2011 Buick Lucerne
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 330 |
| 2007 | 164 |
| 2008 | 218 |
| 2009 | 128 |
| 2010 | 54 |
| 2011 | 49 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
47% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE KEY FOB DID NOT WORK. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY FOB, SHE BECAME LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190212
Several malfunction indicator lights in dash appeared suddenly. Car would not start after shutting off. Finally started and drove to repair shop. Diagnosed as faulty ride height sensor.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240323
ON MARCH 28TH, 2018 MY VEHICLE A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE WITH 162,554 MILES ON IT, WOULD NOT RESTART AFTER MAKING A TWENTY-MILE TRIP TO TAKE MY GRANDCHILDREN TO SCHOOL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180329
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNINTENTIONALLY WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A WALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150113
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT 3 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 90 MPH. HE MADE A ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY DEGREE TURN AND CRASHED INTO A WALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120521
8% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Several malfunction indicator lights in dash appeared suddenly. Car would not start after shutting off. Finally started and drove to repair shop. Diagnosed as faulty ride height sensor.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240323
8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ON MARCH 28TH, 2018 MY VEHICLE A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE WITH 162,554 MILES ON IT, WOULD NOT RESTART AFTER MAKING A TWENTY-MILE TRIP TO TAKE MY GRANDCHILDREN TO SCHOOL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180329
6% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DTS AND BUICK LUCERNE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE. I
Remedy: DEALERS WILL SECURE AND IF NECESSARY REROUTE THE LINES TO PREVENT CONTACT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC A
Campaign 10V553000 — check if this car was fixed
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014.
Campaign 14V355000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Buick Lucerne — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V553000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Buick Lucerne reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Buick Lucerne is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Buick Lucerne?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Buick Lucerne have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.