Is the 2011 Buick Lacrosse reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Buick Lacrosse is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Buick Lacrosse?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Buick Lacrosse have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Buick Lacrosse

● Typical for this model

2011 Buick Lacrosse
RENDERED 2026-11-01T18:22:09.382Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 169
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2011: 169 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2005	315
2006	299
2007	250
2008	251
2009	106
2010	189
2011	169
2012	206
2013	130
2014	63
2015	44
2016	48
2017	36
2018	12
2019	7

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

19% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14

#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).

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-30

Engine

18% · 30 reports

CRASHFIRE

Suspension

16% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

11% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Sudden and unexpected acceleration during a low speed (<5 MPH) tight left hand turn. First incident resulted in crash against house wall, damage to vehicle. Vehicle repaired below insurance deductible, no damage to structure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-28

Also filed under Service brakes and vehicle speed control

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-08-09

Service brakes

11% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2011-03-11Visibility11V149000 General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick Lacrosse and Cadillac srx vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 103, "Windshield…

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ecc module free of charge. The safety recall began on March 11, 2011. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or at the owner center at www.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-12-26Seats14V447000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-08-19Suspension20V764000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine,...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-01-27Suspension21V00F000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine,...

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Buick Lacrosse — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 30 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 27 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V149000 · Visibility
Recall 14V447000 · Seats
Recall 20V764000 · Suspension
Recall 21V00F000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Buick Lacrosse reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Buick Lacrosse is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Buick Lacrosse?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Buick Lacrosse have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.