of power steering. The contact experienced the steering wheel becoming extremely tight upon trying to turn left and right when there was excessive rain. The vehicle was taken to the dealer more than twice. The technician was unable to replicate or diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The failure mileage was not available. Ma 09/25

Filed Dec 16, 2014 · Electrical · MA

2008 buick lucerne. The car stalled and lost power steering and brake capability on a narrow country road. *ta the consumer received a recall letter on august 21, 2014. The problem regarding the ignition in recall, described the problem she experienced.

Filed Sep 16, 2014 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · ME

While driving, I went over a bump in the road. The dashboard lights and bell started flashing, and message center said "engine powering down", then immediately said "engine powered off". There was no power steering or brakes. I was able to pull somewhat off the side of the road. I turned the key, and no response. After approx. Five minutes, I tried the key again, and the car started (not smoothly), and was fine. After one week, the same thing happened while driving at approx. 20 MPH (aug 24), and again happened while driving 45 MPH (aug 27). Each time, we were fortunately not around other vehicles. After the second stall, we received a recall notice from gm for the ignition switch. Talked to the recall center, who told us it was not under the recall because we did not know if the key had actually turned off. We had taken all other keys and fobs off the key, but the third incident occurred on august 27. We then took the car to the gm dealer who did a diagnostic check on september 2. He found a loose ground wire, and felt it was fixed. We picked up the car, drove approximately 1.5 miles and the car stalled again. When it started, we drove it back to the gm dealership. It has now been at the gm dealer since september 2. They continue to test drive and run diagnostic checks and nothing shows up. We have contacted gm recall center three times since, and have had no return phone calls.