BUICK LUCERNE · model year

2010 BUICK LUCERNE

77 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010BUICKLUCERNE carries 77 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 LUCERNE is electrical system with 17 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (12) and steering (9). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2010 LUCERNE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

77
Complaints
4
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

77 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12
STEERING9
ENGINE5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
SEATS4
SERVICE BRAKES4
STRUCTURE:BODY3
AIR BAGS3
STRUCTURE2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS2
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1

Recalls (2)

14V35500023/06/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certai

10V55300005/11/2010

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DTS AND BUICK LUCERNE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE. IF EITHER THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS CONTACTING THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, THE CABLE COU

Recent Complaints

20250814ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

We have a Buick Lucerne 2010. We went out it would not start. Tow it to dealership they replace the fuel pump. We did. Get it home next day it will not start again. Tow it to dealership again. This time they find melted wire connectors. Under back seat and on a fuse box.They replace them it starts and melt them again. This time they call to junk yards to get a used fuse box and connectors. Because of cost. The junk yards did tell them it's a known problem with these cars and they sell these fuse boxes and connectors sell as fast as they get them. We said no used parts on this car. Come to find out that GM now's about this problem. And has not done anything about it. They meaning GM. Has even put out papers on the internet as how to try and fix it. Such as cut the insulation around the fuse box.And even cutting the seat belt bracket. My wife drives this car everyday. Now she is afraid of it. Because if it happened once could it happen again. I don't now. I have drove GM's all my lif

20250814FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

We have a Buick Lucerne 2010. We went out it would not start. Tow it to dealership they replace the fuel pump. We did. Get it home next day it will not start again. Tow it to dealership again. This time they find melted wire connectors. Under back seat and on a fuse box.They replace them it starts and melt them again. This time they call to junk yards to get a used fuse box and connectors. Because of cost. The junk yards did tell them it's a known problem with these cars and they sell these fuse boxes and connectors sell as fast as they get them. We said no used parts on this car. Come to find out that GM now's about this problem. And has not done anything about it. They meaning GM. Has even put out papers on the internet as how to try and fix it. Such as cut the insulation around the fuse box.And even cutting the seat belt bracket. My wife drives this car everyday. Now she is afraid of it. Because if it happened once could it happen again. I don't now. I have drove GM's all my lif

20250611FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2010 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that there was a burning odor in the cabin of the vehicle. There were no warning lights. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who informed the contact that the fuse box was overheating and beginning to melt. The fuse box relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer contacted the dealer, who confirmed it was a known issue and that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed there were no recalls. The failure mileage was unknown.

20240209ENGINE

The contact owns a 2010 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and the engine shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle restarted independently after 10-15 minutes. The messages "Reduced Engine Power", "Starting Disabled", "Service Throttle", "Service Stabili-trak Soon" were displayed, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 20-30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two occasions, and the dealer retrieved diagnostic test codes: P2138 and P2122. The dealer replaced the throttle body and the accelerator pedal; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure mainly recurred while making left turns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could only assist after the vehicle had been taken to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and inform

Mileage: 61,798

20240127ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear fuse block, fuel pump relay, gets hot and melts. Apparently due to seat latch pushing against fuse block cover. Smoked, but not fire.

20230924ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Power steering leak. Relay in rear fuse box, under back seat, burning out. Possibilty of back seat cushion rubbing on fuse box jarring PS relay affecting connection. Safety issue if lose control of power steering. Safety compromised if unable to start car once relay burns out. Engine has turned over without key inserted/FOB pressed.

20230924STEERING

Power steering leak. Relay in rear fuse box, under back seat, burning out. Possibilty of back seat cushion rubbing on fuse box jarring PS relay affecting connection. Safety issue if lose control of power steering. Safety compromised if unable to start car once relay burns out. Engine has turned over without key inserted/FOB pressed.

