2010 Buick Lacrosse Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Buick Lacrosse, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine5119.4%
- Electrical4617.5%
- Driver assistance3914.8%
- Steering176.5%
- Brakes166.1%
- Airbags166.1%
- Powertrain (other)155.7%
- Suspension145.3%
- Visibility124.6%
- Body & structure93.4%
- Exterior lighting83.0%
- Fuel system72.7%
- Other / unspecified51.9%
- Seat belts31.1%
- Transmission20.8%
- Heating & air conditioning10.4%
- Interior & seats10.4%
- Tires & wheels10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SAID VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT LOGANVILLE AUTO CENTER. WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP ON FEBRUARY 9, 2024, THE MECHANIC CAME OUT AND SHOWED ME THAT TWO OF THE TUBES WERE LEAKING AND THIS WOULD BECOME A SERIOUS PROBLEM. HE GAVE A RECALL SHEET ISSUED ON DECEMBER 13, 2023 THAT THERE WAS A RECALL INVOLVING OUR CAR FOR THIS VERY SAME ISSUE. I CALLED GM THE NEXT DAY AND THEY STATED THAT OUR CAR DIDN'T COME OUT OF THE BARN THEY WERE RECALLING. I EXPLAINED TO THEM IT WAS ALREADY HAPPENING TO OUR CAR AND THE PERSON STATED THAT OUR VIN NUMBER MAY BE ADDED LATER. I CALLED ON APRIL 8TH AND THEY STATED IT HAD NOT BEEN ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST. THIS CAR ONBLY HAS 61,230 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT IS MORE WIDESPREAD THAN WHAT VIN NUMBERS THEY HAVE INCLUDED.
The car continues to have serious engine issues. I keep getting a service Stability track and Engine Power Reduced warning. It has happened to me on the expressway and the car will not accelerate past 20 miles per hour. I had the car repaired on October of last year (3 months ago) and the issue persists. I decided to research online and this seems to be a major issue going on with Buicks. It sounds like GM has done nothing to remedy the malfunction. Many people state that even the dealers can seem to fix the issues and have no clue as to why this happens. This is a serious and life threatening mechanical failure that needs to be addressed.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a vehicle August 2, 2024 from Kingdom auto sales. The car was inspected July 2024 in which it passed shortly after the car wouldn’t go over 40 mph. It would say it’s an over speed. The car runs hot and the parking assist light won’t go off May 25, 2025 I was driving on the highway in the car lost power and the speed was reduced after getting off the highway lost control of the steering wheel due to the stability and hit a guard rail. no reports was made. I contacted the dealership in which I haven’t been contacted and problem not resolved.
The car continues to have serious engine issues. I keep getting a service Stability track and Engine Power Reduced warning. It has happened to me on the expressway and the car will not accelerate past 20 miles per hour. I had the car repaired on October of last year (3 months ago) and the issue persists. I decided to research online and this seems to be a major issue going on with Buicks. It sounds like GM has done nothing to remedy the malfunction. Many people state that even the dealers can seem to fix the issues and have no clue as to why this happens. This is a serious and life threatening mechanical failure that needs to be addressed.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Two warming lights come on when I turn the steering wheel - the ABS and the stability control light. When I turn the steering wheel both of these lights turn on. I viewed a video about this problem and the suggestion was made that the problem could be a safety issue and that it might be corrected by setting the car on a level spot and then turning the key to the on position (but not starting it) and then turn the steering wheel as far as it would go to the right and then to the left as far as it will go. Then turn the key to turn the car on. The problem I had trying that was that the steering wheel seemed to be locked in its neutral position so I was unable to perform that fix.
I purchased a vehicle August 2, 2024 from Kingdom auto sales. The car was inspected July 2024 in which it passed shortly after the car wouldn’t go over 40 mph. It would say it’s an over speed. The car runs hot and the parking assist light won’t go off May 25, 2025 I was driving on the highway in the car lost power and the speed was reduced after getting off the highway lost control of the steering wheel due to the stability and hit a guard rail. no reports was made. I contacted the dealership in which I haven’t been contacted and problem not resolved.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Two warming lights come on when I turn the steering wheel - the ABS and the stability control light. When I turn the steering wheel both of these lights turn on. I viewed a video about this problem and the suggestion was made that the problem could be a safety issue and that it might be corrected by setting the car on a level spot and then turning the key to the on position (but not starting it) and then turn the steering wheel as far as it would go to the right and then to the left as far as it will go. Then turn the key to turn the car on. The problem I had trying that was that the steering wheel seemed to be locked in its neutral position so I was unable to perform that fix.
