2011 Buick Lacrosse: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2011 Buick Lacrosse? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 168 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2011 Buick Lacrosse Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2011 Buick Lacrosse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2011 Buick Lacrosse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 Buick Lacrosse 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
11.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
11.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Buick Lacrosse has 168 owner complaints, 15 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Lacrosse
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 168
- Crash-related complaints
- 15
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2011 Buick Lacrosse Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2011 Buick Lacrosse?
The 2011 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2011 Buick Lacrosse
Inspection Focus
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension and transmission before purchase.
- Check for any unresolved brake or steering issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension and transmission before purchase.
- Check for any unresolved brake or steering issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Buick Lacrosse, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2011 Buick LaCrosse are concentrated in engine, electrical, and suspension components. Crash-related complaints are relatively low, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited model year coverage.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 35.
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported issue with 31 complaints.
- Suspension Failures total 27 complaints, making it the third most common concern.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Suspension Failures
All 2011 Buick Lacrosse Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 35 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 31 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 27 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 19 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 18 | 4 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | 4 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 6 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 t…
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…
When going around town or on the highway the steering wheel will start shaking badly and when going to break even after the breaks have been changed the parking break will not stay on and the steering wheel will start shaking horribly to the point where your might crash your car …
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a failure with the defrost system. The contact stated that the windows failed to defrost properly, causing a visibility hazard while driving. The dealer was contac…
#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 c…
I was driving down the highway and when I went to apply my brakes the pedal completely broke off. It was just dangling on the floorboard. I had no brakes. I was forced to put my car in neutral to slow myself down and apply my parking break in order to stop. The road was very busy…
Car lost all steering while driving down the road
When driving in rain and high humidity, the windshield and front windows will often completely fog up with moisture on the inside of the car. It can make seeing outside while driving impossible and risks an accident. In three years we have found no settings on the climate control…
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 …
The brakes are getting stuck on while I am driving. The most recent occurrence happened while I was on the highway. The car would not accelerate, the whole system was shaking, there was no safe space for me to pull over. This vehicle has a recall for this exact problem but from w…
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 …
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made rattling noises and was shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the struts needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part…
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 en…
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a complete, his son was rear-ended by another vehicle. The air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel; however, the air bag did not deploy. As a result, the driver hit his head on t…
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 vehicl…
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 a…
Waiting for recall to be repaired. Local dealer indicated unable to get parts.
Defrost doesn't always work. Can't see too drive when this happens. Thought there was a recall.
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the part was not yet available. The cont…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse.
2011 Buick Lacrosse Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2011 Buick Lacrosse Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Buick Lacrosse reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 168 owner complaints, 15 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Buick Lacrosse?▾
#1: Engine Problems (35 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (31 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (27 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Buick Lacrosse?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Buick Lacrosse?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Buick Lacrosse, NHTSA complaints include 15 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 168 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Buick Lacrosse. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Buick Lacrosse?▾
The 2011 Buick Lacrosse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Lacrosse reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2011 Buick Lacrosse based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.