Most common 2011 Buick Lacrosse problems
Share of the 169 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Buick Lacrosse complaints by model year
Best Lacrosse years: 2019, 2018, 2017. Years to avoid: 2007, 2008. Compare all years →
2011 Buick Lacrosse recalls (4)
Suspension › Rear
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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022.
Suspension › Rear
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…
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.
Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
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.
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.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
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".
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.
What 2011 Buick Lacrosse owners say
Engine & cooling all 35 →
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the engine misfired while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was a defective valve in the engine which caused the misfire. The contact was informed that the failure was related to a manufacturer defect. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Car been smelling like gas for awhile engine light pop on and off. My car will not start I have replace the fuel pump car still won't get gas . Replaced battery numerous of times battery keep won't stay charge . I have a recall on my car I believe the suspension is under recall as well. I also had to replace my windshield wiper motor a few times slapped against my windshield and cracked windshield.
Electrical system all 32 →
The contact purchased a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 143,939 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 231,952.
The contact owns a 2011 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, it started on its own and would shut down on its own. The contact heard a roaring noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Suspension all 27 →
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 45 MPH with her 10-month-old child in a rear-facing car seat located in the rear driver seat, the rear driver's side toe link detached and she lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle drove off the road and crashed into a ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter was able to exit the vehicle on her own. The contact's daughter sustained a forehead ache but did not seek medical assistance. The contact's grandchild did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact became aware of the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (SUSPENSION) and contacted the manufacturer. …
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while attempting to use the defroster, the HVAC system was not working properly, and paper towels were used to wipe the inside and outside windshield. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH or while slowing down to come to a stop, there was an abnormal creaking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to have the HVAC system reprogrammed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the HVAC system could not be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or mechanic to have the abnormal sound coming from the rear end diagnosed. …
2011 Buick Lacrosse engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 29 / 23 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 27 / 20 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Buick Lacrosse a good car?
Based on 169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Lacrosse rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Lacrosse at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Buick Lacrosse?
The engine & cooling — 35 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the electrical system (32) and suspension (27).
How many recalls does the 2011 Buick Lacrosse have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse, the most recent from December 22, 2021 (rear). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Buick Lacrosse?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2018 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007 and 2008. See the full Buick Lacrosse years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Buick Lacrosse problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 49% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.