2010 Buick LaCrosse problems
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse has 189 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse has 189 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 43 complaints, typically surfacing around 56,175 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 LaCrosse | 249 | 0 |
| 2008 LaCrosse | 250 | 0 |
| 2009 LaCrosse | 106 | 1 |
| 2010 LaCrosse (this page) | 189 | 0 |
| 2011 LaCrosse | 169 | 0 |
| 2012 LaCrosse | 204 | 1 |
| 2013 LaCrosse | 128 | 1 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
- 6 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system
- Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2010 Buick LaCrosse? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 43 owner reports · tends to show around 56,175 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 20 owner reports · tends to show around 47,948 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- steering — 17 owner reports · tends to show around 55,040 mi · ~$700 to fix
- powertrain — 15 owner reports · tends to show around 54,500 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 56,175 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2010 Buick LaCrosse
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2010 Buick LaCrosse
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~48,533 miengine~$3,100
- ~50,000 miairbags~$1,100
- ~60,000 mipowertrain~$2,500
- ~63,000 mielectrical~$850
- ~69,800 misteering~$700
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Buick lacrosse. The contact stated that the air bag module was fractured and the air bag indicator did not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to jim ellis automotive group (5862 peachtree blvd, atlanta, georgia 30341, 770-234-8155), but no assistance…
Tl*the contact owns a 2010 Buick lacrosse. The contact stated that the rear window defroster failed. The dealer disconnected the battery and rebooted the computer which was only a temporary fix. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where it was being held and checked…
Reduced engine power-while driving 30mph the vehicle will randomly reduce engine power and caused the vehicle to stall. I had to pull over and restart my vehicle 2 twice to make it home safely. Gm has a service bulletin out to repair 2010-2011 buck lacrosse only manufactured at…
I have taken my car to several shops in regards to my headlight and no one can figure it out. One headlight in out which are my low beams. The entire car has been rewired and still doesn't work. It pops on and off when it wants to but still the low beam headlight does not work.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2010 Buick LaCrosse reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2010 Buick LaCrosse?
On the NHTSA data, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 6 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system; Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2010 Buick LaCrosse?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 43 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 56,175 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2010 Buick LaCrosse a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 189 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 56,175 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 43 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 56,175 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 56,175 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Buick LaCrosse has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Buick LaCrosse?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 189 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.