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2010 Buick Lacrosse Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Buick Lacrosse carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering rear. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “StabiliTrak warning with intermittent power loss.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #20V764000 · Dec 21, 2020

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #21V00F000 · Dec 22, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Buick Lacrosse.

Reported to NHTSA

StabiliTrak warning with intermittent power loss

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

26 NHTSA complaints · 2011-08 → 2025-12

“WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL TIMES THE ELECTRONIC STABILITRAK CONTROL SYSTEM ENGAGE UNEXPECTEDLY - WHILE DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THE ENGINE SOUNDED DIFFERENT AND TRAFFIC BEHIND ME HAD TO QUICKLY BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10501101
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10542123

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Suspension recall repair parts unavailable

SUSPENSION

8 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2024-10

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428009
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11435098

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof shattering while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2025-03

“THE SUNROOF OF MY 2010 BUICK LACROSS EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11222982
“I WAS DRIVING SOUTH DOWN HIGHWAY I5 AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. NOTHING HIT ME AND THERE WAS NO ROCK OR FOREIGN OBJECTS. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT OR EXPLOSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11035332

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trunk lid releases unexpectedly

STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2018-05

“TRUNK RANDOMLY OPENS WHETHER PARKED OR WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11098918
“TRUNK POPS OPEN ON ITS ON WITHOUT HITTING THE BUTTON ON THE REMOTE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11071935

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel bearing failure disabling ABS

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2021-12

“WE HAVE REPLACED 3 WHEEL BEARINGS IN THE 7 YEARS WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. SEEMS LIKE A LOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10993958
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11443235

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall or deceleration while driving

ENGINE

26 NHTSA complaints · 2010-02 → 2021-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10731770
“THIS IS A REOCCURRING ISSUE WITH THE CAR SHUTTING OFF COMPLETLY WHILE DRIVING OR LOSS OF ENGINE POWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10681453

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and unexpected deployment

AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2010-09 → 2021-08

“AIR BAGS WENT OFF WHEN I WAS STOPED AT A RED LIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11141893
“WHILE TRAVELLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE SIDE (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE ROOF RAIL AND HEADREST) AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NO ACCIDENT OR ROAD HAZARD TRIGGERED DEPLOYMENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10503945

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel locks during operation

STEERING

9 NHTSA complaints · 2010-11 → 2026-06

“While driving on highway the engine stopped suddenly and steering wheel was locked. The car had to be towed to repair shop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11425922
“LOST STEERING ON MY 2007 BUICK LACROSSE ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE TAKEN A SHARP TURN THE STEERING WOULD NOT TURN WHICH RESULTED IN A HIGH SPEED CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10367100

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

45 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

9

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Buick Lacrosse reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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