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 involving rear suspension toe links that can fracture and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
The toe link issue affects vehicles sold or registered in certain northern and mid-Atlantic states where road salt and winter conditions accelerate corrosion, and a fractured link can make the rear end unpredictable, raising the risk of a crash. The remaining two recalls both relate to the windshield defrost and defogging system. A software issue in the climate control module can disable the ability to adjust heating, ventilation, and air conditioning settings, which in cold or humid conditions can leave the windshield fogged or iced over and reduce the driver's forward visibility.
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.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners at no cost.
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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 →
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.
