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2011 Buick Lacrosse

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 129.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

125 reports with mileage · 44 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports1 fire reports10 injury reports

Engine complaints

30 reports
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66,985 miles · Jan 7, 2019
EngineVisibility/wiper

ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ALLOWS WINDSHIELD TO BECOME FOGGED OVER AND I CANNOT SEE TO DRIVE OR CONTROL HVAC SYSTEM. I CANNOT CONTROL THE HEATING, COOLING AND VENTILATION. EXAMPLE: THE SYSTEM SEEMS TO BLOW OR ALLOW WARM AIR IN CABIN WHEN THE A/C IS ON SET AT 68-72 DEGREES. THIS IS WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION AND AT IDLE ON ANY …

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ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ALLOWS WINDSHIELD TO BECOME FOGGED OVER AND I CANNOT SEE TO DRIVE OR CONTROL HVAC SYSTEM. I CANNOT CONTROL THE HEATING, COOLING AND VENTILATION. EXAMPLE: THE SYSTEM SEEMS TO BLOW OR ALLOW WARM AIR IN CABIN WHEN THE A/C IS ON SET AT 68-72 DEGREES. THIS IS WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION AND AT IDLE ON ANY ROAD I TRAVEL. I REPORTED PROBLEM TO RICE BUICK-GMC, INC. 8330 KINGSTON PIKE KNOXVILLE, TN 37919-5449 (865) 693-0610 ON 9/16/2014, 9/25/2014 AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED & GETTING WORSE TO DATE 01/07/2019. I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL. SAFETY RECALL IS LISTED FOR 2011 BUICK LACROSSE ON MARCH 4, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V149000 SOFTWARE IN ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL AFFECTS DEFROST SYSTEM REDUCING DRIVERS VISIBILITY AND COULD RESULT IN CRASH. UNABLE TO CONTROL HVAC SYSTEM. SECOND PROBLEM IS ENGINE/ EMISSIONS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, SENSOR ERRORS. ALL HAVE CAUSED CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON.

NHTSA ODI #11164871

71,000 miles · Dec 31, 2018
EngineService BrakesSteering

WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION AND INTITATING A TRN ON A CITY STREET, THE ENGINE STOPPED AND LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE JUMPED AND A ROD KNOCK SOUND OCCURRED. THE ENGINE LATER SIEZED UP PERMANENTLY AT THE SERVICE CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND OIL LEVELS WERE WITHI…

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WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION AND INTITATING A TRN ON A CITY STREET, THE ENGINE STOPPED AND LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE JUMPED AND A ROD KNOCK SOUND OCCURRED. THE ENGINE LATER SIEZED UP PERMANENTLY AT THE SERVICE CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND OIL LEVELS WERE WITHIN NORMAL OPERATING RANGE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR INDICATIONS OF ENGINE TROUBLE.

NHTSA ODI #11164259

73,704 miles · May 26, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

TWICE AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS, MY CAR WAS OILS NOT START AT THE PUMP. EACH TIME I HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT WOULD ACTUALLY START. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAITED, IT STARTED THEN IMMEDIATELY QUIT AGAIN. THERE IS A VERY HARD START WHEN IT ATTEMPTS TO START AS WELL. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN IMMEDIATELY WEN…

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TWICE AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS, MY CAR WAS OILS NOT START AT THE PUMP. EACH TIME I HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT WOULD ACTUALLY START. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAITED, IT STARTED THEN IMMEDIATELY QUIT AGAIN. THERE IS A VERY HARD START WHEN IT ATTEMPTS TO START AS WELL. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN IMMEDIATELY WENT OFF. I TOOK THE CAR DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT HAD TO REMAIN RUNNING UNTIL THEY COULD GET IT IN. THIS WAS 540P ON FRIDAY, MAY 25TH BEFORE A HOLIDAY.

NHTSA ODI #11098066

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2018
Engine

POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE IT HAS EXCESS PLAY IN THE CANSHAFT.

NHTSA ODI #11091162

80,000 miles · Feb 5, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

WHILE DRIVING UPHILL IN THE WINTER, WENT TO TURN INTO NEIGHBORHOOD AT TOP OF HILL, JUST AS TURNING THE VEHICLE, VEHICLE DIED. EVERYTHING STOPPED WORKING. ENGINE SHUT OFF, BRAKES WOULDN'T WORK, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, LIGHTS WENT OFF, THEN WOULDN'T START. THEN THE VEHICLE INSTRUCTED TO ROLL DRIVER WINDOW DOWN THEN UP, ROLL RIGHT W…