While driving on highway the engine stopped suddenly and steering wheel was locked. The car had to be towed to repair shop.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Two warming lights come on when I turn the steering wheel - the ABS and the stability control light. When I turn the steering wheel both of these lights turn on. I viewed a video about this problem and the suggestion was made that the problem could be a safety issue and that it might be corrected by setting the car on a level spot and then turning the key to the on position (but not starting it) and then turn the steering wheel as far as it would go to the right and then to the left as far as it will go. Then turn the key to turn the car on. The problem I had trying that was that the steering wheel seemed to be locked in its neutral position so I was unable to perform that fix.
antilock brake system-the round magnetic sensor that is attached to the wheel bearing hub-had both back ones have parts of the magnet ring break off and one front one completely fall off. this causes loss of antilock brake system. this happened within the last two years.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Safety recall was never done passenger presence module has a code
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the passenger occupant sensor would fail to operate with an occupant in the seat. The contact also stated that the service air bag warning message would intermittently illuminate on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds, with a passenger seated in the seat. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The transmission (randomly) fails to upshift. 1st to 2nd gear. Cold or hot. Start or in morion. Transmission was last serviced at 120,000 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT-OFF AS THE SERVICE POWER STEERING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAITED APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MINUTES TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,400.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00F000 (SUSPENSION). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
Safety recall was never done passenger presence module has a code
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH with the A/C activated, there was a loud shattering sound coming from the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected, and the contact became aware that the sunroof had exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
WHILE DRIVING CITY STREETS IN A SNOW STORM, I WAS UNABLE TO DEFROST THE REAR WINDOW AND MELT THE SNOW OFF OF THE HEATED SIDE VIEW MIRRORS. I LITERALLY COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING BEHIND OR NEXT TO ME. WHEN I PRESS THE DEFROSTER BUTTON THE LIGHT INDICATES THAT IT'S ON BUT NOTHING HAPPENS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THAT BOTH THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER AND HEATED MIRRORS WORK OFF THE SAME BUTTON AND NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED - BUT IT NEVER SEEMS TO WORK WHEN I TRULY NEED IT.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRUNK OF MY VEHICLE IS FILLING UP WITH WATER WHEN IT RAINS WHEN IT IS STATIONARY AND MOVING. WHEN I TOOK A HOSE TO IT I STARTED FROM THE MOON ROOF TO THE BACK OF VEHICLE AND IT WAS FILLING UP WITH WATER. THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.IT STARTED IN AUGUST OF 2018
TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON OCT 16, 2018. I WAS ON THE STREET SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN A VEHICLE HIT ME FROM THE REAR WHICH MADE ME HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a vehicle August 2, 2024 from Kingdom auto sales. The car was inspected July 2024 in which it passed shortly after the car wouldn’t go over 40 mph. It would say it’s an over speed. The car runs hot and the parking assist light won’t go off May 25, 2025 I was driving on the highway in the car lost power and the speed was reduced after getting off the highway lost control of the steering wheel due to the stability and hit a guard rail. no reports was made. I contacted the dealership in which I haven’t been contacted and problem not resolved.
I have known issues w/my 2010 Buick lacrosse CXL ABS light on
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE AN 2010 BUICK LACROSSE CXL I'VE HAD FOR 8YEARS WITHIN THOSE YEARS I'VE REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER 2X WHICH IS PRETTY PRICEY CONSIDERING THEIRS 3PARTS. THIS RECENT TIME IT WAS REPLACED THERE WAS GAS IN THE OIL. MY MECHANIC STATES IT BECAUSE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. WHICH I FEEL SHOULD BE REPLACED BY BUICK THERE'S NO WAY I SHOULD BE CHANGING A CONVERTER THIS OFTEN.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE HAVE REPLACED 3 WHEEL BEARINGS IN THE 7 YEARS WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. SEEMS LIKE A LOT.
APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING A BUICK LACROSSE I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE THE VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED OR IDLE. SHORTLY AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CLAIM THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I DECIDED TO GET A SECOND OPINION SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER CERTIED REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SUGGESTED THAT I GET AND UPPER ENGINE FLUSH. SUPPOSEDLY BECAUSE THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE IS KNOWN FOR MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF CARBON BUILD UP. SO, I GOT THE UPPER ENGINE FLUSH ON MY VEHICLE BUT THE VERY NEXT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE. MACHANIC ADVISED ME THAT IT WOULD TAKE MORE THAN ONE ENGINE FLUSH TO FIX THE PROBLEM. SO AFTER NOT TWO BUT THREE UPPER ENGINE FLUSHES THE PROBLEM OF HAVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAY IS NOT RESOLVED . NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND A DIAGNOSIS FOR MY VEHICLE PROBLEMS NOT EVEN THE DEALER. MOST RECENTLY, THE DASH BOARD DISPLAY LIGHT PERIODICALLY GOES OUT, AND AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE IS COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S FRONT TIRE. ONCE AGAIN, I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MACHANIC AND THE ISSUE IS NOT DETECTABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD REST ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS TOO BIG AND WHEN HE LOOKED TO HIS RIGHT IT WOULD BLOCK HIS VISION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED HIM THAT THEY COULD NOT CHANGE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,045. UPDATED 07/08/11*LJ UPDATED 07/20/11
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH WHEN HE A DEER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 01/24/11 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRAIN HIM PROPERLY AND HE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. UPDATED 02/03/11
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE STEERING BECAME PROGRESSIVELY LOOSE AND LOUD WHENEVER THE VEHICLE MADE A LEFT TURN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CHECKED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS DAMAGED AND THAT IT ALSO HAD LOOSE WIRING FROM THE CHASSIS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND REPAIRED THE LOOSE WIRING. THE CONTACT HAS NOT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING SINCE THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HE HEARD A LOUD BANG UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT OF THE LOUD BANG THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE REVERSAL BELT ON THE TRANSMISSION FEEL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DEALER BEING REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THIS VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,199.
