The 2010 Buick Lucerne has 2 safety recalls and 54 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (20 complaints).
Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints54filed by owners
Crashes · fires2 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints
2010 Buick Lucerne in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
NHTSA recall 14V355000 · Jun 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 vehicles
Problem: 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 certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables
NHTSA recall 10V553000 · Nov 5, 2010 · 13,780 vehicles
Problem: 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 COULD WEAR THROUGH THE LINE, CAUSING A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
Risk: A POWER STEERING LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND/OR THE LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL SECURE AND IF NECESSARY REROUTE THE LINES TO PREVENT CONTACT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2010 Buick Lucerne 4-DR. w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: Optional
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Lucerne
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Lucerne FFV
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Lucerne
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Electrical system Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers; Propulsion system › Fuses, relays, contacts, and shunts
20
0
2
0
70,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
12
0
0
0
73,900 mi
Steering
9
1
0
0
40,706 mi
Seats Front assembly › Head restraint; Front assembly › Power adjust
6
0
0
0
2,000 mi
Structure Body
5
0
0
0
—
Engine
5
0
0
0
47,948 mi
Vehicle speed control
4
0
0
0
—
Service brakes
4
1
0
0
58,000 mi
Air bags
3
2
0
0
58,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission
2
0
0
0
—
Engine and engine cooling Exhaust system; Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
2
0
0
1
—
Service brakes, hydraulic
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jul 31, 2025Electrical 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…
Feb 11, 2025 · fireElectrical 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.
Aug 15, 2023 · 61,798 milesEngine 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…
Jan 2, 2024Electrical 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.
Jul 31, 2023Electrical 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.
Mar 28, 2022 · 70,000 milesElectrical 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.
Feb 9, 2022Electrical system Fuse box melted
Oct 2, 2021Service 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…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.