10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,715 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Buick LaCrosse engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Buick LaCrosse Owner Comments

problem #9

Jul 122021

LaCrosse

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I noticed today as I was stopped at a red light with my foot on brake the vehicle was kinda jumping like it was trying to go while foot was on brake. I drove a little further and the service stabilitrak light came on followed by the reduced engine power. The car proceeded to die in the middle of a busy street. After a few minutes it did restart and I was able to get it home. This seems to be a common problem with 2011 buick lacrosse. Ihave seen several complaints about this same issue.

- Mooreville, MS, USA

problem #8

Feb 192019

LaCrosse

  • 91,431 miles
Driving 60 mph on the highway. Suddenly the information panel flashed stabilitrak service required (or similar) then low power mode. Car went from 60 to 30 mph on the highway. Unable to speed up. Needed to pull over to the side of the road. Turned car off. Tried to restart and it wouldn't restart for several tries. Restarted and still said low power and was idling low. Tried again and was normal. This has happened several more times and always is similar. Sometimes it doesn't happen at all in a 30 mile trip, sometimes it happens 3 times. Very dangerous! could be rear ended! I have read many other accounts of this happening in the 2011 Buick Lacrosse. After this the check engine light stayed on. When I had the auto parts store run diagnostics it flagged multiple misfires, throttle position sensor 3 times, power control module indicator, traction control. It seems this is a flaw in this car. I attempted to get a picture of the satbilitrak sensor indicator light, but it flashes on and off pretty quickly and you never know when it will happen.

- Clara City, MN, USA

problem #7

Jan 272019

LaCrosse

  • 74,930 miles
My car stated that my trakstabilty system needed to be serviced then reduced engine power lite up. Car would not shift and would not increase in speed over twenty miles per hour. I had to pull over and turn my car off leave it parked until I could get it to the dealership. The throttle body was defective. This has happened on other 2011 Lacrosses and their is a special service bulletin with free repair but for some reason not in mine. I had to pay 500 dollar to replace this. My car only has 74000 miles on it and I could have been injured if I wasn't in a place where I could turn my vehicle off safely.

- Port Huron, MI, USA

problem #6

Jun 192018

LaCrosse

  • 105,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle started to voluntarily come to a stop, and cut itself off without notice. Then, subsequently, the battery light/icon started to appear onto the dash screen, followed by a deceleration while driving with an information notice stating that the battery power had been reduced. With this notification your ability to accelerate becomes hindered, and having consulted with on-star, a diagnostic test resulted with a code of P-0335, and the problem listed as an ignition system engine misfire. Such diagnosis comes with a warning of speed precautions, and highway driving is not recommended.

- Mayfield Village, Ohio, OH, USA

problem #5

Dec 302016

LaCrosse 6-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. While driving 45 mph, the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle skidded and the contact lost control of the vehicle the stabilitrac and ABS warning indicators remained illuminated. The contact stated that the reduced power warning indicator also illuminated. It was diagnosed that there was a defective sensor in the rear driver side wheel hub that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 05/04/17 the consumer stated the vehicle has been repaired. The consumer feels the vehicle should be included in a recall. Updated 07/25/2017

- Abilene, KS, USA

problem #4

Mar 142014

LaCrosse 6-cyl

  • 12,890 miles
While turning left at a major intersection, car lurched forward and gained speed/momentum while at same time steering wheel became stiff and very difficult to turn & driver could not control the car. Car did not complete the left turn but rather continued driving as if all on its own and crashed into a high curb on right side of car. Air bags did not deploy; front car parts simply crumbled and fell off; suspension was ruined; car tire was punctured along with the tire rim being cracked clear through in a couple of areas. Driver was injured with head injury, cracked rib, and broken rt. Forearm. Car was totaled out by the insurance company.

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #3

Oct 252010

LaCrosse 6-cyl

  • 4,181 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I noticed this problem not long after getting car when stopped in drive going from brake to gas car seems to act like its on oil slick then catches on with a sudden jerk. It will also when going from gas to brake even on incline will lunge forward it also will just suddenly speed up with out any acceleration its like the car is in cruise control. I have had car in several times and always they cant tell me anything I'm not the only person who notices this anyone who is in car asks what was that or what just happened.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #2

May 152013

LaCrosse 6-cyl

  • 24,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while decelerating, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and agreed to send a engineer to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 24,000.

- Richboro, PA, USA

problem #1

Feb 082012

LaCrosse 6-cyl

  • 3,000 miles
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. Second incident in a parking lot, on or about May 16, 2012, able to stop vehicle with no crash. Third incident occurred at neighbors house June 26, 2012, causing crash. Damage to vehicle and garage door. All incidents occurred when lifting from accelerator prior to stepping on the brake to shift into reverse (vehicle still in drive, no braking). After 3rd incident vehicle was drivable but was towed to the selling/servicing Buick dealer. Vehicle is still being investigated by dealer. Condition does not occur every time in the same tight left hand turn. Type of turn is 90 degrees in driveways to side loading garages and into parking spaces.

- Southport, NC, USA

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