2011 Buick Lacrosse: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Buick Lacrosse: 4 recalls, 169 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #11V149000 · 2011 · 10,179 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it May decrease the driver's visibility, and could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ecc module free of charge. The safety recall began on March 11, 2011.
Seats Vehicle recall #14V447000 · 2014 · 414,333 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #20V764000 · 2020 · 220,006 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A rear toe link fracture May reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V00F000 · 2021 · 4,271 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A rear toe link fracture May reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (32): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (11), electrical failure (10), door / lock issues (6).
- Engine (30): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (15), warning light on (7).
- Suspension (27): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), steering problems (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (19): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (10), stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (4).
The 2011 Buick Lacrosse has 169 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 15 Lacrosse model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 141). Complaints peaked in 2021 (21 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 51,542 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (189 complaints, 2 recalls), 2012 (206 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Buick Lacrosse problems?
Owners have filed 169 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (32), engine (30), suspension (27).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Buick Lacrosse get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Buick Lacrosse repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.