The Lemon Index
2008
20112nd generation
57 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2010 Toyota Avalon 882010 Chevrolet Impala 402010 Nissan Maxima 72
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse
- Engine stalling15 complaintsmostly at 13,000–70,000 miles (22,000–113,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 3,000 and 26,000 miles (4,800–43,000 km) (the middle half of the 47 complaints, of all 57 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 21V00F000 (suspension) and 20V764000 (suspension) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Do the wipers, washers, defrost and mirrors all work?
- Buick sent dealers 1589 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “When steering wheel is either turned to left or right, there is a squawk or moaning or a grinding”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 57 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 26K miles (5K to 43K km) on the car (47 of all 57 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The battery is dead. So I can get into the car at all..not even to jump it or take it to the dealer.. Now I have to get it towed..and getout of work to do it.
2010 Buick LaCrosse owner · NHTSA complaint 10466582
More owner reports
Describe what happened vehicle pulls left continuously
NHTSA complaint 10504784
2010 Buick LaCrosse. (lawyer on behalf of client) consumer has several defects with vehicle such as back firing, malfunction light, car falls dead in traffic, steering wheel locks
NHTSA complaint 10405101
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 1589 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- When steering wheel is either turned to left or right, there is a squawk or moaning or a grinding
- Lacrosse, regal, srx, xts, camaro, malibu, terrain, equinox: information issues with…
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Suspension · recall issued 2021
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 brea.
- Suspension · recall issued 2020
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,600–$3,150 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every Buick LaCrosse year. 2010 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2010 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-lacrosse/?y=2010" title="Buick LaCrosse reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="491" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-lacrosse/2010/">Lemon Index</a> (2010 Buick LaCrosse reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2010 Buick LaCrosse reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew somewhat fewer complaints than the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 85; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick LaCrosse year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2015.
What are the most common 2010 Buick LaCrosse problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (19%), steering (16%) and visibility (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2010 Buick LaCrosse have?
2 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Buick LaCrosse get?
19 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2010 Buick LaCrosse problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 3,000 and 26,000 miles (4,800–43,000 km) (the middle half of the 47 complaints, of all 57 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2010 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2010 Buick LaCrosse have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2010 Buick LaCrosse cost in fuel a year?
About $2,600 to $3,150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2010 Buick LaCrosse have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Buick LaCrosse year is better than the 2010?
Nearby, the 2013 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit under half as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2015 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works