2010 Buick Lucerne: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 54 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (26% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2025
“Rear fuse block, fuel pump relay, gets hot and melts. Apparently due to seat latch pushing against fuse block cover. Smoked, but not fire.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2024
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2023
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“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2022
“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?”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2021
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2020
“Car would not start. Noticed a burning smell. While researching problems found a thread on common issues with this car. Turns out the is an issue with the fuel relay. Checked the box sure enough the relay melted. This was under my sons car seat!!!! If this is a known issue why was this not reviewed and recalled. Does someone have to be injured or even die? How horrible is it that a known issue is not addressed. After the relay was discovered I also discover the fuse box has some indentations. These are from the seat clamp.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2019
“Car started and was cooling down in a parking lot when it died without warning. It wouldn't restart. We towed it to a shop where they determined that the fuel pump had gone bad. Later discovered a bad sensor and relay. All traced back to the fuse box under the driver's side passenger seat that had melted due to pressure put on it by seat and various occupants/items. Mechanic replaced fuse box, relay, sensor and fuel pump plus warned me not to place anything heavy (or allow a heavy person to sit) on that side of the back seat. Mileage is 116,245”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 buick lucerne. The contact stated when turning the steering wheel an abnormal squeaking sound was heard. The contact stated that the noise was a distraction to the contact's focus when driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed as a clock spring failure. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The mileage was 42,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 buick lucerne. The contact stated that the vehicle did not pass inspection due to engine mount failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the front motor mount and side torque mount were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 61,000.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Lucerne by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Buick Lucerne reliable?
NHTSA has 54 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2010 Buick Lucerne. The most complained-about area is electrical system (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2010 Buick Lucerne problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 59,000 miles or less.
Does the 2010 Buick Lucerne have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.