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Buick LaCrosse 2011 — Reported problems

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. 🇺🇸 Local data

40 owners reported problems with the 2011 Buick LaCrosse to NHTSA, most often about suspension.

All reports

40
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2026-07-14 · NHTSA 11750433

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2026-04-14 · NHTSA 11731073

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.

SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY 2025-10-27 · NHTSA 11695748

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. The contact researched online and related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V149000 (Visibility) and 20V764000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2025-09-07 · NHTSA 11685571

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 I have had the car looked at multiple times by different manufacturers dealerships and auto shops and they all say to Change the breaks I tell them that I had them changed by Buick and Chevrolet of Dan Cummins where I had got the car and they done the same thing over again as when I bought the car

VISIBILITY 2024-05-28 · NHTSA 11591050

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 contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2024-01-30 · NHTSA 11568681

#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.

SERVICE BRAKES 2023-07-18 · NHTSA 11533076

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 and I was going 60mph. I could have died. Luckily I was able to make it over 2 lanes and stop in the grass on the side of the road. I had the car towed to my mechanic and he had to replace the whole brake assembly. I have the broken parts and they are available for inspection. There were no warning lights

STEERING 2023-03-20 · NHTSA 11512897

Car lost all steering while driving down the road

VISIBILITY/WIPER 2023-02-18 · NHTSA 11507935

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 system that will avoid this problem. We have had the heater core replaced in a futile attempt to remedy the situation. We have been told by Buick that there is no fix or recall.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2023-02-09 · NHTSA 11506409

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES 2023-01-01 · NHTSA 11499700

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 what the dealer is saying, not my VIN. I find it hard to believe that this has occurred and it is unrelated to a previous recall for faulty brakes on 2011 Buick LaCrosse. Since this incident, the abs light has been on and another dash light has been on. My mechanic believes the brakes getting too hot may have lead to further damage to the abs sensor.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES 2022-12-06 · NHTSA 11496326

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. the brake pedal being slightly stuck my transmission shifts not properly and hot feeling to the car now I have a warning saying that AC will not work due to the overheating of my engine which I believe to have repaired however the repair that was believed to be the problem obviously wasn't the problem because the light still remains on and the fan runs continuously the minute I start the car to the time I shut the car off I live in North Dakota and it is -1 today and the fan continues to run at all times and the warning light is on cooling fan the car lunges at times which is easy to lose control over when it does this it lunges to the point where it physically noticeable and and no warnings of this that a compensation is going to need to be made in my driving with this lunge issue. I do feel this break issue has affected many other parts of the vehicle and the safety associated with these components. Also at times the driver's seat will not move it goes up to the dash or back to the back seat leaving me in a position where I cannot drive the vehicle safely at all. Also the cruise control would not engage because of the brakes being slightly engaged. Took her to the dealership discussed this problem with them and they could not duplicate and it's been going on since I purchased the car It had 30,000 miles on it when I bought it and it continues to do this and I think it's a safety issue

SUSPENSION 2022-10-11 · NHTSA 11488794

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 was no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.

ENGINE 2022-09-21 · NHTSA 11485696

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.

SEAT BELTS,AIR BAGS Crash 1 injured 2022-03-24 · NHTSA 11458226

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 the headrest. The driver did seek medical attention for his injury. A police report was filed. The vehicle was drivable. In addition, the seat belt retractor latches were not able to be used after the rear-ended accident. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

SUSPENSION Crash 1 injured 2022-02-08 · NHTSA 11451053

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 manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for recall repair but he would be responsible for the repair of collateral damages. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 173,671.

SUSPENSION,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Crash 2022-02-02 · NHTSA 11449845

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2021-11-05 · NHTSA 11439488

Waiting for recall to be repaired. Local dealer indicated unable to get parts.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 2021-10-31 · NHTSA 11438791

Defrost doesn't always work. Can't see too drive when this happens. Thought there was a recall.

SUSPENSION 2021-10-29 · NHTSA 11438679

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 reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

SUSPENSION 2021-09-15 · NHTSA 11433052

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

SUSPENSION 2021-07-29 · NHTSA 11426963

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

SUSPENSION 2021-07-26 · NHTSA 11426446

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 took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

SUSPENSION 2021-07-15 · NHTSA 11424941

The contact owns a 2011 Buick LaCrosse. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2021-07-12 · NHTSA 11424471

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.

