I have never had a Bic malfunction. The cheapo lighters fail all the time but I have never had a problem with a Bic and I use them every day.
My Bics usually light even after almost all of the liquid is gone.
In fact on more than one occaision I have found a Bic sitting in a puddle and I was able to light it right after I dried it out by blowing on it.

But I also carry matches, a sparklight and a fire steel.
I love making fire!