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WHILE DRIVING UPHILL IN THE WINTER, WENT TO TURN INTO NEIGHBORHOOD AT TOP OF HILL, JUST AS TURNING THE VEHICLE, VEHICLE DIED. EVERYTHING STOPPED WORKING. ENGINE SHUT OFF, BRAKES WOULDN'T WORK, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, LIGHTS WENT OFF, THEN WOULDN'T START. THEN THE VEHICLE INSTRUCTED TO ROLL DRIVER WINDOW DOWN THEN UP, ROLL RIGHT WINDOW DOWN THEN UP. ALMOST LIKE IT WAS TRYING TO REBOOT. BUT THIS HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. AFTER TRYING A THIRD TIME TO START, IT STARTED. ALL INFORMATION WAS GONE, NO MILEAGE, OIL LIFE GONE, TRIPOMETER GONE. DROVE VEHICLE HOME, JUST A BLOCK AWAY AND BEEN TOO SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SINCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11066972

95,000 miles · Jan 11, 2018
Engine

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, PISTON AND PISTON RINGS. BURNING 3-4 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 2000 OR LESS MILES. AFTER CHECKING I FIND OUT THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MAKE AT A SPECIFIC PLANT. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 95,550 MILES. I THOUGHT BUICKS WERE GOOD CARS AND STOOD BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THIS IS QUIET EXPENSI…

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EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, PISTON AND PISTON RINGS. BURNING 3-4 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 2000 OR LESS MILES. AFTER CHECKING I FIND OUT THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MAKE AT A SPECIFIC PLANT. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 95,550 MILES. I THOUGHT BUICKS WERE GOOD CARS AND STOOD BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THIS IS QUIET EXPENSIVE, CAN YOU HELP? THE OIL LIGHT DOESN'T EVEN COME ON WHEN IT GOT THAT LOW. IT STARTED ACTING FUNNY AND WHEN CHECKED, LOW OIL, NO . I HAVE KEPT MY VEHICLE VERY WELL MAINTAINED. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AROUND 10/16/17 AND AFTER LOOKED AT AGAIN 1/8/18 DRIPS OR LEAKS

NHTSA ODI #11062143

112,000 miles · Jan 6, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH, DROPPED SUDDENLY TO 30 MPH. HAD TO PULL ONTO SHOULDER FROM PASSING LANE, ALMOST REAR ENDED BY TRACTOR TRAILER DUE TO SUDDEN POWER LOSS, COULD NOT ACCELERATE. STABILITRAK LIGHT TURNED ON STATING ENGINE POWER REDUCED. TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED, WENT AWAY. CAME BACK ON…

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LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH, DROPPED SUDDENLY TO 30 MPH. HAD TO PULL ONTO SHOULDER FROM PASSING LANE, ALMOST REAR ENDED BY TRACTOR TRAILER DUE TO SUDDEN POWER LOSS, COULD NOT ACCELERATE. STABILITRAK LIGHT TURNED ON STATING ENGINE POWER REDUCED. TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED, WENT AWAY. CAME BACK ON AGAIN 3 X'S WHILE DRIVING BACK HOME ON HIGHWAY, HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY PULL OVER AND RESTART ENGINE TO CLEAR.

NHTSA ODI #11060889

112 miles · Jan 6, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, SUDDEN WARNING STABILITRAK NEEDS SERVICE, ENGINE POWER REDUCED. SPEED DROPPED TO 30 MPH ON HIGHWAY FROM 70MPH TRAFFIC FLOW. COULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL TO KEEP UP W/TRAFFIC, HAD TO PULL ONTO SHOULDER TO AVOID GETTING REAR ENDED. COULD NOT ACCELERATE ENOUGH SPEED TO MERGE BACK ONTO…

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LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, SUDDEN WARNING STABILITRAK NEEDS SERVICE, ENGINE POWER REDUCED. SPEED DROPPED TO 30 MPH ON HIGHWAY FROM 70MPH TRAFFIC FLOW. COULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL TO KEEP UP W/TRAFFIC, HAD TO PULL ONTO SHOULDER TO AVOID GETTING REAR ENDED. COULD NOT ACCELERATE ENOUGH SPEED TO MERGE BACK ONTO HIGHWAY LIGHT TURNED OFF. DANGEROUS!!!

NHTSA ODI #11060886

48,800 miles · Sep 19, 2017
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT IT STALLED AGAIN AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE AND…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT IT STALLED AGAIN AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAM SOLENOID FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,800.

NHTSA ODI #11024203

20,000 miles · Aug 21, 2017
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFOR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL UNDER THE VIN AND WOULD GET BACK TO HER THE NEXT DAY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA ODI #11016518

Official recalls

4

21V00F000 · Suspension:rear

Dec 22, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

20V764000 · Suspension:rear

Dec 21, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

14V447000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jul 23, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

11V149000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:windshield:electrical Heating Element

Mar 4, 2011

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 BUICK LACROSSE AND CADILLAC SRX VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS". ON THESE VEHICLES, THE SOFTWARE IN THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL (ECC) MODULE MAY DISABLE THE ABILITY TO ADJUST THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM SETTINGS. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE HEATING, COOLING, AND VENTILATION FOR THE VEHICLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION AFFECTS THE DEFROST SYSTEM WHEN IT IS REQUIRED, IT MAY DECREASE THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECC MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.