20220428ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:FUSES, RELAYS, CONTACTS, AND SHUNTS

The contact owns a 2010 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while the rear seat was occupied, it was raised up on the battery and fuse box, causing the fuse relay to short circuit. While driving, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuse box and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

20220428ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2010 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while the rear seat was occupied, it was raised up on the battery and fuse box, causing the fuse relay to short circuit. While driving, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuse box and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

20220227ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fuse box melted

20211126SERVICE BRAKES

I purchased the car from Buick Spec dealership in Prosser WA on Aug. 2, 2021. The car was sold to me with rocket panel damaged, the rear brakes- rotors needed replaced and one side brake completely gone..the pins frozen. The cars transmission fluid dark dirty..low on oil..no coolant or wiper fluid at purchase. They brought car to me during covid. The door didn't shut properly I assumed the rubber around door needed replaced and I planned to have it repaired until I seen a bulge under my driver's side door.took it in and was told by 2 certified auto body places the rocker panel was damaged. My Car started to shimmy when stopping and now the prior recall of fuse relay box burning caused my car to be currently sitting. I don't understand how they could sell me a car like this and this is my complaints. I want my repairs done and money reimbursed I've already paid for. The dealership said because I purchased car AS IS. they aren't responsible to fix. I've owned the car a little over 3 mont

20211126ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I purchased the car from Buick Spec dealership in Prosser WA on Aug. 2, 2021. The car was sold to me with rocket panel damaged, the rear brakes- rotors needed replaced and one side brake completely gone..the pins frozen. The cars transmission fluid dark dirty..low on oil..no coolant or wiper fluid at purchase. They brought car to me during covid. The door didn't shut properly I assumed the rubber around door needed replaced and I planned to have it repaired until I seen a bulge under my driver's side door.took it in and was told by 2 certified auto body places the rocker panel was damaged. My Car started to shimmy when stopping and now the prior recall of fuse relay box burning caused my car to be currently sitting. I don't understand how they could sell me a car like this and this is my complaints. I want my repairs done and money reimbursed I've already paid for. The dealership said because I purchased car AS IS. they aren't responsible to fix. I've owned the car a little over 3 mont

20211126STRUCTURE:BODY

I purchased the car from Buick Spec dealership in Prosser WA on Aug. 2, 2021. The car was sold to me with rocket panel damaged, the rear brakes- rotors needed replaced and one side brake completely gone..the pins frozen. The cars transmission fluid dark dirty..low on oil..no coolant or wiper fluid at purchase. They brought car to me during covid. The door didn't shut properly I assumed the rubber around door needed replaced and I planned to have it repaired until I seen a bulge under my driver's side door.took it in and was told by 2 certified auto body places the rocker panel was damaged. My Car started to shimmy when stopping and now the prior recall of fuse relay box burning caused my car to be currently sitting. I don't understand how they could sell me a car like this and this is my complaints. I want my repairs done and money reimbursed I've already paid for. The dealership said because I purchased car AS IS. they aren't responsible to fix. I've owned the car a little over 3 mont

20211006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

See GM Bulletin # 15-na-051 Vehicle died, required tow, found out due to fuel pump relay per bulletin cited above. Rear seat bracket interfered with fuse box, disabling vehicle requiring tow. Vehicle repaired at owners cost. Due to safety factor involved, the seriousness of the situation, for what portion of the costs of repair will the manufacturer be responsible?

20211006FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

See GM Bulletin # 15-na-051 Vehicle died, required tow, found out due to fuel pump relay per bulletin cited above. Rear seat bracket interfered with fuse box, disabling vehicle requiring tow. Vehicle repaired at owners cost. Due to safety factor involved, the seriousness of the situation, for what portion of the costs of repair will the manufacturer be responsible?

20211006SEATS

See GM Bulletin # 15-na-051 Vehicle died, required tow, found out due to fuel pump relay per bulletin cited above. Rear seat bracket interfered with fuse box, disabling vehicle requiring tow. Vehicle repaired at owners cost. Due to safety factor involved, the seriousness of the situation, for what portion of the costs of repair will the manufacturer be responsible?

20201126ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INITIAL INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A STREET. DOOR LOCKS POWER CYCLED LOCK/UNLOCK AND THEN THE CAR WOULD CUT OFF. NO WARNING, NO TIME TO MOVE TO OUT OF TRAFFIC OR TURN ON HAZZARD. I USE THIS VEHICLE TO COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK/CHILDCARE ETC. I ALSO TRAVEL OF THE FREEWAY ALOT. THAT WAS THE PREVIOUS INCIDENT. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER AND UPON DOING RESEARCH WE FOUND THAT IT MAY BE RELATED TO. RELAY ISSUE DUE TO THE FUZE BOX BEING UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT. GM CLAIMS THAT BECAUSE A BRACKET USED TO FASTEN THE SEAT IN PLACE INTERFERES WITH THE FUZE BOX AND PRESSES DOWN ON THE FUZE PUMP RELAY AND CAUSES IT TO BURN OUT. AFTER SWITCHING OUT THE RELAYS WITH THE SUGGESTED LOWER PROFILE RELAY, THE CAR DROVE FOR A FEW HOURS AND THEN WHEN WE PARKED WE COULDN'T REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. UPON LIFTING THE BACK SEAT TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY WE SMELLED AND HEARD THE FUEL PUMP RELAY BURNING AND SIZZLING. SINCE THE CAR WAS "SERVICED" BY A BUICK DEA

