This page covers 4 recalls, 168 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse.
20–23 mpg combined
10.2–11.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Across 168 complaints filed for the 2011 Buick LaCrosse, suspension and electrical issues draw the most attention. Suspension complaints center on steering wheel vibration and shaking, which owners describe occurring both at highway speeds and during braking, sometimes severe enough that multiple shop visits failed to resolve it. The electrical system generates a similar volume of reports, with owners describing unexpected engine shutoffs while driving, reduced power warnings, and instrument panel connector issues that can trigger a loss of acceleration. The engine category rounds out the top three, with complaints often overlapping the electrical theme around power reduction events. The defroster and HVAC system also come up repeatedly, with owners reporting that windows fail to clear properly, creating visibility problems in cold weather.
168
Total Complaints
15
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Buick LaCrosse has 4 recalls, the most serious being a rear suspension toe link that can fracture and cause a sudden loss of vehicle control.
The toe link connects the rear wheel to the suspension and keeps it properly aligned. If it breaks, the rear end of the car can shift unexpectedly, making the vehicle difficult to steer or keep in a straight line. This recall applies to vehicles that were sold or registered in northern and mid-Atlantic states where road salt and winter conditions are common, as corrosion is the underlying concern. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why two separate campaigns address it.
The remaining two recalls both affect the climate control system and windshield defogging. A software problem in the electronic climate control module can lock out the driver's ability to adjust heating, cooling, or ventilation entirely. A related issue can prevent the windshield defrost system from clearing the glass when needed, reducing forward visibility in cold or humid conditions. Both problems trace back to the same climate control software and effectively leave the driver unable to manage cabin temperature or keep the windshield clear.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear toe links may lack proper corrosion protection coating, causing it to become brittle and chip away when hit by road debris. Exposed metal corrodes over time, thinning the toe link until it fractures.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear toe links received excessive coating that becomes brittle and breaks away from road debris. As the coating chips off, the metal corrodes. Over time, corrosion can cause the toe link to thin and fracture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and fasteners at no cost. Parts are not yet available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software glitch in the climate control module can prevent you from adjusting heating, cooling, and ventilation. This disables windshield defrosting and defogging, which may reduce visibility and increase crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software in your climate control module to restore full heating, cooling, and ventilation control.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic climate control module software may malfunction and prevent you from adjusting the heating, cooling, and ventilation system.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the climate control module at no cost to restore full HVAC control.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
