Recall 10V553 covers 13,780 2010-2011 Buick Lucerne and Dts vehicles for cable contact that can leak power steering fluid. Repair is free.
Buick is recalling 13,780 2010-2011 Lucerne and Dts vehicles with V8 engines because the starter or alternator cable can rub against the power steering return line and cause a fluid leak. That leak can lead to loss of power steering or an engine compartment fire, increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The starter and alternator cables carry electrical current between the battery, starter, alternator, and charging system on the 2010-2011 Lucerne and Dts. These cables need clear routing because their insulation is not meant to rub against another pressurized part. The power steering return line carries steering fluid back through the system after it has helped provide steering assist.
In this recall, the starter or alternator cable sits against the power steering return line. Normal engine vibration and movement let the cable rub the line over time. That contact wears through the line and opens a leak path for power steering fluid. Once fluid leaks out, the steering system has less fluid available to provide assist.
There is no warning sign before failure in the recall record. If fluid has already begun to leak, an owner can notice fluid under the vehicle or heavier steering, but the filing does not identify a reliable early warning sign.
Who's affected?
Covers Lucerne and Dts sedans from the 2010 and 2011 model years, all tied to the battery cable component.
| 2010 Buick Lucerne | battery |
|---|---|
| 2010 Cadillac Dts | battery |
| 2011 Buick Lucerne | battery |
| 2011 Cadillac Dts | battery |
| Units affected | 13,780 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering makes the vehicle harder to steer and increases crash risk. Power steering fluid leaking onto hot engine parts also raises the risk of an engine compartment fire. Drive cautiously and schedule the repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Buick dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2011 Buick Lucerne or Dts is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Buick dealer to ask about the free repair for the battery cable that can wear through the power steering return line.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 10V553 when you call.
- Watch for steering effort changes or signs of a fluid leak until the repair is complete.
- Keep the vehicle away from hot engine operation if you see power steering fluid leaking, and ask the dealer what to do before driving it.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Buick technician secures the starter or alternator cable and the power steering return line so the parts no longer rub. If the routing leaves the cable close to the line, the technician reroutes the line to prevent contact and stop the wear path that causes a power steering fluid leak. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| November 5, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 19, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V553?
Recall 10V553 covers 13,780 2010-2011 Buick Lucerne and Dts vehicles with V8 engines. A starter or alternator cable can contact the power steering return line, wear through it, and cause a fluid leak. Buick dealers will secure and reroute the lines for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2011 Buick Lucerne or Dts is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 10V553. If it is, contact a franchised Buick dealer and ask for the starter or alternator cable and power steering return line repair. Reference recall number 10V553 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will secure and, if needed, reroute the lines free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Buick dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a power steering fluid leak. That leak can cause loss of power steering, increasing crash risk, and fluid leaking onto hot engine parts can cause an engine compartment fire. The dealer repair prevents the cable from wearing through the line.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the Buick notice mailed after the recall began on November 19, 2010, check your VIN and reference recall number 10V553 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V553000 |
|---|---|
| Buick customer service | 1-866-982-2339 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V553 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V553000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →