general problems of the 2011 Buick Lucerne

The vehicle’s instrument cluster appears to be a non-original unit that may not be correct for the model year. The cluster is responsible for displaying the odometer and communicating with other vehicle systems. After purchase, I observed that diagnostic scan tools could not consistently access or communicate with multiple modules, and an experienced mechanic indicated the instrument cluster may be incompatible with the vehicle’s configuration. Because the odometer reading is displayed through this component, there is concern that the mileage may not be independently verifiable. The vehicle otherwise operates, but diagnostic communication inconsistencies raise questions about the reliability of system-level data. Additionally, there does not appear to be any service documentation indicating that the instrument cluster or odometer system was replaced, repaired, or recalibrated. This creates uncertainty regarding how the current mileage reading was established. The inability to fully verify mileage and system data may affect maintenance accuracy, resale valuation, and overall confidence in vehicle information.

The Buick Lucerne 2011 we own had the battery explode upon turning the key. I am wife/caregiver to 100% disabled veteran and his service dog. Normally I would have put them both in the car before turning the key but luckily on this day I did not or we all would have been killed. The car was in the driveway when this happened. We immediately had car towed to mechanic after the acid and smoke in car had cleared. It was deemed that battery exploded as it is under the rear seat and we could not see it until the seat was out. A new battery was put in but the residual acid burning and melting seat had me take it back for further repair. The insurance company finally conceded to replace the 2nd battery and put new foam in back seat as the 1st new one was already corroding after 2 weeks. It was told to me that the insurance company was going to total the car as it is a life threatening fire hazard but they changed their mind and had us pay about $1000 out of pocket for new alternator as they claim it was the cause of the explosion. We were told it would happen again or cause a fire as the entire wiring under the seats from the alternator is defective. It is terrifying to be in this (our only vechicle for transport to va hospital treatments) car daily. We wait another explosion or fire any minute. The dealership refused to examine the car for safety as they must be equally afraid or unable to assure it is safe. Please advise others of this life threatening fire hazard before someone gets killed. I pray it wont be us, or cause an accident to harm others. We still owe $$ on this car as we bought it used 2 years ago and the dealer will not assist in helping us get enough to pay the loan but gladly took many thousands over value from us. Please make this public to save lives.

Background - I just went through the ignition recall on my 2007 Chevrolet cobalt. The ignition switch was replaced and I am comfortable driving the car now. Then I received recall 14299 on my 2011 Buick Lucerne (NHTSA campaign id 14v355) involving a similar ignition issue. It also mentioned the weight issue of items hanging on the key causing loss of engine power, braking, etc. The recall provided the same interim instructions as the cobalt, remove everything from the key including the fob. I took my Buick Lucerne in for the recall and found out all it involved was adding two key rings and an insert in the key. After the recall is performed it is supposed to be safe to add previously removed items back on your key ring. I do not understand how adding two key rings and an insert can correct a weight issue on the key. I haven't had the recall performed yet because I didn't have both keys with me when I went to the dealership. I am trying to understand if I am wasting my time driving 40 miles for what appears to be a general motors sham. Has the national highway traffic safety administration evaluated and approved this fix?.