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2010 Buick Lucerne Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2010 Buick Lucerne carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering ignition and cables. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Engine and motor mount failure.” 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.

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2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #14V355000 · Jun 23, 2014

Issue: 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

Campaign #10V553000 · May 11, 2010

Issue: 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 data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

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

Reported to NHTSA

Engine and motor mount failure

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2012-09 → 2018-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11124284
“ENGINE MOUNT HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, THE FIRST IS LISTED ABOVE, THE SECOND TIME IS SEPT, 24, 2012 AND THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IS 31,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10476931
“SQUEAKING NOISE FROM STEERING WHEN TURNING. DEALER PURCHASED CAR NEW FROM DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING STEERING RACK AND LOOSE MOTOR MOUNT REPLACED FOR APPROX. $1325.00”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10725655

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat position and headrest design defects

SEATS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-01 → 2011-08

“TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD RESTRAINTS WERE IMPROPERLY SHAPED. THEY LEANED SO FAR FORWARD THAT HE COULD NOT SIT COMFORTABLY IN HIS SEAT AND WAS HIT IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WHEN HE TRIED TO SIT BACK IN THE SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10302632
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH HE ADJUSTED THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND THE SEAT WENT BACK DOWN TO THE FLOOR. HE STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SEAT WILL NOT STAY WHERE IT WAS SET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10373433
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S HEADREST WAS NOT DESIGNED PROPERLY AND REMAINED TILTED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING TENSION IN THE NECK AREA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10421370

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear fuse box and fuel pump relay melting under back seat

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

25 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2025-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666345
“2010 BUICK LUCERNE HAD BEEN DRIVEN HOME AND WAS COOLING IN DRIVEWAY. AFTER TWO HOURS, STARTER WOULD TURN OVER BUT ENGINE WOULD NOT START. BEGAN TO SMELL BURNING PLASTIC INSIDE VEHICLE. FOUND SYMPTOMS OF PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN GM SERVICE BULLETIN 15-NA-051”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11271707
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11092308

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of power steering and brake assist during driving

STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2010-05 → 2017-01

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING FAILED SUDDENLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10330855
“I HAVE HAD ABOUT 3 INCIDENCES OF POWER BRAKE AND POWER STEERING FAILURE AT LOW SPEEDS (10 MPH OR LESS) DURING RAINY WEATHER. WHEN MAKING A TURN, EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT, THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES FAIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10766450
“RAINY WEATHER DRIVEING THRU PUDDLES ON PASENGER SIDE OF ROAD I LOOSE POWER BAAKES AND POWER STEERING. THEY RECOVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10939055

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and cruise control speed surges

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 NHTSA complaints · 2010-11 → 2015-04

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LUCERNE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO DRIVE UPHILL. WHILE DRIVING UP THE HILL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BEYOND THE SPEED AT WHICH THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10364188
“2010 BUICK LUCERNE. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE ACCELERATING RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAPPENED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON AND OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10440792
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10668698

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

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

Raw data + downloads for this 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)

40 crashes 1990–2024

How the 40 occupant deaths break down

29

driver deaths

11

passenger deaths

40

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2011 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

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

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

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.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 Lucerne 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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