Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 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.
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.
I noticed today as I was stopped at a red light with my foot on brake the vehicle was kinda jumping like it was trying to go while foot was on brake. I drove a little further and the service stabilitrak light came on followed by the reduced engine power. The car proceeded to die in the middle of a busy street. After a few minutes it did restart and I was able to get it home. This seems to be a common problem with 2011 buick lacrosse. Ihave seen several complaints about this same issue.
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.
2011 Buick Lacrosse (60,000 miles - properly maintained by 73 year old man) broke down on interstate hwy. While vacationing in knoxville, tn - Buick begins to stall and the engine light came on (was flickering and no acceleration). We stopped immediately at a gas station and called aaa - who towed us to a certified aaa repair/tow company. We initially suspected it would be the fuel pump or filter . Mechanic in knoxville who is a ase certified mechanic for 40 years said it wasn't the fuel pump so he put his diagnostic tester and determined there were more problems and started to take apart the engine....and found the main valves were broken and fell into the pistons. Engine failure and he said in his 40 years this had happened only 3 times but not on a 2011 car with only 60,000 miles. He said if we would have continued driving, the whole engine would have blown up. …
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 [phone] 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. …
Engine suddenly stopped while beginning to exit from an eight lane highway (680). Couldn't restart. Had car towed to dealership. They replaced my battery for $361.77, in order to start the car and diagnose the problem. They called the next day to inform me that I needed a new engine...for $9000.00!!! On a car that was well maintained, with 60,000 miles???? Towed the car to my mechanic who told me that the a faulty seal caused a rod to break, and that caused the engine damage. Had a new engine installed for about $6000.00. I believe that GM is responsible for the faulty seal, and the potential damage to property and life which would cause a vehicle to suddenly stop running...causing the brakes and the power steering to stop.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the vehicle's wires were made with a soy chemical that attracted rodents. The failure was experienced twice. The first failure occurred at the area of the engine wires, which caused the engine to stall. The second failure occurred around the battery wires, which caused the battery to fail. The vehicle was taken to george matick Chevrolet (telegraph road, redford charter, mi,48239 phone: [phone]) and taylor Chevrolet (3801 telegraph road, taylor, mi 48180 phone: [phone]) for the repairs. The engine and battery wires were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
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.
Engine complaints in other Lacrosse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Buick Lacrosse?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Buick Lacrosse, 21% of the model year's 169 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Buick Lacrosse engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.