Mileage: 105,000

20201126SEATS

INITIAL INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A STREET. DOOR LOCKS POWER CYCLED LOCK/UNLOCK AND THEN THE CAR WOULD CUT OFF. NO WARNING, NO TIME TO MOVE TO OUT OF TRAFFIC OR TURN ON HAZZARD. I USE THIS VEHICLE TO COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK/CHILDCARE ETC. I ALSO TRAVEL OF THE FREEWAY ALOT. THAT WAS THE PREVIOUS INCIDENT. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER AND UPON DOING RESEARCH WE FOUND THAT IT MAY BE RELATED TO. RELAY ISSUE DUE TO THE FUZE BOX BEING UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT. GM CLAIMS THAT BECAUSE A BRACKET USED TO FASTEN THE SEAT IN PLACE INTERFERES WITH THE FUZE BOX AND PRESSES DOWN ON THE FUZE PUMP RELAY AND CAUSES IT TO BURN OUT. AFTER SWITCHING OUT THE RELAYS WITH THE SUGGESTED LOWER PROFILE RELAY, THE CAR DROVE FOR A FEW HOURS AND THEN WHEN WE PARKED WE COULDN'T REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. UPON LIFTING THE BACK SEAT TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY WE SMELLED AND HEARD THE FUEL PUMP RELAY BURNING AND SIZZLING. SINCE THE CAR WAS "SERVICED" BY A BUICK DEA

Mileage: 105,000

20201126UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INITIAL INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A STREET. DOOR LOCKS POWER CYCLED LOCK/UNLOCK AND THEN THE CAR WOULD CUT OFF. NO WARNING, NO TIME TO MOVE TO OUT OF TRAFFIC OR TURN ON HAZZARD. I USE THIS VEHICLE TO COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK/CHILDCARE ETC. I ALSO TRAVEL OF THE FREEWAY ALOT. THAT WAS THE PREVIOUS INCIDENT. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER AND UPON DOING RESEARCH WE FOUND THAT IT MAY BE RELATED TO. RELAY ISSUE DUE TO THE FUZE BOX BEING UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT. GM CLAIMS THAT BECAUSE A BRACKET USED TO FASTEN THE SEAT IN PLACE INTERFERES WITH THE FUZE BOX AND PRESSES DOWN ON THE FUZE PUMP RELAY AND CAUSES IT TO BURN OUT. AFTER SWITCHING OUT THE RELAYS WITH THE SUGGESTED LOWER PROFILE RELAY, THE CAR DROVE FOR A FEW HOURS AND THEN WHEN WE PARKED WE COULDN'T REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. UPON LIFTING THE BACK SEAT TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY WE SMELLED AND HEARD THE FUEL PUMP RELAY BURNING AND SIZZLING. SINCE THE CAR WAS "SERVICED" BY A BUICK DEA

Mileage: 105,000

20201014ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FUSE BOX PROBLEM WITH DESIGN. THE SEAT LATCH DESIGN TOGETHER SHORTS OUT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. THIS GETS HOT, SHORTS OUT AND DAMAGES THE FUEL PUMP AND CAN CAUSE POSSIBLE FIRE. THIS IS A COSTLY DEADLY DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. LUCKY WE FIXED IT IN TIME. I HAVE BABIES THAT SIT IN MY BACK SEAT AND IT'S SCARY TO THINK THAT IT COULD CATCH ON FIRE WITH THEM SITTING THERE.

Mileage: 71,000

Compare 2010BUICKLUCERNE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 BUICK LUCERNE have?
The 2010 BUICK LUCERNE has 77 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 BUICK LUCERNE?
Yes, the 2010 BUICK LUCERNE has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 BUICK LUCERNE?
The most-complained component for the 2010 BUICK LUCERNE is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 17 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and STEERING.
Is the 2010 BUICK LUCERNE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.