2011 Buick Lacrosse recalls and problems

The 2011 Buick Lacrosse has 3 safety recalls and 169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buick dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
169
Crashes / fires
15 / 1
Injuries / deaths
12 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Buick Lacrosse vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Buick Lacrosse recalls

Recall 20V-764: Suspension

Reported Dec 21, 2020 · 220,006 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: 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, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. 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.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.

Recall 14V-447: Seats

Reported Jul 23, 2014 · 414,333 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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 passenger seats. 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.

Risk: 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.

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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

Recall 11V-149: Visibility

Reported Mar 4, 2011 · 10,179 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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 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.

Risk: If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver's visibility, and could result in a crash.

Fix: 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.gmownercenter.com.

2011 Buick Lacrosse problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System32
Engine30
Suspension27
Power Train19
Service Brakes17
Visibility/Wiper14
Steering12
Unknown or Other12
Air Bags11
Visibility9
Seats9
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)9

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 7
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 5
  • Equipment › Electrical — 2
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Suspension › Front — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
  • Suspension › Rear — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 51,542 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Buick Lacrosse complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 231,952 miles · reported Jul 14, 2026
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.
Engine · reported Apr 14, 2026
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…
Visibility · at 180,000 miles · reported Oct 27, 2025
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…
Service Brakes · reported Sep 7, 2025
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 · at 155,000 miles · reported May 28, 2024
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.

Other Buick Lacrosse years

Compare all Buick Lacrosse years · All Buick models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Buick Lacrosse have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse: 20V-764 (suspension), 14V-447 (seats), 11V-149 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Buick Lacrosse?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (32 reports), followed by engine (30). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 51,542 miles.

Are Buick recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buick dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.