Owners have filed 278 complaints
about the 2010 Buick Lacrosse with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 67
Against the median year of the Buick Lacrosse. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 58
11.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 46
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
52.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2712.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
178.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2913.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5425.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4320.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2512.0%
150,000+ miles
94.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2010 Buick Lacrosse 4-DR w/SAB
—
—
—
11.8% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2009peak 8Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2010 Buick Lacrosse
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202061510,006 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, the protective coating on the rear suspension toe links may chip away. If this happens, the metal can rust and the toe link could break. A broken toe link can affect vehicle stability and could cause a loss of directional control. Note: This recall only affects vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in areas of heavy road salt usage (Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador). Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 80,000 milesSAN Jacinto, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVING AT NITE TO ER AND ON WAY I THOUGHT I MUST HAVE HIT IGNITION BUTTON BUT CAR JUST LOCKED UP LOST ALL POWER. I CALLED GM THEY GOT BACK TO ME SAID THEY WOULD BE SENDING SOMEONE TO SEE CAR. I DID RECK CAR NOT TO BAD BUT BAD ENOUGH TO TAKE HOLE FRONT BUMPER OFF. I AM SO MAD BECAUSE I THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY THINKING CAR WOULD JUST LOOS ALL POWER AND EVEN LOCKED ME IN CAR COULD NOT OPEN DOOR THANK GOD WINDOW WAS DOWN. BUT THEY SAID THEY WERE COMING TO SEE ME AND CAR BUT NEVER DID
NHTSA complaint #11292434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSAN Jacinto, CACrash
ENGINE
DRIVING AT NITE TO ER AND ON WAY I THOUGHT I MUST HAVE HIT IGNITION BUTTON BUT CAR JUST LOCKED UP LOST ALL POWER. I CALLED GM THEY GOT BACK TO ME SAID THEY WOULD BE SENDING SOMEONE TO SEE CAR. I DID RECK CAR NOT TO BAD BUT BAD ENOUGH TO TAKE HOLE FRONT BUMPER OFF. I AM SO MAD BECAUSE I THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY THINKING CAR WOULD JUST LOOS ALL POWER AND EVEN LOCKED ME IN CAR COULD NOT OPEN DOOR THANK GOD WINDOW WAS DOWN. BUT THEY SAID THEY WERE COMING TO SEE ME AND CAR BUT NEVER DID
NHTSA complaint #11292434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesAugusta, GACrash
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING OUT A NAVY FEDERAL BANK IN AUGUSTA GEORGIA AND WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO A LIGHT POLE AND RUINED MY ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. IT LOCKED AS IF THE CAR WASN'T THERE IN MOTION AND AS IF IT WAS A SAFETY PROCEDURE FOR THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #11288122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesTupelo, MSCrash3 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11151885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesAntioch, CA2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SOLD A LEMON CAR BY DRIVETIME FINANCED THROUGH BRIDGECREST FINANCIAL LLC I PURCHASED THE CAR 12/22/2016 AND HAVE BEEN REPORTING PROBLEMS SINCE I DROVE OFF THE LOT. I LIVE BEYOND 300 MILES OF THE LOCATION WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #11048454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesAntioch, CA2 injured
ENGINE
SOLD A LEMON CAR BY DRIVETIME FINANCED THROUGH BRIDGECREST FINANCIAL LLC I PURCHASED THE CAR 12/22/2016 AND HAVE BEEN REPORTING PROBLEMS SINCE I DROVE OFF THE LOT. I LIVE BEYOND 300 MILES OF THE LOCATION WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #11048454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Omaha, NE
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11742746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11742746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11742746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11705471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11705471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11705471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scranton, PA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11656881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesHoschton, GA
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11651377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesAiken, SC
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11620348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceville, GA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11583260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11570105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11570105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11570105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I have known issues w/my 2010 Buick lacrosse CXL ABS light on
NHTSA complaint #11551611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have known issues w/my 2010 Buick lacrosse CXL ABS light on
NHTSA complaint #11551611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homestead, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I get Reduced Engine Power and Service Stabilitrak messages. Engine Code P2138 is prevalent. The car will not accelerate, nor maintain highway speeds, forcing the driver to pull off the road and shut off the car. The warning message returns under normal driving conditions. This code points to several components [Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor, Throttle Body Assembly with Sensor, Manifold Absolute Position (MAP) Sensor, etc...] All of which I have replaced. It is rumored that General Motors knows that it is a problem and the true fix is to replace the wire(s) and seal or replace the connector. Refer to GM Technical Service Document 070604019F
NHTSA complaint #11534220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homestead, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I get Reduced Engine Power and Service Stabilitrak messages. Engine Code P2138 is prevalent. The car will not accelerate, nor maintain highway speeds, forcing the driver to pull off the road and shut off the car. The warning message returns under normal driving conditions. This code points to several components [Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor, Throttle Body Assembly with Sensor, Manifold Absolute Position (MAP) Sensor, etc...] All of which I have replaced. It is rumored that General Motors knows that it is a problem and the true fix is to replace the wire(s) and seal or replace the connector. Refer to GM Technical Service Document 070604019F
NHTSA complaint #11534220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
AIR BAGS
Safety recall was never done passenger presence module has a code
NHTSA complaint #11505630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
SUSPENSION
Safety recall was never done passenger presence module has a code
NHTSA complaint #11505630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockville, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electronic Stability Control Systems (ESC) activates a couple times a week every other month for several years. Multiple Warning lights flash, needles on two dials rotate erratically resulting in sudden changes in vehicle handling and deceleration, and on wet roads which cause me difficulty in maintaining the vehicle's desired path of travel and desired vehicle speed, and could result in a crash without warning. I have a video. Its scary. Had it looked at twice and paid a lot but it keeps happening.
NHTSA complaint #11448454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pinconning, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11443235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Huntingdon, PA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Lacrosse The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11435098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesGary, IN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #11431534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hull, MA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2010 Buick LaCrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not yet made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11428009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesEvansville, IN
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11427853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