SUSPENSION 2021-07-07 · NHTSA 11423788

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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

SUSPENSION 2021-05-27 · NHTSA 11418768

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

SUSPENSION 2021-05-25 · NHTSA 11418464

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

SUSPENSION 2021-05-18 · NHTSA 11417626

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 LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

SUSPENSION 2021-05-17 · NHTSA 11417401

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 NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. Moses Cadillac Buick Gmc Truck, Inc (1406 Washington St E, Charleston, WV 25301) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

SUSPENSION 2021-05-03 · NHTSA 11414905

TL* 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 GRANITE RUN BUICK GMC, INC. (1056 E BALTIMORE PIKE, MEDIA, PA 19063, (610) 566-1991) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

SUSPENSION 2021-04-29 · NHTSA 11414471

RECALL NOTICE MAILED TO ME DATED JANUARY 2021. GM RECALL #: N202308930. REAR SUSPENSION OF TOE LINKS AND ADJUSTER FASTENERS REQUIRE REPLACING IN ORDER TO CONTROL THE CAR. THE GM RECALL CENTER CORRESPONDENCE WAS DATED DECEMBER 10, 2020. I HAVE CONTACTED THE STATUS OF THIS RECALL ON 3/17/21, 4/2/21, AND 4/29/21 WITH THE SAME FINDING: INCOMPLETE REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE. I HOPE THAT YOU CAN HELP MY BUICK DEALER TO RECEIVE NECESSARY PARTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

SUSPENSION 2021-04-26 · NHTSA 11413983

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V764000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT REICHARD BUICK GMC (161 SALEM AVE, DAYTON, OH 45406, (937) 356-3738) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE 2021-04-21 · NHTSA 11413160

STABILITRACK SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON

SUSPENSION 2021-03-22 · NHTSA 11404198

TL* 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 LOCAL DEALER TWIN BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 960 MORSE RD, COLUMBUS, OH 43229 WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

POWER TRAIN 2021-02-15 · NHTSA 11396334

THE CEM ON THESE CARS GO OUT VERY FAST WITHOUT NO NOTICE

AIR BAGS Crash 2021-02-05 · NHTSA 11394828

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONTACT CRASHING INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. UPON IMPACT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD WHERE IT WAS CLASSIFIED AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000.

STRUCTURE 2021-01-28 · NHTSA 11390477

TRUNK RANDOMLY OPENS. IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND MY KEY FOB IS NOT IN MY POCKET. I KEEP IT ON A CLIP ON MY PURSE WHEN NOT IN USE. ONCE I NOTICED THE ALERT IN MY CAR POPPED UP ON MY DISPLAY WHILE DRIVING @ 55 MPH AND I DID STOP AND CLOSED THE TRUNK. MOST OF THE TIME CAR HAS BEEN STATIONARY. ONCE IT MUST HAVE BEEN OPENED DURING THE NIGHT AND IT RAINED. WHOLE TRUNK WAS VERY WET. SEVERAL TIME WHILE AT WORK AND MY CAR WAS PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT--HAD SOMEONE TELL MY MY TRUNK WAS OPEN.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 2020-12-04 · NHTSA 11377872

II CANNOT CONTROL THE DEFROSTER OR FAN CONTROL. THE VIN. NO. SAYS THIS WAS ON RECALL . BUT THE BUICK DEALER IN MY AREA SAID IT NO A RECALL ON 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. THEY WANT A HUNDRED DOLLARS TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM . SOMETIMES THIS WORK AND OTHER WITH NO LUCK. ISOME TIMES HAVE TO WAIT UP TO 20 TO 30 MINUTE BEFORE I CAN THE DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD SO I DRIVE !!!!!!!!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY 2020-10-26 · NHTSA 11366419

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF SHADE BUTTON WAS DEFECTIVE AND FAILED ROLL BACK AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JIM HUDSON BUICK GMC (4035 KAISER HILL RD, COLUMBIA, SC 29203) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED THROTTLE- POSITION SENSOR FAILED AS WELL.*JB

Specifications, safety and listings for this car

Questions

What do owners report most on the 2011 Buick LaCrosse?
Problems with suspension: 18 reports of 40 on record at NHTSA.
How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
Out of 40 reports: a crash is mentioned in 4 and a fire in 0. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.