I FILED A COMPLAINT ON 13 SEPTEMBER 2010 UNDER ODI ID NUMBER : 10355399. I HAVE RECENTLY LEARNED, FROM THE BUICK SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT HENNESSEY BUICK, THAT THE MECHANIC TOOK THE TRANSMISSION APART AND WHAT HE FOUND WAS THAT THE 'REVERSE BELT' FELL OFF, DISABLING THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE REP INDICATED THAT HE HAD NOT HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WITH THE HEATED SEATS ACTIVATED WHEN THE SEAT OVERHEATED AND BURNED THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THE BURNS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,000. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN UPDATED 09/21/11
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SEAT MOVES OUT OF POSITION BY ITSELF,I JUST HAD THE STABILI TRAK LIGHT COME ON WHICH IN TURN SHUT OFF MY ABS I HAD REPLACED THE BAD BEARING TODAY BUT WAS TOLD THE OTHER 3 WILL NEED IT ALSO AS THIS BEARING IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AS THEY FALL APART SHUTTING OFF YOU ABS SYSTEM.THIS IS NOT A CHEAP VEHICLE TO PURCHASE I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY ALL WHEEL DRIVE PUMP WHICH WAS VERY COSTLY I BELIEVE GM SHOULD RECALL THE WHEEL BEARINGS ON THESE VECHILES BEFORE SOMEONE GET HURT! I LIKE GM BUT YOU HAVE DROPPED THE BALL ON THIS ONE!!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2010 BUICK LACROSSE CXS THE OTHER EVENING AS I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY WIFE A LITTLE BEFORE SUNSET AT ABOUT 30 MPH I HEARD A THUMP AND ASSUMED I HAD HIT SOMETHING. NEITHER MY WIFE OR I HAD SEEN ANYTHING IN THE STREET. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME (3 BLOCKS) AND THE CAR DROVE NORMALLY - NO CHANGE. WHEN I GOT HOME I EXAMINED THE FRONT OF THE CAR (DRIVERS SIDE) AND SAW NOTHING UNUSUAL BUT NOTICED THE BACK RIGHT TIRE WAS FLAT. I GOT OUT THE JACK AND CHANGED TO THE SPARE. UPON LOOKING AT THE TIRE I FOUND NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE TIRE OTHER THAN IT WAS OBVIOUS I WAS DRIVING WITH THE TIRE FLAT. UPON CLOSER EXAMINATION OF THE WHEEL ITSELF I FOUND A GASH IN THE WHEEL ABOUT 6" LONG AND ELEVATED UP INTO THE TIRE AREA OVER AN INCH. OF COURSE ALL OF THE AIR ESCAPED THROUGH THE GASH - NO BLOWOUT. WENT TO THE DEALER (3800 MILES ON THE CXS) AND THEY DETERMINED I HAD HIT SOMETHING IN THE STREET - NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. COST FOR NEW WHEEL AND TIRE - $1002.00 WENT BACK TO EXAMINE THE ROAD (NO POTHOLES) AND FINALLY FOUND A ROCK OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THAT APPARENTLY CAUSED THE PROBLEM. IT WAS A ROCK, FLAT ON BOTH SIDES ABOUT 2 1/2" THICK AND ABOUT THE SIZE OF A RED BRICK ONLY OBLONG. HAVE NO IDEA HOW IT HIT THE BACK TIRE AND NOT THE FRONT. I AM CONVINCED THAT HAD THE TIRE BEEN AN OLDER 15" OR 16" TIRE THE TIRE WOULD OF ABSORBED THE HIT AND NOT DAMAGED THE WHEEL. OF COURSE IT MAY HAVE BLOWN A TIRE BUT THE WHEEL WOULD OF BEEN IN GOOD SHAPE. WITH THE ROADS BECOMING SO BUMPY WITH POTHOLES I NOW WORRY ABOUT HITTING A BAD SPOT IN THE ROAD AND HAVING THE SAME THING HAPPEN AGAIN. I CARRY A $1000 DEDUCTIBLE INSURANCE SO INSURANCE WILL NOT BE INVOLVED. (IN 50 YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT THAT WAS MY FAULT OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE TO ONE OF MY CARS - SO I CARRY A HIGH DEDUCTIBLE). JUST A WORD OF WARNING TO THOSE WHO HAVE THE 19" TIRES (AND PROBABLY THE 18") THAT A BUMP IN THE ROAD MAY DO MORE DAMAGE TO THE FANCY ALUMINUM WHEEL THAT THE TIRE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .