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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

What owners actually said

169 reports
33,000 miles · Jul 23, 2016
Service BrakesCrashInjury

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT STOP SIGN BY APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP THEN ACCELERATED. WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BRAKES STILL FAILED WITH VEHICLE PLYING THROUGH FIELD AND COMING TO REST ONLY WHEN PLOWING INTO AN EMBANKMENT,

NHTSA ODI #10887919

48,000 miles · Mar 10, 2016
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE LOSING POWER WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE START TO LOSE POWER. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE LOSING POWER WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE START TO LOSE POWER. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

NHTSA ODI #10845974

60,000 miles · Feb 19, 2016
Exterior LightingVisibility/wiper

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. ON THREE OCCASIONS THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS SWITCHED TO HEAT AND HIGH FAN, LOCKING THE DRIVER OUT OF THE CONTROLS AND CAUSING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT TO BECOME EXTREMELY HOT AND UNCOMFORTABLE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ON ONE OCCASION, TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND LET THE CAR SIT…

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CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. ON THREE OCCASIONS THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS SWITCHED TO HEAT AND HIGH FAN, LOCKING THE DRIVER OUT OF THE CONTROLS AND CAUSING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT TO BECOME EXTREMELY HOT AND UNCOMFORTABLE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ON ONE OCCASION, TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND LET THE CAR SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE CAR. THE SYSTEM RETURNED TO NORMAL. ON TWO OF THE THREE OCCASIONS, THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. ON ONE OCCASION IT HAPPENED IN THE GARAGE. DASH LIGHTS - WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, ALL PASSENGER COMPARTMENT LIGHTS WENT OFF FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS, AND THEN CAME BACK ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY CHECKED THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE BATTERY. THEY FOUND NO COMPUTER CODES TO EXPLAIN THE MALFUNCTION.

NHTSA ODI #10837107

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2016
Power Train

2011 BUICK LACROSSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE, THERE WAS A 5-15 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION RESPONDED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10689350

111,200 miles · Jan 15, 2016
Electrical SystemSeatsVisibility/wiper

DEFROSTER,HEAT,A/C,FAN SPEED,RECIRC, HEAT/COOL SEATS FUNCTIONS FAILED (STOPPED WORKING COMPLETLY) WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM ON JANUARY 12, 2016 ON HIGHWAY US 131 TO TRAVERSE CITY, MI. FOUND RECALL INFORMATION NHTSA # 11V149000. BROUGHT TO DEALER. DEALER SAID NOT COVERRED UNDER RECAL DUE TO VIN #, AND OWNER COST OF $400 + TO …

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DEFROSTER,HEAT,A/C,FAN SPEED,RECIRC, HEAT/COOL SEATS FUNCTIONS FAILED (STOPPED WORKING COMPLETLY) WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM ON JANUARY 12, 2016 ON HIGHWAY US 131 TO TRAVERSE CITY, MI. FOUND RECALL INFORMATION NHTSA # 11V149000. BROUGHT TO DEALER. DEALER SAID NOT COVERRED UNDER RECAL DUE TO VIN #, AND OWNER COST OF $400 + TO REPAIR. CONTACTED BUICK CUSTOMER CARE. SPOKE WITH ASIA AND LESLIE ON 1/15/16, WHO SAID GM COULD NOT HELP. I DESCRIBED LANGUAGE OF THE RECALL AS BEING IDENTICAL TO THE SAFETY HAZARD DESCRIBED IN THE NHTSA LANGUAGE: "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS" ON THESE VEHICLES, THE SOFTWARE IN THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE MAY DISABLE THE ABILITY TO ADJUST THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM SETTINGS. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE COOLING AND VENTILATION FOR THE VEHICLE. 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."

NHTSA ODI #10820408

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ERROR CODES WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ERROR CODES WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BATTERY OF THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPLACED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE WHY THE BATTERIES WERE FAILING. WHILE DRIVING TO HAVE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10819699

38,000 miles · Oct 30, 2015
Electrical SystemTraction Control System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-SKID DEVICE ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BRAKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10787282

9,400 miles · Oct 26, 2015
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE TRUNK OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUOUSLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE TRUNK OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUOUSLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,400. UPDATED 08/17/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRUCK POPPED OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY AND IN THE PARKING LOT, AT HIS JOB. UPDATED 10/25/16.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10786174

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2015
Air Bags

AIR BAG LIGHT FRONT PASSENGER STAYS ON WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT

NHTSA ODI #10783762

25,881 miles · Oct 9, 2015
Unknown Or Other

THE TRUCK POPS ALL THE WAY OPEN/UP WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF OR WHILE I AM DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED. IT HAS HAPPENED SO MANY TIMES BUT I CAN NOT DUPLICATE IT SO I CAN GET IT FIXED BY GM.

NHTSA ODI #10781174

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.