Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Buick Lacrosse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I am reporting a serious safety defect involving a 2011 Buick LaCrosse CXL. The vehicle has repeatedly shut off while being driven, creating a dangerous situation. The issue first occurred in January 2026. The vehicle was later towed for repair in February 2026, and I was told the issue had been fixed and picked up the vehicle 3/20/2026 and gave $1600. However, on April 9, 2026, the vehicle shut off again while driving. This issue has occurred multiple times and persists despite repair attempts. When the vehicle shuts off, it creates a loss of power and poses a significant safety risk in traffic. I am concerned that this may be a broader safety issue and am requesting that this defect be documented and investigated.
#07-06-04-019F: Intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL} Illuminated, OTC Pl':1.~J with Reduced Engine Power (Repair Instrument Panel (IP) to Body Harness Connector). Lost power on I-84 and had to cross over the right lane because I had no power, barely missing a rear end collision.
The component is the brakes and the brake pedal while not engaging the brakes they remained on even after the vehicle was shut off .the vehicle brake lights remained on this was not duplicated when I took the car in by the dealer of how the brake remains engaged we even when not being used I would have to release the break by pulling it up with my foot while driving . This was duplicated and witnessed by two others the dealership where I bought the car and a trusted mechanic. which no avai there was no warning light indicating any type of concern prior to it doing this. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a non-related issue, the technician stated that unknown wires were burned under the hood. It was visible that a fire occurred under the hood. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
Driving 60 MPH on the highway. Suddenly the information panel flashed stabilitrak service required (or similar) then low power mode. Car went from 60 to 30 MPH on the highway. Unable to speed up. Needed to pull over to the side of the road. Turned car off. Tried to restart and it wouldn't restart for several tries. Restarted and still said low power and was idling low. Tried again and was normal. This has happened several more times and always is similar. Sometimes it doesn't happen at all in a 30 mile trip, sometimes it happens 3 times. Very dangerous! Could be rear ended! I have read many other accounts of this happening in the 2011 Buick Lacrosse. After this the check engine light stayed on. When I had the auto parts store run diagnostics it flagged multiple misfires, throttle position sensor 3 times, power control module indicator, traction control. …
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. …
Potential fatal safety hazard with door lock pull toggles when an accident disables the battery. In normal operation, the electrical system always retracts the door pull toggles completely into the top of the door during any shift of the vehicle out of park. The pull toggle disappears completely into the door with no portion exposed. If the vehicle battery is disabled, as in minor crash, the electric windows cannot be operated and the door cannot be open manually. The occurpant is locked within the vehicle until a window is broken out. There is simply no way to override the electric system to exit the vechile. Pulling the door handle does not override the electric door locks. A simple fix would merely be to make the plastic pull toggles 3/4 in. Longer so that somone can grab the toggle and pull it to the unlocked position even though the vehicle had been electrically locked.
Car was parked in our garage at 2:30 pm. I went into the garage at 7:45 pm and found it extremely hot (115f), opened the garage doors and tried to start the car to get it out of the garage. Would not start and called aaa for a tow. Aaa suggested calling police & fire. Police came and they called fire dept. Temp under hood registered 150f and co alarm in basement started to go off. Firefighters put on protective gear, entered house and their co monitors went off immediately. Gas line shut off, house vented. Car eventually towed to dealership nearby. Gas company came that evening to restart and inspect dryer, water heater, stove and found no co problem. Have yet to hear from the dealer (flemington Buick) as to cause, issues, resolution. Update 9/15/15 the consumer has since traded the vehicle. Updated 10/15/15
Electrical complaints in other Lacrosse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2011 Buick Lacrosse?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Buick Lacrosse, 19% of the model year's 169 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Buick Lacrosse electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Buick Lacrosse electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.